Artificial spores: cytoprotective nanoencapsulation of living cells

Abstract

In this Opinion we discuss the development of artificial spores and their maturation as an independent field of research. The robust cell-in-shell structures have displayed unprecedented characteristics, which include the retardation of cell division and extensive cytoprotective capabilities that encompass exposure to osmotic pressure, shear force, heat, UV radiation, and lytic enzymes. Additionally, the nanothin shells act as highly versatile scaffolds for chemical functionalization to equip cells for implementation in tissue engineering, biosensors, cell therapy, or other biotechnological applications. We also explore the future direction of this emerging field and dictate that the next phase of research should focus on attaining more intricate engineering to achieve stimulus-responsive shell-degradation, multilayer casings with orthogonal functions, and the encapsulation of multiple cells for multicellular artificial spores.

Keywords: artificial shell; cytocompatibility; cytoprotection; division control; nanoencapsulation; shell functionalization.