This is the release of v0.2.1, which includes stable Nucleus content (i.e., passing our internal testing and generally working).

Release: November 19, 2024

In v0.2.1 we are releasing the IV-HSL Emitter Cell, an Emitter Cell which enzymatically produces an acyl-homoserine lactone (IV-HSL) and releases it into the surrounding environment. The Emitter Cell demonstrates bioproduction of a small molecule within a synthetic cell and communication with E. coli cells in co-culture. The Emitter Cell also sets the stage for our upcoming Responder Cell, which will use modules and methods developed for the Detector and Emitter cells in order to receive signals from other synthetic cells and perform signal amplification for molecule detection.

Emitter Cell (red) inducing GFP expression in co-cultured E. coli.

Emitter Cell (red) inducing GFP expression in co-cultured E. coli.

New to v0.2.1

<aside> <img src="/icons/cd_purple.svg" alt="/icons/cd_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Synthetic Cell

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• Publishes the IV-HSL Emitter Cell, with performance data, usage information, and a protocol for constructing the cell itself (Protocol: IV-HSL Emitter Cell).

<aside> <img src="/icons/grid-wide-six_red.svg" alt="/icons/grid-wide-six_red.svg" width="40px" /> Content

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• Publishes the IV-HSL Emitter Module, the DNA module which expresses BjaI within PURE to produce IV-HSL from its substrate molecules IV-CoA and SAM.
• Updates to the DNA Distribution to include information on the Emitter Cell module components and updated PURE protein component constructs (in particular, variant sequences of ArgRS, LeuRS, IF2, and T7RNAP, which we were unable to synthesize for the initial DNA distribution or expressed poorly). We are currently preparing the new DNA distribution plates, and the open-source DNA will be available soon.

<aside> <img src="/icons/fireworks_green.svg" alt="/icons/fireworks_green.svg" width="40px" /> Cytosol

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• Updates Make Amino Acid Mix:
  • Includes new interactive worksheet that helps calculate resuspension volumes for each amino acid stock as well as volumes of each stock needed in the final amino acid mix.
  • Updates language in protocol page for clarity.
• Includes new interactive worksheet in Make Energy Mix that helps calculate the volumes needed of each stock concentration in the final energy mix.

<aside> <img src="/icons/code_gray.svg" alt="/icons/code_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Development

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• No updates in this release.

<aside> <img src="/icons/globe_purple.svg" alt="/icons/globe_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Community

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