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Title: Synthetic cells in biomedical applications
Abstract Synthetic cells are engineered vesicles that can mimic one or more salient features of life. These features include directed localization, sense‐and‐respond behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and high stability. In nanomedicine, many of these features are desirable capabilities of drug delivery vehicles but are difficult to engineer. In this focus article, we discuss where synthetic cells offer unique advantages over nanoparticle and living cell therapies. We review progress in the engineering of the above life‐like behaviors and how they are deployed in nanomedicine. Finally, we assess key challenges synthetic cells face before being deployed as drugs and suggest ways to overcome these challenges. This article is categorized under:Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging TechnologiesBiology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1840301
PAR ID:
10482602
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Date Published:
Journal Name:
WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
Volume:
14
Issue:
2
ISSN:
1939-5116
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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