Embarking on a new era of programmable life: welcome to Synthetic Cells

At the convergence of life sciences, nanochemistry, materials science, and engineering, a quiet revolution is underway. We are no longer content with merely observing and understanding natural cells; we are beginning to decipher their design language, striving to design, construct, and apply novel artificial and biomimetic cellular systems from molecular components. This ambitious pursuit aims to transcend the boundaries set by natural evolution, creating life-like structures with tailored functions to address fundamental challenges in sustainable energy, green manufacturing, precision medicine, and even our understanding of life itself.

However, this vibrant interdisciplinary field has long lacked a dedicated platform commensurate with its breadth, depth, and ambition. Research findings have been scattered across journals of traditional disciplines, lacking focus and synergy. It is with great enthusiasm and a profound sense of mission that we officially launch Synthetic Cells. This journal aspires to become the central beacon and catalyst for this emerging frontier, dedicated to gathering the world’s finest minds to collectively map and advance the science and engineering blueprint of “constructing life”.

The core mission of Synthetic Cells is to serve as a bridge connecting “understanding life” and “creating life.” We welcome outstanding research spanning from fundamental principles to practical applications. Our scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Design and assembly of artificial cells, protocells, and nanoreactors: Exploring the engineering principles of life’s origins and constructing minimal life models.

• Integration of nanomaterials, enzymes, and catalytic systems for biocatalysis and biomass conversion: Creating efficient, stable next-generation biotransformation engines.

• Photocatalytic and energy-conversion systems inspired by natural photosynthesis: Designing novel artificial photosynthesis devices to capture and convert solar energy.

• Development of synthetic cell factories, biosensors, and therapeutic artificial cells: Programming cellular behaviors for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and chemical production.

• Advanced characterization techniques, mechanistic studies, and computational modeling: Delving into the operational mechanisms of artificial cellular systems to enable rational design.

• Translational engineering, scale-up strategies, and real-world applications in energy, chemicals, and biotechnology: Translating laboratory breakthroughs into real-world solutions for global challenges.

As Editor-in-Chief, I sincerely invite colleagues worldwide engaged in related research in synthetic biology, nanotechnology, catalysis, materials science, biophysics, systems biology, and beyond to submit their most innovative and groundbreaking work to our journal. Let us share insights, spark inspiration, and foster collaboration on the platform of Synthetic Cells.

Our vision extends beyond publishing a series of high-quality papers; it is to cultivate a dynamic, open, inclusive, and challenge-driven academic community. We are committed to supporting this community through a rigorous, fair, and efficient editorial process, ensuring that every valuable contribution receives the attention and discussion it deserves.

Looking ahead, artificial cellular systems hold the potential to lead a new technological revolution, offering sustainable solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problems. The Synthetic Cells journal wishes to join hands with all colleagues to co-author this exciting new chapter - progressing from understanding life, to designing life, and ultimately, benefiting life.

Let us embark on this journey together.

Prof. Jian Liu

Editor-in-Chief, Synthetic Cells