Artificial Cells and micro-reactors
Artificial cells: nanoreactors can be engineered to function as internal organelles in artificial cells.
© MPIP
Multi-compartmentalization is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic cells. By separating biochemical processes in different membrane-bound compartments (organelles), cells can control where, how, and when certain transformations needed for survival will take place. In our group, we build multi-compartmentalized systems by encapsulating enzyme-carrying nanocarriers (artificial organelles) into synthetic vesicles. Selection of different enzymes and other functional biomolecules allows us to create smart bioreactors and sensors powered by metabolic cascade reactions between independent organelles.
