Researchers in Eindhoven have developed an artificial cell system that mimics the mutual communication of biological cells, reports Advanced Biology.

A biological cell is ingeniously designed. Take, for example, the communication system that allows cells to ‘see’ their surroundings with the help of proteins and to send signals to their neighbours, which in turn can be responded to. It is also an important component of an artificial cell that is still under development. Arjan Hazegh Nikroo, Jan van Hest and colleagues at the TU Eindhoven have developed a coacervate system that can release a protein in a controlled manner at a specific time using ultraviolet light.