Science

Artificial cells: cells with life-like properties

Polymersomes are synthetic cell-mimics which are formed from amphiphilic block copolymers,
characterized by robust and tunable membrane properties. Owing to the structural resemblance between bilayer membrane formed from block copolymer and the biological membranes, polymersomes are increasingly regarded as life-like systems. 

The artificial cell group focuses on designing such dynamic and adaptive cell mimics at the interface of biology and chemistry, with particular emphasis on elucidating how membrane composition dictates function. By precisely tuning membrane properties, we aim to fully program cross-membrane transport and regulate key processes such as biochemical reactions, compartmentalization, division, and growth, thereby advancing the development of artificial cells with functions as complex as that of a living cell.