WP2. Programmable containment

Programmable containment is an essential property both of the ECCell life cycle and its ICT applications.

Throughout this proposal two different routes to achieve programmable containment will be followed using scpDNAs. The first one relies on the formation of porous, reversibly cross-linked polymer networks (hydrogels) that programmably limit mobility, down to zero by entrapment or binding for  larger (macro)molecules. Amphiphilic DNA block copolymers (DBCs) or branched scpDNA will be employed.  The second one is based on vesicular containers built up from DBCs that, in contrast to the hydrogels form a closed membrane. The synthesis of scpDNAs capable of this collective phase modulation will be linked with replication (WP1) and carried out as part of the electronic chemical cell cycle.