Mechanochemical feedback loop drives persistent motion of liposomes

Abstract Achieving autonomous motion is a central objective in designing artificial cells that mimic biological form and function. Cellular often involves complex multiprotein machineries, which are challenging to reconstitute vitro. Here we achieve persistent of cell-sized liposomes. These small vesicles driven by direct mechanochemical feedback loop between the MinD MinE protein systems Escherichia coli liposome membrane. Membrane-binding Min proteins self-organize asymmetrically around liposomes, results shape deformation generates mechanical force gradient leading motion. The distribution responds deformed through inherent geometry sensitivity reaction–diffusion dynamics proteins. We show such sufficient drive continuous Our combined experimental theoretical study provides starting point for future design motility features cells.