PubReading [231] - Light-activated communication in synthetic tissues - M. Booth, H. Bayley et al.

<p>We have previously used three-dimensional (3D) <strong>printing</strong> to prepare tissue-like materials in which picoliter aqueous compartments are separated by lipid bilayers. These printed droplets are elaborated into synthetic cells by using a tightly regulated in vitro transcription/translation system. A light-activated DNA promoter has been developed that can be used to turn on the expression of any gene within the synthetic cells. We used <strong>light activation</strong> to express protein pores in 3D-printed patterns within <strong>synthetic tissues</strong>. The pores are incorporated into specific bilayer interfaces and thereby mediate rapid, directional electrical communication between subsets of cells. Accordingly, we have developed a functional mimic of <strong>neuronal transmission</strong> that can be controlled in a precise way.</p><p><em>DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600056 - 2016</em></p>