Recent Advances in Microfluidic Technologies for the Construction of Artificial Cells

Artificial cells are synthetic constructs that emulate natural cells, with potential applications in areas of energy science, environmental treatment, and the study of life's origins. Nevertheless, the construction of artificial cells is a formidable undertaking, given the intricate nature of natural cells in structures, functions, and working mechanisms. With precise control, high automation, and excellent uniformity, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the construction of artificial cells. This review summarizes the latest microfluidic techniques utilized to construct artificial cells, ranging from simple droplets to sophisticated cell-inspired systems. These include the generation of droplets, the production of vesicles (lipid-based and polymer-based vesicles), the fabrication of polymeric microparticles with various compartments, shapes, and microstructures, as well as the manufacture of sophisticated cell-inspired systems. The characteristics of different methods for the construction of artificial cells are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the wide-ranging applications of artificial cells are also showcased. Finally, contemporary obstacles and forthcoming advancements are discussed in the field of microfluidic-based artificial cells. This review is supposed to stimulate research in the construction of more functional and natural-like artificial cells, as well as works in the fields of material, biology, environment, medicine, and energy.

Automated summary

Artificial cells are synthetic constructs that mimic natural cells and have potential applications in energy science, environmental treatment, and the study of life's origins. Microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the construction of artificial cells due to its precise control, high automation, and excellent uniformity. This review summarizes the latest microfluidic techniques used to construct artificial cells, ranging from simple droplets to sophisticated cell-inspired systems. It discusses the characteristics of different methods and showcases the wide-ranging applications of artificial cells. The review also highlights contemporary obstacles and forthcoming advancements in the field of microfluidic-based artificial cells.