PolyMAE · Polymeric Membranes for Artificial Endosymbionts
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-05-04 → 2023-05-03
- EU contribution
- €179,313
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Polymeric Membranes for Artificial Endosymbionts
The MSCA “Polymeric Membranes for Artificial Endosymbionts (PolyMAE)” investigates a cutting-edge technique for encapsulating prokaryotes in biocompatible shells, aimed at the production of bio-orthogonal artificial endosymbionts. Endosymbionts are organisms that thrive within a host organism, usually in a symbiotic relationship. Notably, mitochondria and plastids such as chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells are considered to be endosymbionts of bacterial origin. Through mimicking nature's wisdom, synthetic biology is at the forefront in modifying the molecular biology of the host to incorporate other organisms, with the ultimate goal of developing entire genetic circuits and metabolic pathways. Central to the PolyMAE project is the concept of artificial endosymbiosis. Encasing the 'guest' organisms in biocompatible polymers bolsters the prospects of achieving artificial endosymbiosis. The use of polymeric membranes ensures that the encapsulated organisms are protected and can effectively integrate with the host's biology. Such advancements have far-reaching implications, particularly in the fields of medicine and biotechnology. For instance, the ability to produce artificial endosymbionts can revolutionize drug delivery systems, wherein encapsulated microorganisms can be engineered to deliver therapeutic agents directly to targeted cells. Furthermore, in agriculture and environmental sciences, these artificial endosymbionts could be used to promote plant growth or mitigate environmental pollutants, through the establishment of beneficial relationships between the artificial endosymbionts and plant cells. This research also fosters an interdisciplinary approach. It contributes to a broader understanding of the delicate interactions between different biological entities and how they can be harnessed for societal good. In summary, the PolyMAE project, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, marks a substantial stride in the realm of synthetic biology. By exploring novel techniques for encapsulating prokaryotes within biocompatible polymeric membranes, it opens avenues for the production of artificial endosymbionts with potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental sciences. This project is not just about scientific innovation but also represents an epitome of how principles of design and creative thinking can result in solutions that address global challenges and contribute positively to society.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Synthetic biology has constantly been expanding its reach, aiming to develop whole genetic circuits and metabolic pathways, which require laborious genetic engineering. Often, such pathways derive from other organisms and must be tweaked to fit the host’s molecular biology, adding to the complexity of the task. However, nature has already witnessed the integration of whole prokaryotic organisms into eukaryotic hosts, where they are integrated as endosymbionts creating new combinations that live with mutual benefit. In evolutionary history, this phenomenon was at the origin of organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which added their own metabolism to their hosts. To achieve a more generalized framework, where any prokaryote can enter endosymbiosis with any eukaryote, we need to induce the uptake and retention of the guest by the eukaryotic host. A way forward will be by masking the guests with biocompatible polymers, either pre-formed, or synthesized by the bacterium itself. The project proposed herein offers a novel technique for the the encapsulation of prokaryotes into biocompatible shells, creating a new strategy for the straightforward production of bio-orthogonal, artificial endosymbionts. After the formation of the polymer shell around bacteria, they will be endocytoted by eukaryotes, thus expanding the biochemical potentialities of cells, revolutionizing the possibilities of synthetic biology, acting as true artificial organelles. This breakthrough will allow the functional insertion whole genomes into the host cells and the combination of micro-organisms, which will have implications in medicinal, industrial and environmental biotechnology. It will lead to the creation of complex, semi-synthetic hybrid organisms able to perform a vast variety of non-natural biotransformations. In line with the 2020 Work Programme, it will open up several diverse possibilities that will benefit European and global industries.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DARMSTADT · DarmstadtCoordinatorGermany
- UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE · GlasgowUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union