Detector cells

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Under construction. Expected release: ≥ v0.2.x

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 ( ).

IPTG detector

This cell detects IPTG in the environment and produces a fluorescent signal in response.

Uses these modules:

Schematic of the IPTG detector cell. Expression is activated in the presence of IPTG.

Tetracycline detector

This cell detects aTc in the environment and produces a fluorescent signal in response.

Uses these modules:

Schematic of the Tetracycline detector cell. Expression is activated in the presence of aTc.

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)

Schematic of the detector cell. The detector cell integrates the Lac-Tet inducible AND gate expression module into liposomes with alpha-hemolysin membrane proteins. The AND gate expression module is activated in the presence of aTc and IPTG.

Usage

Protocols and parameters for building and using the detector cells are coming soon.

Performance Data

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.