Aaron E. Engelhart

Nonenzymatic, prebiotic aminoacylation couples chirality of RNA and protein

This paper demonstrates a prebiotic, nonenzymatic aminoacylation process that couples RNA and protein chirality, favoring opposite L- and D- configurations.

Programming Metabolic Dependency in Synthetic Cells Under Resource Scarcity

This paper develops a cell-free platform linking metabolic activity to protein synthesis under resource scarcity, demonstrating how metabolic control can influence gene expression in synthetic cells.

A Chemically Defined Synthetic Cell Capable Of Growth And Replication

The paper describes a synthetic cell capable of growth, replication, and division using a 90kb genome encoding essential cellular functions.

Purification of post-transcriptionally modified tRNAs for enhanced cell-free translation systems

This paper develops a method to purify post-transcriptionally modified tRNAs from E. coli, enhancing translation yields and fidelity in cell-free systems.

One-pot cloning and protein expression platform for genetic engineering

This paper introduces a one-pot cloning and protein expression platform that integrates mutagenesis, plasmid assembly, and functional testing in a single reaction, validated with multiple protein systems.

High yield, low magnesium flexizyme reactions in a water-ice eutectic phase

This paper presents a method for high-yield, low magnesium flexizyme reactions in a water-ice eutectic phase, improving product stability and reducing Mg(II) carryover.

An Expanded Repertoire of tRNA Sources for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis

This study identifies suitable tRNA sources for cell-free protein synthesis by evaluating tRNA pools from different E. coli strains and V. natriegens, finding that A19 tRNAs are most effective for in vitro translation.

Alternate conformational trajectories in protein synthesis

The paper identifies alternate conformational pathways in ribosome translocation by combining directed evolution and molecular dynamics simulations, revealing diverse kinetic and structural dynamics.

Quencher-free fluorescence monitoring of G-Quadruplex folding

This paper demonstrates a cost-effective method to monitor G-quadruplex folding transitions using single-dye labeled DNA sequences without quenchers, enabling faster and cheaper synthetic biology applications.

Controlled exchange of protein and nucleic acid signals from and between synthetic minimal cells

This study demonstrates the controlled exchange of protein and nucleic acid signals between synthetic minimal cells using cell penetrating peptides.

A gene expression control technology for cell-free systems and synthetic cells via targeted gene silencing and transfection

The paper introduces a silencing oligo method to control gene expression in cell-free systems and synthetic cells through targeted mRNA binding and transfection.

New Aequorea fluorescent proteins for cell-free bioengineering

The paper validates new Aequorea fluorescent proteins for use in cell-free expression systems.

Parasites, infections and inoculation in synthetic minimal cells

This paper demonstrates a synthetic cell system that models host-parasite interactions, resistance to infection, and an inoculation system for immunity.

T7Max transcription system

The paper introduces a modified T7 RNA polymerase promoter, T7Max, that enhances transcription and translation yields in cell-free systems by increasing transcript concentration.

Expanding luciferase reporter systems for cell-free protein expression

This paper expands luciferase reporter systems for cell-free protein expression by introducing two orthogonal luciferases and a substrate regeneration pathway.

Akaby - cell-free protein expression system for linear templates

The paper introduces Akaby, a modified E. coli strain that improves protein expression from linear DNA templates in cell-free systems by reducing DNA degradation.

Minimal DNA Electron Transfer Catalysts Switched by a Chaotropic Ion

This paper demonstrates a DNA nanodevice that switches between catalytic and non-catalytic electron transfer states using a chaotropic ion.

Highly specific, multiplexed isothermal pathogen detection with fluorescent aptamer readout

This paper introduces Apta-NASBA, a method for highly specific, multiplexed pathogen detection using fluorescent aptamers, achieving a 1 pM detection limit and compatible with various detection platforms.

Differentiation of Pluripotent Synthetic Minimal Cells via Genetic Circuits and Programmable Mating

The paper demonstrates a method to engineer genetic circuits in synthetic minimal cells, enabling differentiation into new lineages through programmable mating or small molecule stimuli.