University of Minnesota builds synthetic cell that completes full life cycle

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a synthetic cell, dubbed SpudCell, that runs a complete life cycle using only non‑living chemical components. The system feeds, grows, replicates a 90,000‑base‑pair genome split across seven plasmids, divides, and competes with neighboring cells across generations.

The cell is assembled from 36 purified enzymes taken from *E. coli*, a lipid membrane (liposome) and external feeder liposomes that supply lipids, ribosomes and small molecules. By producing its own α‑hemolysin protein, SpudCell triggers fusion with feeder vesicles to obtain resources, enabling growth and genome replication without a cytoskeletal scaffold. Associate Professors Kate Adamala and Aaron Engelhart note, “We’ve replicated in chemistry what only used to be possible in biology,” emphasizing that fundamental life functions do not require a mysterious spark.

SpudCell is presented as a proof‑of‑concept platform for synthetic biology, with potential future applications in medicine, material synthesis, and industrial chemistry, pending further development and international collaboration.