Expanding Through Collisions

Expanding Through Collisions: A Dual Perspective on the Future of a Synthetic Cell

Aarts, Tom (TU Delft Applied Sciences)

Baldauf, L. (mentor)
van Buren, L. (mentor)
Koenderink, G.H. (mentor)
Kalmar, E. (mentor)
Wehrmann, C. (mentor)
van der Sanden, M.C.A. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Applied Sciences | Science Communication

2022-03-11

In this work, we studied future expansions of a synthetic cell with a dual perspective. For the Nanobiology part, we studied how the membrane surface area of a synthetic cell can grow, which is required for a synthetic cell to divide. Here, we combined growth strategies based on DNA and tension-mediated vesicle fusion. We found that 1 μM DNA and an osmotic shock optimise fusion efficiency, and we showcased the broad applicability of our fusion protocol. Furthermore, we observed indications of membrane growth, with a potential increase in membrane surface area sufficient for sustained synthetic cell division. For the Science Communication part, we studied the vision of the Synthetic Cell Initiative to build a European innovation ecosystem. The purpose of this innovation ecosystem is to develop synthetic cell applications through co-production. We propose that this innovation ecosystem should be formed through local synthetic cell hubs. By the promotion of bottom-up initiatives and the execution of top-down activities, responsible research and innovation can be internalised in the envisioned innovation ecosystem.

Synthetic cell
Membrane growth
Vesicle fusion
Innovation ecosystem
Responsible Research and Innovation

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:ea436192-19b3-434f-bc22-40aeb1004ce7

Part I: Coupling DNA and Tension-Mediated Vesicle Fusion for in vitro Membrane Growth Part II: Building the Foundation of a Synthetic Cell Innovation Ecosystem

Student theses

master thesis

© 2022 Tom Aarts