Programmable Synthesis of Biobased Materials Using Cell-Free Systems

Motivated by the intricate mechanisms underlying biomolecule syntheses in cells that chemistry is currently unable to mimic, researchers have harnessed biological systems for manufacturing novel materials. Cell-free systems (CFSs) utilizing the bioactivity of transcriptional and translational machineries in vitro are excellent tools that allow supplementation of exogenous materials for production of innovative materials beyond the capability of natural biological systems. Herein, recent studies that have advanced the ability to expand the scope of biobased materials using CFS are summarized and approaches enabling the production of high-value materials, prototyping of genetic parts and modules, and biofunctionalization are discussed. By extending the reach of chemical and enzymatic reactions complementary to cellular materials, CFSs provide new opportunities at the interface of materials science and synthetic biology.

Automated summary

Motivated by the complex mechanisms in cells, researchers have utilized biological systems to manufacture novel materials. Cell-free systems (CFSs) using transcriptional and translational machineries have become excellent tools, allowing the production of innovative materials beyond the capability of natural biological systems. Recent studies on CFS have expanded the scope of biobased materials and discussed approaches for producing high-value materials, prototyping genetic parts and modules, and biofunctionalization. By extending chemical and enzymatic reactions, CFSs provide new opportunities at the interface of materials science and synthetic biology.