Engineering Biology: Synthetic Cells

Registration is now open for our next Engineering Biology Forum on Monday 10 November. We are delighted to be welcoming keynote talks from Professor Andreas Walther and Dr Claudia Contini, both leading experts sharing their work on synthetic cells. This will be followed by a Q&A, drinks reception, canapés and networking.

Prof. Andreas Walther

Professor for Macromolecular Materials and Systems, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Life-Like Materials and Artificial Cell Systems

Abstract: Living systems excel at operating far from equilibrium, integrating sensing, processing, and actuation through feedback-regulated metabolic networks to adapt and communicate within complex environments. Inspired by these principles, our research develops life-like materials and artificial cell systems that embed embodied intelligence into soft matter. We explore hydrogels and metamaterials empowered by chemical reaction networks, enzymatic feedback, and mechanical gating to achieve autonomous decision-making, self-strengthening behavior, and non-reciprocal motion. In parallel, we design DNA-based artificial cells formed via liquid–liquid phase separation, which host artificial cytoskeletons, display non-Fickian transport, and integrate catalytic and DNAzyme modules to enable metabolism-driven morphological adaptation. These complementary directions converge on a vision of synthetic systems that do not merely respond passively but actively process information, adapt over time, and communicate with their environment. Together, they lay the foundations for programmable materials and minimal artificial cells that approach the complexity and interactive potential of living matter.

Bio: Andreas Walther is a Professor for Macromolecular Materials and Systems at the Department of Chemistry at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz (Germany), as well as a Max Planck Research Fellow at the MPI for Polymer Research. His research interests focus on developing life-like materials and systems that integrate dynamic processes and principles of chemical intelligence inspired from the basic principles of life. He was appointed to his present position in Mainz in 2020 with the prestigious support of the Gutenberg Research College. Andreas Walther is the recipient of an ERC Starting Grant and of an ERC Consolidator Grant. He was a co-founder of the DFG Cluster of Excellence on "Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems" (livMatS).

Dr Claudia Contini

Assistant Professor in Biotechnology, Imperial College London.

Synthetic Cells: from Soft-Matter to Cell-like Behaviours

Abstract: Synthetic cells provide a versatile platform for reconstituting and interrogating life-like behaviours in a minimal and controllable setting. In our work, we engineer vesicle-based systems that mimic fundamental cellular functions, including shape change, motility, fusion, and responsiveness to external cues by designing programmable membrane architectures and internal components. These synthetic cells are built from modular, bioinspired elements that allow precise control over mechanical properties, compartmentalisation, and signalling. We use this framework to reconstruct cellular processes from the bottom up, enabling systematic exploration of how functional behaviours emerge from defined molecular building blocks. In parallel, we develop biohybrid systems by integrating synthetic modules with living cells to enhance their stability, sensing capabilities, or responsiveness. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aim to advance the principles of engineering biology and uncover how biological functions can be mimicked and extended in synthetic systems.

Bio: Dr Claudia Contini is an Assistant Professor in Biotechnology and a BBSRC Fellow in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London, where she specialises in bottom-up synthetic biology. She earned her Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technologies from the University of Padua, Italy, followed by a PhD in Physical Chemistry from University College London. Following a postdoctoral position at Imperial College London, she secured an ISSF Fellowship to develop innovative protocells. Her research excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards, including the L'Oréal-UNESCO UK Fellowship. Beyond her research, Dr Contini serves as co-Director of the Association of Italian Scientists in the UK (AISUK), sits on the Joint Colloid & Interface Science Committee, and represents the UK as IUPAC National Representative for the Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Division

Agenda

16:45-17:00 – Registration
17:00-17:10 – Introduction
17:10-18:00 – Keynote Speaker 1: Prof Andreas Walther
18:00-18:45 – Keynote Speaker 2: Dr Claudia Contini
18:45-19:00 – Q&A
19:00-20:00 – Networking, drinks reception & canapés

About the EngBio Forums

The Engineering Biology Forums are a series of talks exploring key tools for the future of engineering biology and biotechnology. Hosted by the Engineering Biology Interdisciplinary Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, the forums take place 5pm-8pm at St Catharine's College, Cambridge.  Keynote lectures and discussion session will be followed by food, drinks and networking.

Headline image credit: microscopy image of synthetic cell condensates by Dr Layla Malouf, Di Michele Lab, University of Cambridge.