Photochemical synthesis of natural membrane lipids in artificial and living cells

A general method for the abiogenesis of natural lipids could transform the development of lifelike artificial cells and unlock new ways to explore lipid functions in living cells. However, it is unclear if mild non-enzymatic methods can be harnessed to synthesize the diverse array of lipids found in biology. Here, we demonstrate the abiotic formation of natural lipids in water using visible-light-driven photoredox chemistry. Radical-mediated coupling of hydrocarbon tails to polar single-chain precursors yields lipids identical to those enzymatically formed. Spatiotemporally controlled lipid generation promotes de novo vesicle formation, growth, and division. Several photoredox catalysts, including those activated by nucleic acids, can drive lipid synthesis. Additionally, we show that the synthesis of bioactive lipids can trigger signaling in living cells.