Answer to Question #133667 in Cell Biology for Nonkazimulo Bhebhe

Question

Discuss the potential uses of artificial cells and/or cell like materials and whether you consider them to be a good substitute for the natural versions.

Answer 1

Artificial cells are the artificially designed entities that are synthesized to perform the biological functions just like natural cells. Artificial cells are designed in a manner that they have polymeric membrane encapsulating the biologically active molecules in it such as an enzyme, protein, gene or any drug. There are various molecules or compounds which we can consider as artificial cell such as liposomes, microcapsules and nanoparticles. These artificial cells can be considered as a good substitute in comparison with the natural version of transporting vessicle because they increase the solubility of the molecule in the circulation of the body that these artificial cell is carrying in it. Artificial cells also decrease the immune response of a person towards these encapsulated capsule in comparison with natural version of transporting vessicles. Artificial cells are used in a diverse manner in health care sector. Recently they stands out to be clinically successful agent in hemoperfusion process. Artificial cells are used in enzyme therapy and gene therapy.