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Cytoskeleton-functionalized synthetic cells with life-like mechanical features
The cytoskeleton is vital for living organisms. Now an artificial cytoskeleton within amylose-based coacervates stabilized by a terpolymer membrane has been developed using polydiacetylene fibrils to mimic natural cytoskeletal functions. The integration of this artificial cytoskeleton marks an important step in creating artificial cell platforms with enhanced life-like behaviour.
Examples include the observation of membrane deformations of lipid vesicles using a reconstituted actomyosin ring 19, irreversible directional cargo transport along DNA filaments 20, the mimicry of actomyosin-based contraction with a composite material based on a temperature-responsive polymer (poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)) and F-actin 21 and the restructuring of coacervate droplets via the gelation of actin 22. During the polymerization of the diacetylene units, a covalent connection of alternating double and triple bonds was formed between the monomers, resulting in the delocalization of electrons, which led to an increase in absorption in the visible spectrum. The relative mobility of individual lipid molecules and their association with the cytoskeleton is key for fulfilling their biological tasks, including the regulation of cell shape, tissue integrity and signal transduction pathways.
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