Authors: Paula De Dios Andres, Stefan Pendlmayr, Noga Gal, Cathrine Abild Meyer, Cecilie Ryberg, Olav Vestrheim, Noel Angelo Kalacas, Fatih Demir, Markus M. Rinschen, Karsten Haupt, Rajeshwar Prosad Mookerjee, Brigitte Städler
Published: 2025-03-11
Source: Full article
AbstractThe integration of artificial and mammalian cells into semi‐synthetic aggregates remains a challenge in bottom‐up synthetic biology. Here, the fabrication of cell membrane vesicles (CMV) from HepG2 cells and their use as a coating for alginate microgels to produce camouflaged artificial cells (ACs) is demonstrated. These ACs are used for the assembly of either synthetic aggregates or semi‐synthetic aggregates. In the first case, a predator‐defendant and a liver‐like synthetic aggregates are investigated, showing promising initial steps toward complex synthetic aggregates. In the other case, the camouflaged ACs show enhanced integration with HepG2 cells. The encapsulation of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger artificial enzyme in the ACs shows protection against tert‐butyl hydroperoxide in terms of HepG2 cell viability, proliferation, and mitochondrial health in semi‐synthetic aggregates. Taken together, this effort is a substantial step forward in combining mammalian cells and ACs in the same aggregate where the latter act as support units.