Synthetic cells in tissue engineering

Abstract

Tissue functions rely on complex structural, biochemical, and biomechanical cues that guide cellular behavior and organization. Synthetic cells, a promising new class of biomaterials, hold significant potential for mimicking these tissue properties using simplified, nonliving building blocks. Advanced synthetic cell models have already shown utility in biotechnology and immunology, including applications in cancer targeting and antigen presentation. Recent bottom-up approaches have also enabled synthetic cells to assemble into 3D structures with controlled intercellular interactions, creating tissue-like architectures. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in replicating multicellular behaviors and dynamic mechanical environments. Here, we review recent advancements in synthetic cell-based tissue formation and introduce a three-pillar framework to streamline the development of synthetic tissues. This approach, focusing on synthetic extracellular matrix integration, synthetic cell self-organization, and adaptive biomechanics, could enable scalable synthetic tissues engineering for regenerative medicine and drug development.