Synthetic Cells Developed by University of Minnesota Lab Show Potential for Future Applications

<figure> <img alt="An illustration shows spheres descending from a glow at the top of the frame." src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/GettyImages-2159333773_02.png?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Associate professor Kate Adamala's lab at the University of Minnesota has been researching synthetic cells, which are created using chemicals and biological components such as DNA, membranes, and ribosomes. The lab recently achieved a significant breakthrough by developing synthetic cells capable of feeding, growing, and dividing, named SpudCells.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Adamala aims to use synthetic cells to produce medicine, materials, and fuel, reducing reliance on petrochemicals. She suggests that these cells could be programmed to generate essential materials in a lab, contributing to a more sustainable future.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Adamala stated, “I live in the Midwest, so we’ve got a lot of prairie grass. Why can’t I take that prairie grass and ferment it into a plastic toy? It’s totally possible.” She believes synthetic cells could eventually perform such tasks.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While synthetic cells can move atoms with precision and generate less toxic waste than natural cells, controlling living cells remains challenging. Adamala expressed skepticism about fully understanding complex living cells and advocates for building synthetic alternatives.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a podcast series titled <em>Unexplainable</em>, Adamala discussed the implications of synthetic cell biology, including both its potential benefits and risks. In an excerpt from the conversation, she explained that the SpudCells can grow and replicate based on their internal instructions, marking a significant advancement in synthetic biology.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Adamala clarified that while SpudCells can perform functions associated with life, they are not considered alive due to their lack of robustness and dependency on ideal conditions. She noted the absence of a universally accepted scientific definition of life, referencing a NASA definition that describes life as a self-replicating chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The name SpudCells is inspired by Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, which, despite its limitations, opened the door to new possibilities in space exploration. Adamala views SpudCells as a proof of concept for the potential of synthetic biology.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The feeding and division processes of SpudCells are similar to those of simple natural cells, but the mechanisms differ significantly. Adamala emphasized that this milestone demonstrates the feasibility of creating synthetic cells that can grow, divide, and evolve.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>For more insights, listen to the full podcast series on synthetic cell biology.</em></p>