US researchers create first synthetic cell that can grow and divide

Scientists at the University of Minnesota, led by synthetic biologist Kate Adamala, have built a fully artificial cell from non‑living chemical components. The prototype, named SpudCell, is enclosed in a lipid membrane, contains a minimal genome of about 90,000 base pairs and can take up nutrients, increase in size and divide, mimicking basic functions of living cells.

SpudCell relies on externally supplied ribosomes and other biomolecules; it can reproduce for only a few generations before needing fresh supplies. Researchers describe it as an "extremely weak entity" that nonetheless demonstrates that a complete cell can be assembled from scratch. The breakthrough is seen as a milestone for synthetic biology, with potential future applications in drug production, carbon capture and the design of custom bio‑machines. The team has announced plans to share the technology through an open‑source initiative called Biotic.