University of Basel researchers have built artificial polymer organelles (internal compartments in cells that carry out specialized metabolic functions) and added them to live human cells in a lab dish.

The 200-nanometers-wide capsule contained enzymes, just like natural organelles. The artificial organelle’s membrane can be chemically tuned to control which chemicals can pass through it and regulate the reactions inside.

Applications of an artificial organelle could include boosting deficient enzymes (such as adding lactose-digesting enzymes to digestive cells). The researchers speculate that the technique could allow advanced cancer therapies, or even upgrade a person’s metabolism.