The Detector Synthetic Cell detects the presence of two chemicals and produces an intracellular fluorescent signal in response. A two-input detector cell demonstrates the ability to detect multiple small molecules, balance expression dynamics, and implement simple genetic logic within a liposome.
Implementing these modules requires synthetic cells capable of small molecule transport across the membrane. To this end, we have integrated the alpha-hemolysin membrane protein (Alpha hemolysin) into our liposomes (
“Hello, world” PURE Liposomes)
IPTG detector
This cell detects IPTG in the environment and produces a fluorescent signal in response.
Uses these modules:
Tetracycline detector
This cell detects aTc in the environment and produces a fluorescent signal in response.
Uses these modules:
IPTG-aTc (AND gate) detector
The IPTG-aTc detector integrates both Lac and Tet repression. This allows for control of expression using both inducer molecules, with maximum expression occurring when both inducers are present—a logical AND gate.
Uses these modules:
- IPTG detector (LacI Inducible Module)
- Tetracycline detector (TetR Inducible Module)
- IPTG-aTc (AND gate) detector (Lac-Tet inducible AND gate expression)
Protocols and parameters for building and using the detector cells are coming soon.
Alpha-hemolysin permeabilization of the liposome membrane
Liposomes containing a green pyranine dye were permeabilized by adding purified alpha-hemolysin to the outer solution. The dye remains contained within the liposomes until alpha-hemolysin inserts; the dye then leaks into the outer solution.
TetR Detector Cell
