RSA CE&C 2015-2021

Appendix B: Case studies 65 Towards artificial tissues Artificial cells have been shown to be able to exchange small molecules between one another to activate a range of biological processes. It has also been possible to achieve one-way communication between a sender protocell and a receiving living cell. Although these are conceptually important steps forward, functional two- way communication is still elusive. With the support of the Spinoza premium, we are now applying the abovementioned dynamic protein localization methods to artificial cells to achieve spatiotemporally-controlled two- way communication with living cells and other artificial cells. We are currently investigating methods on how to functionally integrate artificial cells into living cell cultures. We have demonstrated that artificial cells loaded with growth factors can be stably introduced to 3D kidney organoids (Fig 2), where they are positioned to give spatiotemporal control over blood vessel growth. Furthermore, we have started to explore 3D bioprinting to organize artificial cells into tissue-like structures to provide an improved fundamental understanding of how cellular communication can be used to direct cell population behavior. Societal impact This line of research is ideal for the education of a next generation of scientists at the interface of chemistry and biology. Young researchers learn how to explore unchartered territories, which stimulates creative thinking and finding of one’s own way. This creativity in molecular design also leads to materials with advanced functions. Within the Bio-Organic Chemistry group, we educate innovative researchers who can think across the borders of their own discipline and combine seemingly unrelated fields of knowledge. This is an asset not only for academic research but also for researchers who want to be active in commercial R&D. The interdisciplinary approach of the Bio-Organic Chemistry group links the areas of chemistry and biomedical engineering seamlessly. It creates a continuum of scientific knowledge that we can offer to students on both sides. Although the research can initially be characterized as curiosity-driven, many students also find their inspiration in the potential applications of the different materials and compartments in the field of biomedicine, which are never far away. In fact, van Hest actively seeks opportunities to translate his research into applications. Together with the company GATT, for example, he developed a surgical plaster that facilitates blood clotting. In addition, he owns a large number of patents and is the co-founder of the start-ups Encapson, Future Chemistry, Noviotech and Noviosense. Figure 2: Top: schematic depicting the organization of living and artificial cells in which the latter provide growth factors locally to the living cell community. Bottom: organoid tissue sample in which both viable kidney cells and artificial cells are visible.