Programmable Synthesis of DNA Networks in Giant Vesicles via Rolling Circle Amplification.

Abstract

We present a biomimetic vesicular platform that can act as a programmable microreactor via rolling circle amplification (RCA). The RCA signal drives the construction of long DNA chains within a giant vesicle, which are organized into an internal network for structural reinforcement, resembling the cytoskeleton inside a cell that provides structural stability, adaptive responses, and mechanical strength. This emergent structure increases the rigidity of synthetic vesicles by an order of magnitude over pristine vesicles, coupling molecular-scale biochemical activity with mesoscale mechanical behavior. DNA origami nanopores create synthetic compartments that exhibit life-like functions, demonstrating molecular transport and linking the vesicle cavity with external environments for controlled amplification. This work shows that it is possible to create synthetic cells that possess both functional regulation and mechanical feedback, opening new opportunities in synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, and bioinspired materials.