Artificial Organelle Unlocking Secrets of the Golgi Apparatus

Researchers created the first artificial organelle. They built a microfluidics chip that allows them to manipulate microscopic droplets of chemicals and mimic the actions of the golgi apparatus. Using the artificial organelle, Dr. Linhardt is working to understand heparin, a chemical used to prevent blood clotting during surgery. The artificial organelle may allow important improvements in the $6 billion worldwide heparin market.

What the microfluidics chip is: a working model of the golgi apparatus. Microscopic channels allow very small amounts of different enzymes, sugars, and proteins to be combined, split, and moved. Electrically charged particles and magnets help move things around and give the device some amazing precision. With that kind of control, scientists can model many different reaction times and reactions with hopes of discovering the heparin producing process.

More artificial organelles could revolutionize the way that we interact with cells.

Link: singularityhub.com