Real-time monitoring of energy fluxes in a synthetic cell

[Master thesis or research internship]

Project description

This student project aims to understand the fluxes of energy in man-made non-equilibrium systems, such as self-assembled metabolically active vesicles. Following a modular bottom-up approach, we aim to build and fuel continuous artificial nanoreactors as mimicry of a synthetic cell, i.e. providing modular enzymatic reaction networks for the control, provision, recycling, and homeostasis of cellular energy. To better understand the energy demand and spatiotemporal energy fluxes of a synthetic cell, we want to monitor in-situ the dynamics of the ATP levels upon integration with other functional modules, i.e. energy-consuming reactions, such as in vitro transcription translation (IVTT).  However, real-time monitoring of ATP dynamics by means of ATP-sensing molecular probes is often affected by other environmental parameters: varying pH, ionic strength and chemically similar metabolites. Other nucleotides can influence the read-out drastically. Hence, a robust, reliable, and specific molecular ATP sensor is needed.

Your tasks and responsibilities

The aim of this research project is to screen different proteinogenic, synthetic and hybrid fluorescent ATP sensors to probe ATP levels selectively and reliably under a broad range of conditions. This comparative study of different ATP sensors will benefit the understanding of many of our systems and find broad applicability for the study of ATP-driven metabolic processes. The focus of this project will be adapted according to the background and interest of the student. The project offers insights into the expression of genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors, self-assembly of hybrid sensors and proteoliposomes, click-chemistry and the systematic and in-depth characterization of the sensors’ properties (e.g. sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range) under different ambient conditions. Finally, the sensors will find application in our synthetic cells to gain deeper insight into the dynamics of metabolic processes and energy fluxes.

This is what we offer

• Opportunity to write your thesis or student internship report (background in chemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology beneficial)
• Being part of a young and dynamic team with close supervision and guidance
• Working at the interface of systems chemistry, synthetic biology and soft material science
• Interdisciplinary, international and inclusive work environment

We are happy to discuss the project further with you in our Systems Materials Lab!