SBA Seminar : Synthetic Biology in Health - Artificial Cells and Prodrugs

SBA Seminar : Synthetic Biology in Health - Artificial Cells and Prodrugs

Join Us for an Inspiring Evening of Scientific Exploration!

The Brisbane node of Synthetic Biology Australasia (SBA) is excited to invite you to our seminar event on Friday, November 8th, featuring Professor Brigitte Städler from the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) at Aarhus University and Professor Alexander Zelikin from the Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University.

Professors Städler and Zelikin, visiting from Denmark, will present their groundbreaking research on artificial cell systems and prodrugs, offering unique insights into the future of synthetic biology and its implications for human health care.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with pioneering scientists and expand your understanding of these cutting-edge topics!

Event Details:

Date: Friday, Novermber 8th

Time: 4:00 PM (In-person) or 4:30 PM (Online, link below)

Venue: The Precinct, Level 2/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006.

Speaker Abstracts

Prof. Brigitte Stadler

Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

bstadler@inano.au.dk

Artificial Cells Interacting with Mammalian Cells

Bottom-up synthetic biology aims to design life-like units (aka artificial cells) that can substitute for missing/lost cellular activity or to add non-native function to mammalian cells and tissue. Artificial cells are minimal, simplistic structures that imitate selected structural or functional aspects of living cells.

We focus our efforts on hydrogel-based artificial cells equipped with a specific liver-like function and their integration and communication with mammalian cells. Specifically, the artificial cells support their living counterpart in fighting reactive oxygen species either by direct conversion or by deploying supportive nano-units. Further, we showed that hepatic cell aggregates could be 3D bioprinted together with artificial cells to boost catalytic activity for at least 2 weeks. In addition, we illustrated that artificial cells can eavesdrop on a typical activity of a liver cell due to co-existence in a semi-synthetic tissue.

Our efforts illustrate the potential of nano-engineered artificial cells for tissue engineering purposes.

Prof. Alexander N. Zelikin

Aarhus University, Denmark

zelikin@chem.au.dk

www.zelikin-lab.com

From Medicinal Chemistry to the Chemical Engineering of Cells

Research activities in my lab are highly interdisciplinary and over the past decade, we investigated diverse areas of biomedical sciences, from small molecule prodrug design to macromolecular drugs, from chemical biology to the design of artificial cells. We devoted much attention to the development of enzyme-prodrug therapies as an approach to synthesize the drug within the human body where and when needed, for localized therapeutic intervention. We also developed macromolecular (pro)drugs as broad spectrum antiviral agents, and designed implantable biomaterials that can be remotely deconstructed on demand. The most recent focus of our attention is the chemical engineering of cells, mammalian and fully synthetic. Towards the design of artificial cells, we develop synthetic signaling receptors and artificial signaling cascades based on chemically programmed proteins. For mammalian cells, we engineer synthetic receptors, signaling and internalizing, based on the tools of organic chemistry. I anticipate that this presentation will be of interest to the broad audience with diverse research background.

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To make this event even more special, we’ve arranged for complimentary food and drinks from a local vendor. Enjoy delicious refreshments while connecting with fellow synthetic biology enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals during the networking session.

Please remember to register in advance to secure your spot. Don’t forget to let us know about any dietary preferences or accessibility requirements, so we can ensure the event is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

For more information or any inquiries, feel free to contact us at sbabrisbane@gmail.com.

We’re excited to have you join us for an evening of discovery, engaging conversation, and delicious refreshments.

Sincerely,
The SBA Team

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Zoom Meeting Details
https://qut.zoom.us/j/82995552903?pwd=gdRI63FOcgHgqHNWbTsM9F4S53tSLM.1

Meeting ID: 829 9555 2903
Passcode: 581914

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