Mitochondria Encapsulation in Hydrogel‐Based Artificial Cells as ATP Producing Subunits

Artificial cells (ACs) aim to mimic selected structural and functional features of mammalian cells. In this context, energy generation is an important challenge be addressed when self-sustained systems are desired. Here, mitochondria isolated from HepG2 employed as natural subunits that facilitate chemically driven adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. The successful isolation confirmed by monitoring the preserved inner membrane potential, respiration, ATP production ability. encapsulation in gelatin-based hydrogels results similar initial compared solution with a sustained over 24 h. Furthermore, luciferase coencapsulated particles create ACs employ situ produced drive catalytic conversion d-luciferin. coencapsulation luciferase-loaded liposomes additionally explored where resulted clustering effects likely contributing performance active entities. Taken together, show potential cell mimicry energy-dependent processes.