Researchers create synthetic cells that feed, grow and divide

A University of Minnesota laboratory has announced the creation of synthetic cells that can feed, grow, reproduce and compete for resources, a step that researchers say brings them closer to replicating many hallmarks of life. The engineered entities, dubbed “SpudCell” for their potato-like appearance, were assembled from roughly a hundred different proteins, simple molecules and 36 genes borrowed from a virus and the bacterium Escherichia coli. When mixed in a nutrient broth, the components spontaneously formed membrane-bound bubbles that performed basic cellular reactions, took up small molecules through surface channels, and, with the aid of larger protein-laden vesicles, acquired additional nutrients.

"Life is not binary," said Kate Adamala, the synthetic biologist who led the work, adding that she hesitates to label the constructs as alive because the boundary is unclear.

The cells grew and, after a few hours, divided when a specially added protein induced membrane bending. In competition experiments, a mutant version that bound nutrients more tightly outcompeted the original strain over several generations, demonstrating a rudimentary capacity for evolution.

External experts praised the achievement. John Glass of the J. Craig Venter Institute called it “dazzling,” while Drew Endy of Stanford University noted that the cells are “built, not born.” Roseanna Zia, a computational biologist, said the moment will be remembered.

The research team has posted a detailed 190-page report online and is seeking peer-reviewed publication. They have also founded a nonprofit, Biotic, to develop open-source tools and protocols that would allow other laboratories to create and improve SpudCells. Funding for the effort is projected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade.

Current limitations include the inability of SpudCells to synthesize their own ribosomes; they must be supplied with pre-made ribosomes, which limits their functional lifespan to about five to ten generations. Researchers hope future versions will overcome this and other constraints, potentially enabling applications such as novel drug production or carbon-capture technologies. Ethical safeguards are being discussed within the emerging community to prevent misuse.