Non-invasive Photoresist Structuring Inside Synthetic Cell Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current synthetic biology techniques fail to achieve highly controlled spatio-temporal organization within synthetic cells, limiting the complexity of structures that can be formed due to issues with introducing space-filling structures into existing compartments without disrupting the compartment volume or membrane.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a compartment filled with a liquid photoresist, where a focused light initiates a chemical reaction at a specific point inside the compartment, allowing for the controlled generation of defined structures without damaging the compartment, using photoresists that can be polymerized by two-photon absorption for high spatial resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If sequential addition of components by injection through lipid membrane is used, then complexity of internal organization is increased, but compartment membrane integrity is disrupted and compartment volume changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of internal organizationVSAvoidcompartment membrane integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical injection methods with light-triggered chemical reactions. A photoresist is introduced into the compartment, and structured light patterns initiate polymerization reactions to form desired structures non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical membrane puncture or fusion events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical state of materials through light-triggered polymerization. The photoresist transitions from a liquid monomer state to a solid polymer network state in a spatially and temporally controlled manner, enabling structure formation without mechanical disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If lipid vesicle forms around preformed element, then internal structure is achieved, but confinement effect for assembly process is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal structureVSAvoidconfinement effect for assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional inside-out assembly approach. Instead of forming the vesicle around a preformed element, the method introduces a photoresist into the preformed vesicle and uses light-triggered polymerization to create structures from the inside, maintaining confinement throughout the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If self-assembly is used for internal organization, then compartment integrity is maintained, but complexity of achievable end result is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment integrityVSAvoidcomplexity of achievable end result

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a photoresist as an intermediary material that bridges self-assembly and structured organization. The photoresist can be independently patterned through light-triggered polymerization before final self-assembly with other components, enabling complex structures while maintaining compartment integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the non-invasive production of complex structures within synthetic cells, such as 2D and 3D grids or porous structures, without compromising the integrity of the compartment, allowing for precise spatial control and high spatial resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a light having a focal point inside the compartment and initiates a chemical reaction of the photoresist at the focal point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

The compartment wall should allow for light propagation of the wavelength of interest, i.e. the wavelength for initiating photopolymerization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20240402608A1Method for non-invasive production of defined structures inside compartments and compartment

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for non-invasive production of defined structures inside compartments, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a compartment having an inside filled with a liquid, comprising a photoresist, and applying light to the inside of the compartment including the photoresist, wherein the light has a focal point inside the compartment and initiates a chemical reaction of the photoresist at the focal point, creating a defined structure. Further, the present invention relates to a compartment, having an inside, surrounded by a compartment wall, wherein the compartment comprises a defined structure obtainable by a method according to any one of the preceding claims.