Cell-free systems utilize a subset of cellular components without intact cell wall and/or membranes. The system was first invented for use in fermentation. Subsequent improvements enabled its application in protein synthesis, which is still the most common use of the system. Lately, attempts have been reported where metabolic engineering concepts and techniques were applied to cell-free systems and/or vice-versa. These attempts and advances led to exciting discoveries about biochemical reactions, as well as properties and/or structures of cellular components that make up complex biological systems. This review will first provide a basic overview and brief history of the cell-free system. Then, explanation on recent advances in the field will be provided, followed by notes on the innovative applications. Future outlook of the field will also be covered with the emphasis on how the emerging data science methods can be applied to improve the system and its applicability.

无细胞系统利用细胞组分的子集而没有完整的细胞壁和/或膜。该系统首先被发明用于发酵。随后的改进使其能够应用于蛋白质合成，这仍然是该系统最常见的用途。最近，已经报道了尝试将代谢工程学概念和技术应用于无细胞系统的尝试，反之亦然。这些尝试和进步导致了关于生物化学反应以及构成复杂生物系统的细胞成分的特性和/或结构的令人兴奋的发现。这篇评论将首先提供无细胞系统的基本概述和简要历史。然后，将提供有关该领域最新进展的解释，然后提供有关创新应用的说明。