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Researchers create Cyborg Cells—natural-artificial cell hybrids

cell
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Natural and artificial cells are useful for research, with each having different pros and cons. In research published in Advanced Science, investigators recently created a hybrid called Cyborg Cells that have the engineering simplicity of synthetic materials and the complex functionalities of natural cells.

To create Cyborg Cells, scientists assembled a synthetic polymer network inside , rendering them incapable of dividing. Cyborg Cells preserved essential cell functions but also acquired new abilities to resist stressors that otherwise kill natural cells.

Experiments revealed that Cyborg Cells could be modified to invade , thereby demonstrating their therapeutic potential.

"The Cyborg Cells demonstrate the power of synthetic biology in combining natural cells and synthetic materials," said co-author Jack Hu, Ph.D., of Academia Sinica. "We are excited about the potential applications of the Cyborg Cells to solve environmental challenges, diagnose or treat diseases, and modulate disrupted microbiota," added co-author Cheemeng Tan, Ph.D., of the University of California, Davis.

More information: Engineering Cyborg Bacteria Through Intracellular Hydrogelation, Advanced Science (2023). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204175

Journal information: Advanced Science

Provided by Wiley

Citation: Researchers create Cyborg Cells—natural-artificial cell hybrids (2023, January 11) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2023-01-cyborg-cellsnatural-artificial-cell-hybrids.html
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