Compartmentalized reactions as a case of soft-matter biotechnology: synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids inside lipid vesicles

In this mini-review we would like to summarize the recent advances in the field of protein and nucleic acid synthesis inside lipid vesicles (liposomes). This research, which originated within the origin of life community, is now recognized as an example of synthetic biology. Current approaches are based on the convergence of liposome technology and cell-free in vitro technology. In particular, in addition to the classical liposome preparation methods, the new water-in-oil droplet transfer method appears very interesting for progressing in the assembly of these cell-like systems, possibly in combination with microfluidic devices. As an alternative to cell extract, the use of a transcription/translation kit composed of purified components is also presented as a new tool for carrying out protein synthesis inside liposomes. Data presented in the literature are collected and shortly discussed, and the potential relevance of this new soft-matter biotechnology in various research fields is also commented on.