In the realm of synthetic biology, a remarkable achievement has been made this summer at the University of Minnesota. Associate professor Kate Adamala and her team have created synthetic cells, dubbed SpudCells that can feed, grow, and divide. This breakthrough brings us closer to the dream of creating fully functional, lab-made cells that could revolutionize medicine, materials, and fuel production.
The concept of synthetic cells is not new, but previous attempts lacked the ability to perform these key functions of life. SpudCells, however, have demonstrated the ability to grow and replicate based on their own instructions, a significant leap forward in the field.
SpudCells: A Proof of Concept
Adamala named these synthetic cells SpudCells as a nod to Sputnik, the first artificial satellite. Just as Sputnik opened up the Space Age, SpudCells serve as a proof of concept that chemicals can be combined to create a cell capable of growth, division, and selection. While SpudCells may not be perfect, they pave the way for future advancements in synthetic biology.
The process of eating in SpudCells is similar to that of bacteria and other simple cells. They take in edible substances by engulfing them, much like two soap bubbles joining together. However, the division process is quite different from natural cells. SpudCells divide when there are enough proteins on their membrane, a process directed by their genetic encoding.
The Quest to Define Life
One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the question of what makes something alive. Adamala acknowledges that there is no universally accepted scientific definition of life. The NASA definition, for instance, states that life is a self-replicating chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution. However, this definition has its limitations, as it would classify most multicellular organisms as not alive.
Adamala’s approach to this challenge is to build a cell from scratch rather than trying to understand the complexities of natural cells. She believes that by creating synthetic cells, we can better understand the principles of life and harness their potential for various applications.
The Future of Synthetic Cells
The ultimate goal of Adamala and other synthetic biologists is to use synthetic cells to produce medicine, materials, and fuel in a sustainable and self-reliant manner. By programming cells to generate these materials in a lab, we could reduce our dependence on petrochemicals and move towards a more renewable future.
For example, Adamala envisions a future where prairie grass can be fermented into plastic toys using synthetic cells. The atoms are already there; we just need a living organism willing and able to do the job. Synthetic cells could be that organism, offering a precise and efficient way to move atoms without creating toxic waste.
While SpudCells are not yet fully alive, they represent a significant milestone in the quest to create lab-made cells. As research continues, we may one day see synthetic cells that can perform complex tasks and contribute to a more sustainable future.
