Synthetic tissue from 3D-printed protocells and coacervates

Scientists are 3D-printing artificial cells into living-tissue-like materials, without using any oil. Individual protocells—tiny compartments that mimic some life-like properties—cannot replicate the complex behaviours of multicellular clusters, such as tissues. This project addresses that gap by using 3D-printing to assemble protocells (coacervates and liposomes) into oil-free, tissue-like structures. It will also study how these protocells interact with synthetic membranes, including how coacervates can act as junctions between liposomes to exchange information and modulate membranes. This is fundamental science. If successful, it will provide a deeper understanding of how multicellular clusters organise and communicate. That knowledge could eventually lead to patterned smart materials for building soft devices—for example, drug-delivery systems that release medicine only where needed, or tissue mimics that help repair damaged organs. Such applications are not immediate; the project first aims to establish the basic principles of synthetic tissue assembly. Similar fundamental work on protocells and coacervates has already opened new routes in synthetic biology and materials science, suggesting that a clearer grasp of multicellular-like behaviour could unlock unexpected practical uses down the line.