Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry University of Basel BPR1096, Mattenstrasse 22 Basel 4002 Switzerland
2. NCCR‐Molecular Systems Engineering BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 22 Basel 4002 Switzerland
Abstract
AbstractGaining insight into the complex functions of tissues, which involve communicating cell types, by utilizing materials that mimic the properties of real tissue, is an important step in developing advanced biomedical applications. However, building 3D networks of interconnected protocells capable of chemical information processing and collective output remains a challenge. Herein, the construction of a prototissue based on the DNA‐mediated assembly of polymeric giant unilamellar vesicles (pGUVs) are presented with differential sensitivity, forming a multicompartment communicating system. One set of pGUVs hosts microgels as artificial Mg2+ storage organelles, which can be triggered to release their Mg2+ by pH changes in the environment. The downstream linked set of protocells contains a Mg2+ sensitive dye that responds to the Mg2+ signal. The density of complementary DNA strands on the surface of the respective pGUVs determines not only the size of the pGUV ensemble but also modulates sensitivity toward magnesium. Moreover, Mg2+ signaling to downstream protocells loaded with monomeric actin induces the in situ formation of an artificial cytoskeleton. Overall, through the clustering of protocells hosting distinct artificial organelles with controlled architecture, such unique prototissues that mimic intratissue communication generate new prospects in using advanced functional materials for multi‐step catalysis and biomedicine.
Funder
Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
Universität Basel