Design of non-equilibrium synthetic cells

Cells, even in their simplest forms, exhibit adaptive motion and task execution, capabilities underpinned by their complex and hierarchized architecture. Replicating such intricate behavior at the microscale offers a pathway to uncover the fundamental physical and material ingredients required for biological complexity, while also inspiring the design of next-generation micromotors.
   
Here, I will demonstrate that using soft and adaptive compartments is the key to a new generation of biomimetic out-of-equilibrium systems. In particular, I will show our recent results on the fabrication of cell-like active assemblies using giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) assembled from phospholipids under external actuation ^[1].

In contrast to the traditional active colloids, active GUVs present an excellent cell-model system, thanks to their membrane permeability and ability to enclose nano and micro-objects. We report on their run-and-tumble dynamics, reminiscent of bacteria dynamic patterns, and unexpected rolling motion when running temperature ^[2].

We further investigate controlled deformations and division-like events under combined electric-field actuation and optical control. We show that these two external fields provide a programmable handle to steer out-of-equilibrium behaviors in these synthetic cells, enabling membrane mechanics and shape transformations that mimic key features of cell division and protrusion formation. 

^{[1] V. Willems, A. Baron, D. A. Matoz-Fernandez, G. Wolfisberg, E. Dufresne, J. C. Baret, and L. Alvarez (Soft Matter,2025).
[2] V. Willems, M. Lytle, E. Joseph, N. Martin, S. Deville, B. Sprinkle, L. Alvarez (In preparation)}