A self-regenerating synthetic cell model

Self-regeneration is a fundamental function of all living systems. Here we demonstrate molecular self-regeneration in a synthetic cell model. By implementing a minimal transcription-translation system within microfluidic reactors, the system was able to regenerate essential protein components from DNA templates and sustained synthesis activity for over a day. By mapping genotype-phenotype landscapes combined with computational modeling we found that minimizing resource competition and optimizing resource allocation are both critically important for achieving robust system function. With this understanding, we achieved simultaneous regeneration of multiple proteins by determining the required DNA ratios necessary for sustained self-regeneration. This work introduces a conceptual and experimental framework for the development of a self-replicating synthetic cell.