Scientists are one step closer to creating tiny machines that are capable taking care of you from the inside because a minimalistic model of cells that can change shape and move on their own have been created.

The study was taken on due to the hope that one day, tiny devices or machines will be able to swim through one's bloodstream, repairing damage, attacking invaders, and taking real-time readings.

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In order to reach this, scientists from the Technische Universität München (TUM) have replicated cells in order to understand their models.

The artificial protocells consist of a membrane shell or vesicle, two kinds of biomolecules, microtubules and kinesins, and fuel that comes in the form of ATP.

The study, published in Science Daily, said that the kinensis normally function as molecular motors, using the ATP as fuel. They line up the microtubules in the artificial cells and keep them in place.

While these microtubules are usually flat, there are always some that stick out in an unruly way. It turns out that these spiky microtubules help the cell move around.

The scientists discovered an even more interesting fact about the microtubule. They discovered that when they remove water from the protocell they created, the more the cell would deform and create those spikes.

The study stated that what seemed random was actually a movement following the laws of physics.

"This is how the international scientists succeeded in deciphering a number of basic principles like the periodic behavior of the vesicles," the study said. "These principles, in turn, serve as a basis for making predictions in other systems."

This minimal model of cells can further help scientists by possibly replicating and reconstructing cell processes like cell migration or cell division in a controlled manner.

TagsTechnische Universitat Munchen, TUM, Science Daily, Cells