Research  ■

Smart cell mimetic capsules (S-CMC)

Cells regulate physiological processes through cascade reactions within micro-compartments, enhancing disease treatment. While cell therapies benefit conditions like cancer and diabetes, safety concerns such as immune rejection and cytotoxicity remain. Engineered cells in hydrogels can mitigate autoimmunity but often lose function in physiological environments, limiting effectiveness. We develop smart cell-mimetic capsules (S-CMC) using microfluidic assembly and liquid-liquid phase separation. These capsules integrate multiple compartments for cascade reactions, mimicking living cells. Notably, a novel fluidic membrane, formed by tannic acid (TA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), enables molecular diffusion and photobleaching recovery. The S-CMC system allows flexible post-functionalization through spontaneous nanomaterial assembly. For example, nanozymes (Pt/CeO₂) enhance self-cascade catalysis. This technology advances cell-mimetic biochemical reactions for smart drug delivery and therapeutic applications.