An '''artificial cell''', '''synthetic cell''' or '''minimal cell''' is an engineered particle that mimics one or many functions of a [[Cell (biology)|biological cell]]. Often, artificial cells are biological or polymeric membranes which enclose biologically active materials.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Buddingh' BC, van Hest JC | title = Artificial Cells: Synthetic Compartments with Life-like Functionality and Adaptivity | journal = Accounts of Chemical Research | volume = 50 | issue = 4 | pages = 769–777 | date = April 2017 | pmid = 28094501 | pmc = 5397886 | doi = 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00512 }}</ref> As such, [[liposome]]s, [[polymersome]]s, [[nanoparticle]]s, microcapsules and a number of other particles can qualify as artificial cells. | An '''artificial cell''', '''synthetic cell''' or '''minimal cell''' is an engineered particle that mimics one or many functions of a [[Cell (biology)|biological cell]]. Often, artificial cells are biological or polymeric membranes which enclose biologically active materials.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Buddingh' BC, van Hest JC | title = Artificial Cells: Synthetic Compartments with Life-like Functionality and Adaptivity | journal = Accounts of Chemical Research | volume = 50 | issue = 4 | pages = 769–777 | date = April 2017 | pmid = 28094501 | pmc = 5397886 | doi = 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00512 }}</ref> As such, [[liposome]]s, [[polymersome]]s, [[nanoparticle]]s, microcapsules and a number of other particles can qualify as artificial cells. |