De novo vesicle formation and growth: an integrative approach to artificial cells. Issue 12 (26th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhattacharya, Ahanjit; Brea, Roberto J.; Devaraj, Neal K.
• Is Part Of: Chemical science. Volume 8:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: 7912
• Page End: 7922
• Publication Date: 2017-10-26
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c7sc02339a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6520

Abstract

Abstract : The assembly of synthetic membranes provides a powerful tool to reconstruct the structure and function of living cells. Abstract : The assembly of artificial cells provides a novel strategy to reconstruct life's functions and shed light on how life emerged on Earth and possibly elsewhere. A major challenge to the development of artificial cells is the establishment of simple methodologies to mimic native membrane generation. An ambitious strategy is the bottom-up approach, which aims to systematically control the assembly of highly ordered membrane architectures with defined functionality. This perspective will cover recent advances and the current state-of-the-art of minimal lipid architectures that can faithfully reconstruct the structure and function of living cells. Specifically, we will overview work related to the de novo formation and growth of biomimetic membranes. These studies give us a deeper understanding of the nature of living systems and bring new insights into the origin of cellular life.