Totipotent Synthetic Materials

Abstract

This report summarizes the research progress made on a 1-yr seedling project focused on demonstrating proof of concept that stimuli-triggered, cell-free protein synthesis using engineered DNA and machinery from bacterial cells in synthetic compartmentalized materials can provide a path toward a diverse class of materials that can adapt their compositions and properties in ways similar to totipotent plant cells. Our unique approach incorporated stimuli-sensitive riboswitches and cell-free machinery in cell-inspired compartments separated by lipid membranes. The project was successful in demonstrating that multiple kinds of stimuli-responsive riboswitches can function, independently and orthogonally from other stimuli, in the same compartments of the material. Further, our plasmid designs demonstrate the modularity of this approach in creating new types of adaptive, functional materials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 26, 2019
Accession Number
AD1080780

Entities

People

  • Donald Leo
  • Eric C Freeman
  • S. A Sarles
  • Scott C. Lenaghan

Organizations

  • University of Tennessee

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acids
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Alkanes
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Membranes
  • Optical Properties
  • Production
  • Ribonucleic Acids
  • Surface Tension
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Trna

Readers

  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science