1
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Fu YH, Hu YF, Lin T, Zhuang GW, Wang YL, Chen WX, Li ZT, Hou JL. Constructing artificial gap junctions to mediate intercellular signal and mass transport. Nat Chem 2024; 16:1418-1426. [PMID: 38658798 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Natural gap junctions are a type of channel protein responsible for intercellular signalling and mass communication. However, the scope of applications for these proteins is limited as they cannot be prepared at a large scale and are unable to spontaneously insert into cell membranes in vitro. The construction of artificial gap junctions may provide an alternative strategy for preparing analogues of the natural proteins and bottom-up building blocks necessary for the synthesis of artificial cells. Here we show the construction of artificial gap junction channels from unimolecular tubular molecules consisting of alternately arranged positively and negatively charged pillar[5]arene motifs. These molecules feature a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic triblock structure that allows them to efficiently insert into two adjacent plasma membranes and stretch across the gap between the two membranes to form gap junctions. Similar to natural gap junction channels, the synthetic channels could mediate intercellular signal coupling and reactive oxygen species transmission, leading to cellular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hong Fu
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Fei Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zhuang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Lan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Xue Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan-Ting Li
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Li Hou
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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O'Callaghan JA, Kamat NP, Vargo KB, Chattaraj R, Lee D, Hammer DA. A microfluidic platform for the synthesis of polymer and polymer-protein-based protocells. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2024; 47:37. [PMID: 38829453 PMCID: PMC11147907 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-024-00428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of polymersomes, protein-blended polymersomes, and polymeric microcapsules using droplet microfluidics. Polymersomes with uniform, single bilayers and controlled diameters are assembled from water-in-oil-in-water double-emulsion droplets. This technique relies on adjusting the interfacial energies of the droplet to completely separate the polymer-stabilized inner core from the oil shell. Protein-blended polymersomes are prepared by dissolving protein in the inner and outer phases of polymer-stabilized droplets. Cell-sized polymeric microcapsules are assembled by size reduction in the inner core through osmosis followed by evaporation of the middle phase. All methods are developed and validated using the same glass-capillary microfluidic apparatus. This integrative approach not only demonstrates the versatility of our setup, but also holds significant promise for standardizing and customizing the production of polymer-based artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ann O'Callaghan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Department of Biongineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kevin B Vargo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rajarshi Chattaraj
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Daniel A Hammer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Biongineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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3
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Hsu YY, Hwang SW, Chen SJ, Alsberg E, Liu AP. Development of mechanosensitive synthetic cells for biomedical applications. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100095. [PMID: 37385542 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to their physical environment plays a fundamental role in a broad spectrum of biological processes. As one of the most essential molecular force sensors and transducers found in cell membranes, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels can convert mechanical inputs into biochemical or electrical signals to mediate a variety of sensations. The bottom-up construction of cell-sized compartments displaying cell-like organization, behaviors, and complexity, also known as synthetic cells, has gained popularity as an experimental platform to characterize biological functions in isolation. By reconstituting MS channels in the synthetic lipid bilayers, we envision using mechanosensitive synthetic cells for several medical applications. Here, we describe three different concepts for using ultrasound, shear stress, and compressive stress as mechanical stimuli to activate drug release from mechanosensitive synthetic cells for disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Yu Hsu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sung-Won Hwang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eben Alsberg
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Departments of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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4
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Gao R, Yu X, Kumar BVVSP, Tian L. Hierarchical Structuration in Protocellular System. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300422. [PMID: 37438327 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Spatial control is one of the ubiquitous features in biological systems and the key to the functional complexity of living cells. The strategies to achieve such precise spatial control in protocellular systems are crucial to constructing complex artificial living systems with functional collective behavior. Herein, the authors review recent advances in the spatial control within a single protocell or between different protocells and discuss how such hierarchical structured protocellular system can be used to understand complex living systems or to advance the development of functional microreactors with the programmable release of various biomacromolecular payloads, or smart protocell-biological cell hybrid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinran Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | | | - Liangfei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Innovation Center for Smart Medical Technologies & Devices, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
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5
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Waeterschoot J, Gosselé W, Alizadeh Zeinabad H, Lammertyn J, Koos E, Casadevall i Solvas X. Formation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Assisted by Fluorinated Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302461. [PMID: 37807811 PMCID: PMC10700689 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the quest to produce artificial cells, one key challenge that remains to be solved is the recreation of a complex cellular membrane. Among the existing models, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are particularly interesting due to their intrinsic compartmentalisation ability and their resemblance in size and shape to eukaryotic cells. Many techniques have been developed to produce GUVs all having inherent advantages and disadvantages. Here, the authors show that fluorinated silica nanoparticles (FNPs) used to form Pickering emulsions in a fluorinated oil can destabilise lipid nanosystems to template the formation of GUVs. This technique enables GUV production across a broad spectrum of buffer conditions, while preventing the leakage of the encapsulated components into the oil phase. Furthermore, a simple centrifugation process is sufficient for the release of the emulsion-trapped GUVs, bypassing the need to use emulsion-destabilising chemicals. With fluorescent FNPs and transmission electron microscopy, the authors confirm that FNPs are efficiently removed, producing contaminant-free GUVs. Further experiments assessing the lateral diffusion of lipids and unilamellarity of the GUVs demonstrate that they are comparable to GUVs produced via electroformation. Finally, the ability of incorporating transmembrane proteins is demonstrated, highlighting the potential of this method for the production of GUVs for artificial cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik Waeterschoot
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Willemien Gosselé
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Hojjat Alizadeh Zeinabad
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Erin Koos
- Soft MatterRheology and Technology (SMaRT) at KU LeuvenCelestijnenlaan 200J3000LeuvenBelgium
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6
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Zong W, Shao X, Li J, Chai Y, Hu X, Zhang X. Synthetic Intracellular Environments: From Basic Science to Applications. Anal Chem 2023; 95:535-549. [PMID: 36625127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Synthesis for Fine Chemicals, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Yunhe Chai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Devices (Wenzhou), College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou325035, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
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7
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Jiang W, Wu Z, Gao Z, Wan M, Zhou M, Mao C, Shen J. Artificial Cells: Past, Present and Future. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15705-15733. [PMID: 36226996 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Artificial cells are constructed to imitate natural cells and allow researchers to explore biological process and the origin of life. The construction methods for artificial cells, through both top-down or bottom-up approaches, have achieved great progress over the past decades. Here we present a comprehensive overview on the development of artificial cells and their properties and applications. Artificial cells are derived from lipids, polymers, lipid/polymer hybrids, natural cell membranes, colloidosome, metal-organic frameworks and coacervates. They can be endowed with various functions through the incorporation of proteins and genes on the cell surface or encapsulated inside of the cells. These modulations determine the properties of artificial cells, including producing energy, cell growth, morphology change, division, transmembrane transport, environmental response, motility and chemotaxis. Multiple applications of these artificial cells are discussed here with a focus on therapeutic applications. Artificial cells are used as carriers for materials and information exchange and have been shown to function as targeted delivery systems of personalized drugs. Additionally, artificial cells can function to substitute for cells with impaired function. Enzyme therapy and immunotherapy using artificial cells have been an intense focus of research. Finally, prospects of future development of cell-mimic properties and broader applications are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jiang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
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8
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Nanomaterial-Based Drug Delivery System Targeting Lymph Nodes. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071372. [PMID: 35890268 PMCID: PMC9325242 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays an indispensable role in humoral balance, lipid metabolism, and immune regulation. The lymph nodes (LNs) are known as the primary sites of tumor metastasis and the metastatic LNs largely affected the prognosis of the patiens. A well-designed lymphatic-targeted system favors disease treatment as well as vaccination efficacy. In recent years, development of nanotechnologies and emerging biomaterials have gained increasing attention in developing lymph-node-targeted drug-delivery systems. By mimicking the endogenous macromolecules or lipid conjugates, lymph-node-targeted nanocarries hold potential for disease diagnosis and tumor therapy. This review gives an introduction to the physiological functions of LNs and the roles of LNs in diseases, followed by a review of typical lymph-node-targeted nanomaterial-based drug-delivery systems (e.g., liposomes, micelles, inorganic nanomaterials, hydrogel, and nanocapsules). Future perspectives and conclusions concerned with lymph-node-targeted drug-delivery systems are also provided.
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9
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Gözen I, Köksal ES, Põldsalu I, Xue L, Spustova K, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Ryskulov R, Meng F, Jesorka A. Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106624. [PMID: 35322554 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Fanda Meng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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10
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Spustova K, Xue L, Ryskulov R, Jesorka A, Gözen I. Manipulation of Lipid Membranes with Thermal Stimuli. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2402:209-225. [PMID: 34854047 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1843-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We describe a protocol for the assembly and application of infrared (IR-B) laser-based set-ups to be used for localized heating of solid-supported planar and vesicular lipid membrane assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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11
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Grimes PJ, Galanti A, Gobbo P. Bioinspired Networks of Communicating Synthetic Protocells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:804717. [PMID: 35004855 PMCID: PMC8740067 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.804717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up synthesis of cell-like entities or protocells from inanimate molecules and materials is one of the grand challenges of our time. In the past decade, researchers in the emerging field of bottom-up synthetic biology have developed different protocell models and engineered them to mimic one or more abilities of biological cells, such as information transcription and translation, adhesion, and enzyme-mediated metabolism. Whilst thus far efforts have focused on increasing the biochemical complexity of individual protocells, an emerging challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology is the development of networks of communicating synthetic protocells. The possibility of engineering multi-protocellular systems capable of sending and receiving chemical signals to trigger individual or collective programmed cell-like behaviours or for communicating with living cells and tissues would lead to major scientific breakthroughs with important applications in biotechnology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This mini-review will discuss this new, emerging area of bottom-up synthetic biology and will introduce three types of bioinspired networks of communicating synthetic protocells that have recently emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Grimes
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Agostino Galanti
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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12
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Zong W, Shao X, Chai Y, Wang X, Han S, Chu H, Zhu C, Zhang X. Liposomes encapsulating artificial cytosol as drug delivery system. Biophys Chem 2021; 281:106728. [PMID: 34864227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of cell models containing artificial cytosol is challenging. Herein we constructed an artificial cytosol contained cell model by electroformation method. Agarose was selected as the main component of the artificial cytosol, and sucrose was added into the agarose to regulate the sol viscosity and the phase transition temperature. The viscosity of the sol with the mass ratio (agarose-sucrose) 1:9 was closest to the natural cytosol. DSPC/20 mol% cholesterol was used to form large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) as cell model compartment. The rhodamine release experiment confirmed that the unique release profile of agarose-sucrose@LUVs is suitable as a drug carrier. Doxorubicin is loaded in the agarose-sucrose@LUVs, and their half maximum inhibition concentration on HeLa cells is 0.016 μmol L-1, which means 28.7 times increase in inhibition efficiency over free doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China.
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Yunhe Chai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Xiuwen Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Shuang Han
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Hongtao Chu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Chuntao Zhu
- School of Chemistry Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, No.169, ChangChun Road, Jilin 132012, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No.42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar 161006, China
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13
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Ramsay K, Levy J, Gobbo P, Elvira KS. Programmed assembly of bespoke prototissues on a microfluidic platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4574-4585. [PMID: 34723291 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00602a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The precise assembly of protocell building blocks into prototissues that are stable in water, capable of sensing the external environment and which display collective behaviours remains a considerable challenge in prototissue engineering. We have designed a microfluidic platform that enables us to build bespoke prototissues from predetermined compositions of two types of protein-polymer protocells. We can accurately control their size, composition and create unique Janus configurations in a way that is not possible with traditional methods. Because we can control the number and type of the protocells that compose the prototissue, we can hence modulate the collective behaviours of this biomaterial. We show control over both the amplitude of thermally induced contractions in the biomaterial and its collective endogenous biochemical reactivity. Our results show that microfluidic technologies enable a new route to the precise and high-throughput fabrication of tissue-like materials with programmable collective properties that can be tuned through careful assembly of protocell building blocks of different types. We anticipate that our bespoke prototissues will be a starting point for the development of more sophisticated artificial tissues for use in medicine, soft robotics, and environmentally beneficial bioreactor technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Ramsay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
- The Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jae Levy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
| | | | - Katherine S Elvira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
- The Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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14
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Abstract
Cell membranes - primarily composed of lipids, sterols, and proteins - form a dynamic interface between living cells and their environment. They act as a mechanical barrier around the cell while selectively facilitating material transport, signal transduction, and various other functions necessary for the cell viability. The complex functionality of cell membranes and the hierarchical motions and responses they exhibit demand a thorough understanding of the origin of different membrane dynamics and how they are influenced by molecular additives and environmental cues. These dynamic modes include single-molecule diffusion, thermal fluctuations, and large-scale membrane deformations, to name a few. This review highlights advances in investigating structure-driven dynamics associated with model cell membranes, with a particular focus on insights gained from neutron scattering and spectroscopy experiments. We discuss the uniqueness of neutron contrast variation and its remarkable potential in probing selective membrane structure and dynamics on spatial and temporal scales over which key biological functions occur. We also present a summary of current and future opportunities in synergistic combinations of neutron scattering with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying complex membrane functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Gupta
- Department of Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Rana Ashkar
- Department of Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. and Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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15
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Adamatzky A. Towards proteinoid computers. Hypothesis paper. Biosystems 2021; 208:104480. [PMID: 34265376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Proteinoids - thermal proteins - are produced by heating amino acids to their melting point and initiation of polymerisation to produce polymeric chains. Proteinoids swell in aqueous solution into hollow microspheres. The proteinoid microspheres produce endogenous burst of electrical potential spikes and change patterns of their electrical activity in response to illumination. The microspheres can interconnect by pores and tubes and form networks with a programmable growth. We speculate on how ensembles of the proteinoid microspheres can be developed into unconventional computing devices.
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16
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Ivanov I, Castellanos SL, Balasbas S, Otrin L, Marušič N, Vidaković-Koch T, Sundmacher K. Bottom-Up Synthesis of Artificial Cells: Recent Highlights and Future Challenges. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:287-308. [PMID: 34097845 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-092220-085918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up approach in synthetic biology aims to create molecular ensembles that reproduce the organization and functions of living organisms and strives to integrate them in a modular and hierarchical fashion toward the basic unit of life-the cell-and beyond. This young field stands on the shoulders of fundamental research in molecular biology and biochemistry, next to synthetic chemistry, and, augmented by an engineering framework, has seen tremendous progress in recent years thanks to multiple technological and scientific advancements. In this timely review of the research over the past decade, we focus on three essential features of living cells: the ability to self-reproduce via recursive cycles of growth and division, the harnessing of energy to drive cellular processes, and the assembly of metabolic pathways. In addition, we cover the increasing efforts to establish multicellular systems via different communication strategies and critically evaluate the potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ivanov
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Sebastián López Castellanos
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Severo Balasbas
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Lado Otrin
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; ,
| | - Nika Marušič
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Tanja Vidaković-Koch
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; ,
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , , .,Department of Process Systems Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Spherical ordering from small molecules is a subject of intense interest to chemists. The inherent capability of amphiphiles to assemble spontaneously is the unique feature of the evolutionary process of life. Self-assembly is prevalent in biology and has attracted the interest of scientists across several disciplines. This is because scientists have realized that nature has extensively used this inherent organizational power contained in the molecules. Judicious use of the self-assembly principle is the cornerstone of nature's exotic assemblies. These exotic assemblies lead to unimaginable functions in biology that might not have been predicted from the monomer building blocks alone. Recently, a number of chemical systems that self-assemble in aqueous or organic solvents to form vesicles were reported. This account provides advances made from our laboratory toward designing and understanding the mechanism of formation of spherical vesicular assembly. A bottom-up approach for the de novo design of vesicles using nonlipidated molecular architecture will be a paradigm shift in vesicular research. Vesicles act as a protocell model for studying the origin and evolution of cellular life. They could also act as excellent model systems for studying the fusion of cells and membrane transport. Self-assembled vesicles have enormous potential for several applications such as drug and biomolecule delivery to cells and in materials science. These aspects along with the dynamic nature of vesicular assembly have attracted researchers to the study of spherical assemblies. The common belief was that the molecules that form vesicles must have one polar head and two hydrophobic tails. All attempts to synthesize vesicles are by mimicking nature's strategy, which mainly involves the self-assembly of lipid amphiphiles through a bilayer-like arrangement. Pseudopeptide-based molecules with the ability to form vesicles have changed this long-standing notion. In addition to chemical and medical applications, these peptide vesicles could act as models for protocells, membrane fusion, and the study of the vesiculation mechanism. This Account highlights the progress made toward a heuristic approach to the de novo design of vesicles using pseudopeptides as building blocks.A large number of diverse classes of pseudopeptides showed vesicular assembly. Various acyclic and cyclic molecules were designed and synthesized that showed spherical vesicular assembly. Cystine-based macrocyclic peptides showed drug encapsulation and release. Polymersomes with unusual topology, self-assembling tripodal ligands, and molecules containing amino acids such as lysine, leucine, cystine, and serine were synthesized. The incorporation of a wide variety of amino acids in the vesicle-forming peptides could enhance their scope and applications. The mechanism of vesiculation was also investigated using these designer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Haridas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), New Delhi 110016, India
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18
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Wei C, Pohorille A. Fast bilayer-micelle fusion mediated by hydrophobic dipeptides. Biophys J 2021; 120:2330-2342. [PMID: 33887225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the transition from inanimate matter to life, we studied a process that directly couples simple metabolism to evolution via natural selection, demonstrated experimentally by Adamala and Szostak. In this process, dipeptides synthesized inside precursors of cells promote absorption of fatty acid micelles to vesicles, inducing their preferential growth and division at the expense of other vesicles. The process is explained on the basis of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, each extending for tens of microseconds, carried out to model fusion between a micelle and a membrane, both made of fatty acids in the absence and presence of hydrophobic dipeptides. In all systems with dipeptides, but not in their absence, fusion events were observed. They involve the formation of a stalk made by hydrophobic chains from the micelle and the membrane, similar to that postulated for vesicle-vesicle fusion. The emergence of a stalk is facilitated by transient clusters of dipeptides, side chains of which form hydrophobic patches at the membrane surface. Committor probability calculations indicate that the size of a patch is a suitable reaction coordinate and allows for identifying the transition state for fusion. Free-energy barrier to fusion is greatly reduced in the presence of dipeptides to only 4-5 kcal/mol, depending on the hydrophobicity of side chains. The mechanism of mediated fusion, which is expected to apply to other small peptides and hydrophobic molecules, provides a robust means by which a nascent metabolism can confer evolutionary advantage to precursors of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wei
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Andrew Pohorille
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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19
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Seo H, Lee H. Recent developments in microfluidic synthesis of artificial cell-like polymersomes and liposomes for functional bioreactors. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:021301. [PMID: 33833845 PMCID: PMC8012066 DOI: 10.1063/5.0048441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in droplet microfluidics have led to the fabrication of versatile vesicles with a structure that mimics the cellular membrane. These artificial cell-like vesicles including polymersomes and liposomes effectively enclose an aqueous core with well-defined size and composition from the surrounding environment to implement various biological reactions, serving as a diverse functional reactor. The advantage of realizing various biological phenomena within a compartment separated by a membrane that resembles a natural cell membrane is actively explored in the fields of synthetic biology as well as biomedical applications including drug delivery, biosensors, and bioreactors, to name a few. In this Perspective, we first summarize various methods utilized in producing these polymersomes and liposomes. Moreover, we will highlight some of the recent advances in the design of these artificial cell-like vesicles for functional bioreactors and discuss the current issues and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
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20
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Zhang W, Wu Q. Applications of phage-derived RNA-based technologies in synthetic biology. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2020; 5:343-360. [PMID: 33083579 PMCID: PMC7564126 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most abundant biological entities with incredible diversity, bacteriophages (also known as phages) have been recognized as an important source of molecular machines for the development of genetic-engineering tools. At the same time, phages are crucial for establishing and improving basic theories of molecular biology. Studies on phages provide rich sources of essential elements for synthetic circuit design as well as powerful support for the improvement of directed evolution platforms. Therefore, phages play a vital role in the development of new technologies and central scientific concepts. After the RNA world hypothesis was proposed and developed, novel biological functions of RNA continue to be discovered. RNA and its related elements are widely used in many fields such as metabolic engineering and medical diagnosis, and their versatility led to a major role of RNA in synthetic biology. Further development of RNA-based technologies will advance synthetic biological tools as well as provide verification of the RNA world hypothesis. Most synthetic biology efforts are based on reconstructing existing biological systems, understanding fundamental biological processes, and developing new technologies. RNA-based technologies derived from phages will offer abundant sources for synthetic biological components. Moreover, phages as well as RNA have high impact on biological evolution, which is pivotal for understanding the origin of life, building artificial life-forms, and precisely reprogramming biological systems. This review discusses phage-derived RNA-based technologies terms of phage components, the phage lifecycle, and interactions between phages and bacteria. The significance of RNA-based technology derived from phages for synthetic biology and for understanding the earliest stages of biological evolution will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zhang
- MOE Key Lab. Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- MOE Key Lab. Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Corresponding author. MOE Key Lab. Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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21
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Blanken D, Foschepoth D, Serrão AC, Danelon C. Genetically controlled membrane synthesis in liposomes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4317. [PMID: 32859896 PMCID: PMC7455746 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17863-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid membranes, nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolism are essential for modern cellular life. Synthetic systems emulating the fundamental properties of living cells must therefore be built upon these functional elements. In this work, phospholipid-producing enzymes encoded in a synthetic minigenome are cell-free expressed within liposome compartments. The de novo synthesized metabolic pathway converts precursors into a variety of lipids, including the constituents of the parental liposome. Balanced production of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol is realized, owing to transcriptional regulation of the activity of specific genes combined with a metabolic feedback mechanism. Fluorescence-based methods are developed to image the synthesis and membrane incorporation of phosphatidylserine at the single liposome level. Our results provide experimental evidence for DNA-programmed membrane synthesis in a minimal cell model. Strategies are discussed to alleviate current limitations toward effective liposome growth and self-reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duco Blanken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - David Foschepoth
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana Calaça Serrão
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Christophe Danelon
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
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22
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Zhou W, Šmidlehner T, Jerala R. Synthetic biology principles for the design of protein with novel structures and functions. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2199-2212. [PMID: 32324903 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nature provides a large number of functional proteins that evolved during billions of years of evolution. The diversity of natural proteins encompasses versatile functions and more than a thousand different folds, which, however, represents only a tiny fraction of all possible folds and polypeptide sequences. Recent advances in the rational design of proteins demonstrate that it is possible to design de novo protein folds unseen in nature. Novel protein topologies have been designed based on similar principles as natural proteins using advanced computational modelling or modular construction principles, such as oligomerization domains. Designed proteins exhibit several interesting features such as extreme stability, designability of 3D topologies and folding pathways. Moreover, designed protein assemblies can implement symmetry similar to the viral capsids, while, on the other hand, single-chain pseudosymmetric designs can address each position independently. Recently, the design is expanding towards the introduction of new functions into designed proteins, and we may soon be able to design molecular machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Zhou
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Šmidlehner
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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23
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Ma Q, Song Y, Sun W, Cao J, Yuan H, Wang X, Sun Y, Shum HC. Cell-Inspired All-Aqueous Microfluidics: From Intracellular Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation toward Advanced Biomaterials. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1903359. [PMID: 32274317 PMCID: PMC7141073 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201903359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Living cells have evolved over billions of years to develop structural and functional complexity with numerous intracellular compartments that are formed due to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Discovery of the amazing and vital roles of cells in life has sparked tremendous efforts to investigate and replicate the intracellular LLPS. Among them, all-aqueous emulsions are a minimalistic liquid model that recapitulates the structural and functional features of membraneless organelles and protocells. Here, an emerging all-aqueous microfluidic technology derived from micrometer-scaled manipulation of LLPS is presented; the technology enables the state-of-art design of advanced biomaterials with exquisite structural proficiency and diversified biological functions. Moreover, a variety of emerging biomedical applications, including encapsulation and delivery of bioactive gradients, fabrication of artificial membraneless organelles, as well as printing and assembly of predesigned cell patterns and living tissues, are inspired by their cellular counterparts. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for further advancing the cell-inspired all-aqueous microfluidics toward a more powerful and versatile platform are discussed, particularly regarding new opportunities in multidisciplinary fundamental research and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Ma
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdao266021China
| | - Yang Song
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of Technology & Emory School of MedicineAtlantaGA30332USA
| | - Wentao Sun
- Center for Basic Medical ResearchTEDA International Cardiovascular HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin300457China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdao266021China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Institute of Applied MechanicsNational Taiwan UniversityTaipei10617Taiwan
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Institute of Thermal Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityJinan250061China
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdao266021China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Hong KongPokfulam RoadHong Kong
- HKU‐Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU‐SIRI)Shenzhen518000China
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24
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Lai SN, Zhou X, Ouyang X, Zhou H, Liang Y, Xia J, Zheng B. Artificial Cells Capable of Long-Lived Protein Synthesis by Using Aptamer Grafted Polymer Hydrogel. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:76-83. [PMID: 31880928 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein we report a new type of artificial cells capable of long-term protein expression and regulation. We constructed the artificial cells by grafting anti-His-tag aptamer into the polymer backbone of the hydrogel particles, and then immobilizing the His-tagged proteinaceous factors of the transcription and translation system into the hydrogel particles. Long-term protein expression for at least 16 days was achieved by continuously flowing feeding buffer through the artificial cells. The effect of various metal ions on the protein expression in the artificial cells was investigated. Utilizing the lac operator-repressor system, we could regulate the expression level of eGFP in the artificial cells by controlling the β-D-1-thiogalatopyranoside (IPTG) concentration in the feeding buffer. The artificial cells based on the aptamer grafted hydrogel provide a useful platform for gene circuit engineering, metabolic engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Nga Lai
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xiaofei Ouyang
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Yujie Liang
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
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25
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Li J, Baxani DK, Jamieson WD, Xu W, Rocha VG, Barrow DA, Castell OK. Formation of Polarized, Functional Artificial Cells from Compartmentalized Droplet Networks and Nanomaterials, Using One-Step, Dual-Material 3D-Printed Microfluidics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1901719. [PMID: 31921557 PMCID: PMC6947711 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of synthetic cells with user-defined chemical organization holds considerable promise in the creation of bioinspired materials. Complex emulsions, droplet networks, and nested vesicles all represent platforms for the engineering of segregated chemistries with controlled communication, analogous to biological cells. Microfluidic manufacture of such droplet-based materials typically results in radial or axisymmetric structures. In contrast, biological cells frequently display chemical polarity or gradients, which enable the determination of directionality, and inform higher-order interactions. Here, a dual-material, 3D-printing methodology to produce microfluidic architectures that enable the construction of functional, asymmetric, hierarchical, emulsion-based artificial cellular chassis is developed. These materials incorporate droplet networks, lipid membranes, and nanoparticle components. Microfluidic 3D-channel arrangements enable symmetry-breaking and the spatial patterning of droplet hierarchies. This approach can produce internal gradients and hemispherically patterned, multilayered shells alongside chemical compartmentalization. Such organization enables incorporation of organic and inorganic components, including lipid bilayers, within the same entity. In this way, functional polarization, that imparts individual and collective directionality on the resulting artificial cells, is demonstrated. This approach enables exploitation of polarity and asymmetry, in conjunction with compartmentalized and networked chemistry, in single and higher-order organized structures, thereby increasing the palette of functionality in artificial cellular materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
- Cardiff University School of EngineeringQueen's Buildings, 14‐17 The ParadeCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Divesh Kamal Baxani
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
| | - William David Jamieson
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
| | - Wen Xu
- Cardiff Business School Cardiff UniversityAberconway Building, Colum DrCardiffCF10 3EUUK
| | - Victoria Garcia Rocha
- Cardiff University School of EngineeringQueen's Buildings, 14‐17 The ParadeCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - David Anthony Barrow
- Cardiff University School of EngineeringQueen's Buildings, 14‐17 The ParadeCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Oliver Kieran Castell
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
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26
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Artificial cells containing sustainable energy conversion engines. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:573-578. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20190103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Living cells naturally maintain a variety of metabolic reactions via energy conversion mechanisms that are coupled to proton transfer across cell membranes, thereby producing energy-rich compounds. Until now, researchers have been unable to maintain continuous biochemical reactions in artificially engineered cells, mainly due to the lack of mechanisms that generate energy-rich resources, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). If these metabolic activities in artificial cells are to be sustained, reliable energy transduction strategies must be realized. In this perspective, this article discusses the development of an artificially engineered cell containing a sustainable energy conversion process.
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27
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Zhou H, Tan J, Zhang X. Nanoreactors for Chemical Synthesis and Biomedical Applications. Chem Asian J 2019; 14:3240-3250. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.201900967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhou
- Cancer Centre and Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Macau Macau SAR P.R. China
| | - Jingyun Tan
- Cancer Centre and Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Macau Macau SAR P.R. China
| | - Xuanjun Zhang
- Cancer Centre and Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Macau Macau SAR P.R. China
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28
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Ueda K, Mizuuchi R, Matsuda F, Ichihashi N. A Fusion Method to Develop an Expanded Artificial Genomic RNA Replicable by Qβ Replicase. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2331-2335. [PMID: 31037814 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
RNA-based genomes are used to synthesize artificial cells that harbor genome replication systems. Previously, continuous replication of an artificial genomic RNA that encoded an RNA replicase was demonstrated. The next important challenge is to expand such genomes by increasing the number of encoded genes. However, technical difficulties are encountered during such expansions because the introduction of new genes disrupts the secondary structure of RNA and makes RNA nonreplicable through replicase. Herein, a fusion method that enables the construction of a longer RNA from two replicable RNAs, while retaining replication capability, is proposed. Two replicable RNAs that encode different genes at various positions are fused, and a new parameter, the unreplicable index, which negatively correlates with the replication ability of the fused RNAs better than that of the previous parameter, is determined. The unreplicable index represents the expected value of the number of G or C nucleotides that are unpaired in both the template and complementary strands. It is also observed that some of the constructed fused RNAs replicate efficiently by using the internally translated replicase. The method proposed herein could contribute to the development of an expanded RNA genome that can be used for the purpose of artificial cell synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Ueda
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryo Mizuuchi
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 97207, USA
| | - Fumio Matsuda
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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29
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Abstract
Cells are the basic units of life, and can be mimicked to create artificial analogs enabling the investigation of cellular mechanisms under controlled conditions. Building biomimetic systems ranging from proto-cells to cell-like objects such as compartment membranes can be achieved by collecting biobricks that self-assemble to build simplified models performing specific functions. Hence, scientists can develop and optimize new synthetic cells with biological functions by taking inspiration from nature and exploiting the advantages of synthetic biology. However, the bottom-down approach is not restricted to the basic principles of biological cells, and new mimicry systems can be designed starting with a combination of living and non-living simple molecules to focus on a cellular machinery function. In recent years, microfluidic devices have been well established to engineer bioarchitecture models resembling cell-like structures involving vesicles, compartmentalization, synthetic membranes, and the chip itself as a synthetic cell. This review aims to highlight the role of biological cells and their impact on inspiring the development of biomimetic models. The combination of the principles of synthetic biology with microfluidic technology represents the newly-introduced field of synthetic cells and synthetic membranes that can be further exploited in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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30
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Ichihashi N. What can we learn from the construction of in vitro replication systems? Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1447:144-156. [PMID: 30957237 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Replication is a central function of living organisms. Several types of replication systems have been constructed in vitro from various molecules, including peptides, DNA, RNA, and proteins. In this review, I summarize the progress in the construction of replication systems over the past few decades and discuss what we can learn from their construction. I introduce various types of replication systems, supporting the feasibility of the spontaneous appearance of replication early in Earth's history. In the latter part of the review, I focus on parasitic replicators, one of the largest obstacles for sustainable replication. Compartmentalization is discussed as a possible solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Ichihashi
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Omidvar R, Römer W. Glycan-decorated protocells: novel features for rebuilding cellular processes. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20180084. [PMID: 30842879 PMCID: PMC6388021 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In synthetic biology approaches, lipid vesicles are widely used as protocell models. While many compounds have been encapsulated in vesicles (e.g. DNA, cytoskeleton and enzymes), the incorporation of glycocalyx components in the lipid bilayer has attracted much less attention so far. In recent years, glycoconjugates have been integrated in the membrane of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). These minimal membrane systems have largely contributed to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes. In this review, we first introduce several preparation and biophysical characterization methods of GUVs. Then, we highlight specific applications of protocells investigating glycolipid-mediated endocytosis of toxins, viruses and bacteria. In addition, we delineate how prototissues have been assembled from glycan-decorated protocells by using lectin-mediated cross-linking of opposed glycoreceptors (e.g. glycolipids and glycopeptides). In future applications, glycan-decorated protocells might be useful for investigating cell-cell interactions (e.g. adhesion and communication). We also speculate about the implication of lectin-glycoreceptor interactions in membrane fusion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Omidvar
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology (FIT), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology (FIT), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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32
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Karas BJ, Moreau NG, Deerinck TJ, Gibson DG, Venter JC, Smith HO, Glass JI. Direct Transfer of a Mycoplasma mycoides Genome to Yeast Is Enhanced by Removal of the Mycoides Glycerol Uptake Factor Gene glpF. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:239-244. [PMID: 30645947 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We previously discovered that intact bacterial chromosomes can be directly transferred to a yeast host cell where they can propagate as centromeric plasmids by fusing bacterial cells with S accharomyces cerevisiae spheroplasts. Inside the host any desired number of genetic changes can be introduced into the yeast centromeric plasmid to produce designer genomes that can be brought to life using a genome transplantation protocol. Earlier research demonstrated that the removal of restriction-systems from donor bacteria, such as Mycoplasma mycoides, Mycoplasma capricolum, or Haemophilus influenzae increased successful genome transfers. These findings suggested that other genetic factors might also impact the bacteria-to-yeast genome transfer process. In this study, we demonstrated that the removal of a particular genetic factor, the glycerol uptake facilitator protein gene glpF from M. mycoides, significantly increased direct genome transfer by up to 21-fold. Additionally, we showed that intact bacterial cells were endocytosed by yeast spheroplasts producing organelle-like structures within these yeast cells. These might lead to the possibility of creating novel synthetic organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogumil J. Karas
- Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Nicolette G. Moreau
- Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Thomas J. Deerinck
- National Centre for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, United States
| | - Daniel G. Gibson
- Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - J. Craig Venter
- Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Hamilton O. Smith
- Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - John I. Glass
- Synthetic Biology and Bioenergy Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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33
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Rampioni G, D'Angelo F, Leoni L, Stano P. Gene-Expressing Liposomes as Synthetic Cells for Molecular Communication Studies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:1. [PMID: 30705882 PMCID: PMC6344414 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up branch of synthetic biology includes-among others-innovative studies that combine cell-free protein synthesis with liposome technology to generate cell-like systems of minimal complexity, often referred to as synthetic cells. The functions of this type of synthetic cell derive from gene expression, hence they can be programmed in a modular, progressive and customizable manner by means of ad hoc designed genetic circuits. This experimental scenario is rapidly expanding and synthetic cell research already counts numerous successes. Here, we present a review focused on the exchange of chemical signals between liposome-based synthetic cells (operating by gene expression) and biological cells, as well as between two populations of synthetic cells. The review includes a short presentation of the "molecular communication technologies," briefly discussing their promises and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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34
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Fracasso G, Körner Y, Gonzales DTT, Dora Tang TY. In vitro gene expression and detergent-free reconstitution of active proteorhodopsin in lipid vesicles. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:314-322. [PMID: 30630374 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218820290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Our results offer the potential for straightforward, additive-free, and molecularly simple routes to building complex bioreactors based on in vitro transcription-translation systems and lipid vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Fracasso
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Yvonne Körner
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - T-Y Dora Tang
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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35
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Wong CK, Stenzel MH, Thordarson P. Non-spherical polymersomes: formation and characterization. Chem Soc Rev 2019; 48:4019-4035. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00856f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This tutorial review summarizes recent efforts over the past decade to study the morphological transformation of conventionally spherical polymersomes into non-spherical polymersomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Ken Wong
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
- The Australian Centre for Nanomedicine and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
| | - Pall Thordarson
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
- The Australian Centre for Nanomedicine and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology
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36
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Guo J, Poros-Tarcali E, Perez-Mercader J. Evolving polymersomes autonomously generated in and regulated by a semibatch pH oscillator. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:9383-9386. [PMID: 31318365 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc03486b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
pH-O-PISA: a semibatch pH oscillator drives polymerization by generating radicals periodically while simultaneously regulating the evolution of the self-assembled polymersomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Guo
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science and Origin of Life Initiative
- Harvard University
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Eszter Poros-Tarcali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science and Origin of Life Initiative
- Harvard University
- Cambridge
- USA
| | - Juan Perez-Mercader
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science and Origin of Life Initiative
- Harvard University
- Cambridge
- USA
- Santa Fe Institute
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37
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Stano P. Is Research on "Synthetic Cells" Moving to the Next Level? Life (Basel) 2018; 9:E3. [PMID: 30587790 PMCID: PMC6463193 DOI: 10.3390/life9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
"Synthetic cells" research focuses on the construction of cell-like models by using solute-filled artificial microcompartments with a biomimetic structure. In recent years this bottom-up synthetic biology area has considerably progressed, and the field is currently experiencing a rapid expansion. Here we summarize some technical and theoretical aspects of synthetic cells based on gene expression and other enzymatic reactions inside liposomes, and comment on the most recent trends. Such a tour will be an occasion for asking whether times are ripe for a sort of qualitative jump toward novel SC prototypes: is research on "synthetic cells" moving to a next level?
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento; Ecotekne-S.P. Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
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38
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Liu Z, Wang B, Jin S, Wang Z, Wang L, Liang S. Bioinspired Dual-Enzyme Colloidosome Reactors for High-Performance Biphasic Catalysis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:41504-41511. [PMID: 30403332 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a novel method for the construction of colloidosomes as a microreactor for dual-enzyme cascade biphasic reaction has been reported. A lipase-glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme pair is employed in this system. A water-soluble enzyme GOx is compartmentalized inside the colloidosomes. A hydrophobic environment-favored enzyme Candida Antarctica lipase B (CalB) is adsorbed on the outer surfaces of the colloidosomes. The catalysis system is set up by introducing these dual-enzyme-immobilized microcapsules into acetic ether. H2O2 is produced in the aqueous phase by the doped GOx, and then H2O2 diffused out of the microcapsules is utilized by CalB to catalyze the oxidation of ethyl acetate. Finally, the formed peracids oxidized N-heteroaromatic in situ. Furthermore, no obvious yield decline is observed in four reaction cycles. Thus, our work provides a new strategy for the design of high-performance biomimicking reactors for multiple enzyme cascade reactions and further expands the potential application area of colloidosomes.
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39
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Pardatscher G, Schwarz-Schilling M, Sagredo S, Simmel FC. Functional Surface-immobilization of Genes Using Multistep Strand Displacement Lithography. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30417873 DOI: 10.3791/58634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immobilization of genes on lithographically structured surfaces allows the study of compartmentalized gene expression processes in an open microfluidic bioreactor system. In contrast to other approaches towards artificial cellular systems, such a setup allows for a continuous supply with gene expression reagents and simultaneous draining of waste products. This facilitates the implementation of cell-free gene expression processes over extended periods of time, which is important for the realization of dynamic gene regulatory feedback systems. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the fabrication of genetic biochips using a simple-to-use lithographic technique based on DNA strand displacement reactions, which exclusively uses commercially available components. We also provide a protocol on the integration of compartmentalized genes with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic system. Furthermore, we show that the system is compatible with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, which can be used for the direct observation of molecular interactions between DNA and molecules contained in the expression mix.
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40
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Measurement and Numerical Modeling of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis: Combinatorial Block-Variants of the PURE System. DATA 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/data3040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is at the core of bottom-up construction of artificial cellular mimics. Intriguingly, several reports have revealed that when a transcription–translation (TX–TL) kit is encapsulated inside lipid vesicles (or water-in-oil droplets), high between-vesicles diversity is observed in terms of protein synthesis rate and yield. Stochastic solute partition can be a major determinant of these observations. In order to verify that the variation of TX–TL components concentration brings about a variation of produced protein rate and yield, here we directly measure the performances of the ‘PURE system’ TX–TL kit variants. We report and share the kinetic traces of the enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) synthesis in bulk aqueous phase, for 27 combinatorial block-variants. The eGFP production is a sensitive function of TX–TL components concentration in the explored concentration range. Providing direct evidence that protein synthesis yield and rate actually mirror the TX–TL composition, this study supports the above-mentioned hypothesis on stochastic solute partition, without excluding, however, the contribution of other factors (e.g., inactivation of components).
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41
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Self-replication of circular DNA by a self-encoded DNA polymerase through rolling-circle replication and recombination. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13089. [PMID: 30166584 PMCID: PMC6117322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in constructing artificial cells is the establishment of a recursive genome replication system coupled with gene expression from the genome itself. One of the simplest schemes of recursive DNA replication is the rolling-circle replication of a circular DNA coupled with recombination. In this study, we attempted to develop a replication system based on this scheme using self-encoded phi29 DNA polymerase and externally supplied Cre recombinase. We first identified that DNA polymerization is significantly inhibited by Cre recombinase. To overcome this problem, we performed in vitro evolution and obtained an evolved circular DNA that can replicate efficiently in the presence of the recombinase. We also showed evidence that during replication of the evolved DNA, the circular DNA was reproduced through recombination by Cre recombinase. These results demonstrate that the evolved circular DNA can reproduce itself through gene expression of a self-encoded polymerase. This study provides a step forward in developing a simple recursive DNA replication system for use in an artificial cell.
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42
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Marklew CJ, Booth A, Beales PA, Ciani B. Membrane remodelling by a lipidated endosomal sorting complex required for transport-III chimera, in vitro. Interface Focus 2018; 8:20180035. [PMID: 30443329 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of eukaryotic cells is underscored by the compartmentalization of chemical signals by phospholipid membranes. A grand challenge of synthetic biology is building life from the 'bottom-up', for the purpose of generating systems simple enough to precisely interrogate biological pathways or for adapting biology to perform entirely novel functions. Achieving compartmentalization of chemistries in an addressable manner is a task exquisitely refined by nature and embodied in a unique membrane remodelling machinery that pushes membranes away from the cytosol, the ESCRT-III (endosomal sorting complex required for transport-III) complex. Here, we show efforts to engineer a single ESCRT-III protein merging functional features from its different components. The activity of such a designed ESCRT-III is shown by its ability to drive the formation of compartments encapsulating fluorescent cargo. It appears that the modular nature of ESCRT-III allows its functional repurposing into a minimal machinery that performs sophisticated membrane remodelling, therefore enabling its use to create eukaryotic-like multi-compartment architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Marklew
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - A Booth
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - P A Beales
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - B Ciani
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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43
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Yoshiyama T, Ichii T, Yomo T, Ichihashi N. Automated in vitro evolution of a translation-coupled RNA replication system in a droplet flow reactor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11867. [PMID: 30089835 PMCID: PMC6082869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Automation is a useful strategy to make laborious evolutionary experiments faster and easier. To date, several types of continuous flow reactors have been developed for the automated evolutionary experiments of viruses and bacteria. However, the development of a flow reactor applicable to compartmentalized in vitro self-replication systems is still a challenge. In this study, we demonstrate automated in vitro evolution of a translation-coupled RNA system in a droplet flow reactor for the first time. This reactor contains approximately 1010 micro-scale droplets (average diameter is approximately 0.8 μm), which continuously fuse and divide among each other at a controllable rate. In the droplets, an RNA (artificial genomic RNA) replicate through the translation of self-encoded RNA replicase with spontaneously appearing parasitic RNA. We performed two automated replication experiments for more than 400 hours with different mixing intensities. We found that several mutations displayed increased frequencies in the genomic RNA populations and the dominant RNA mutants acquired the ability to replicate faster or acquired resistance to the parasitic RNA, demonstrating that Darwinian evolution occurred during the long-term replication. The droplet flow reactor we developed can be a useful tool to perform in vitro evolutionary experiments of translation-coupled systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Yoshiyama
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ichii
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Institute of Biology and Information Science, East China Normal University, 3663 Zhongshan North Rd., Shanghai, 200062, P.R. China
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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44
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Zhou X, Wu H, Cui M, Lai SN, Zheng B. Long-lived protein expression in hydrogel particles: towards artificial cells. Chem Sci 2018; 9:4275-4279. [PMID: 29780558 PMCID: PMC5944208 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00383a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we report a new type of cell-mimic particle capable of long-lived protein expression. We constructed the cell-mimic particles by immobilizing the proteinaceous factors of the cell-free transcription and translation system on the polymer backbone of hydrogel particles and encapsulating the plasmid template and ribosome inside the hydrogel. With the continuous supply of nutrients and energy, the protein expression in the cell-mimic particles remained stable for at least 11 days. We achieved the regulation of protein expression in the cell-mimic particles by the usage of lac operon. The cell-mimic particles quickly responded to the concentration change of isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) in the feeding buffer to regulate the mCherry expression level. We also constructed an in vitro genetic oscillator in the cell-mimic particles. Protein LacI provided a negative feedback to the expression of both LacI itself and eGFP, and the expression level change of eGFP presented an oscillation. We expect the cell-mimic particles to be a useful platform for gene circuit engineering, metabolic engineering, and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong , P. R. China .
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong , P. R. China .
| | - Miao Cui
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong , P. R. China .
| | - Sze Nga Lai
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong , P. R. China .
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong , P. R. China .
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45
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Majumder S, Garamella J, Wang YL, DeNies M, Noireaux V, Liu AP. Cell-sized mechanosensitive and biosensing compartment programmed with DNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 53:7349-7352. [PMID: 28524182 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc03455e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of cell-sized compartments programmed with DNA that are capable of sensing the chemical and physical environment remains challenging in synthetic cell engineering. Here, we construct mechanosensitive liposomes with biosensing capability by expressing the E. coli channel MscL and a calcium biosensor using cell-free expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagardip Majumder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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46
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47
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Advances in microfluidics for lipid nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles and applications in drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 128:84-100. [PMID: 29567396 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanobiomaterials as liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most widely used nanocarriers for drug delivery systems (DDSs). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes are also expected to be applied as DDS nanocarriers. The performance of nanomedicines relies on their components such as lipids, targeting ligands, encapsulated DNA, encapsulated RNA, and drugs. Recently, the importance of the nanocarrier sizes smaller than 100nm is attracting attention as a means to improve nanomedicine performance. Microfluidics and lab-on-a chip technologies make it possible to produce size-controlled LNPs by a simple continuous flow process and to separate EVs from blood samples by using a surface marker, ligand, or electric charge or by making a mass or particle size discrimination. Here, we overview recent advances in microfluidic devices and techniques for liposomes, LNPs, and EVs and their applications for DDSs.
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48
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Modular assembling process of an in-silico protocell. Biosystems 2018; 165:8-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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49
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Nanobiostructure of fibrous-like alumina functionalized with an analog of the BP100 peptide: Synthesis, characterization and biological applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 163:275-283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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50
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Ibrahim I, Lim HN, Mohd Zawawi R, Ahmad Tajudin A, Ng YH, Guo H, Huang NM. A review on visible-light induced photoelectrochemical sensors based on CdS nanoparticles. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:4551-4568. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00924d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Discovering the distinctive photophysical properties of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) has made these a popular subject in recent advances in nanotechnology-related analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izwaharyanie Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- 43400 UPM Serdang
- Malaysia
| | - Hong Ngee Lim
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- 43400 UPM Serdang
- Malaysia
| | - Ruzniza Mohd Zawawi
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- 43400 UPM Serdang
- Malaysia
| | - Asilah Ahmad Tajudin
- Department of Microbiology
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- 43400 UPM Serdang
- Malaysia
| | - Yun Hau Ng
- Particles and Catalysis Research Group
- School of Chemical Engineering
- The University of New South Wales
- Australia
| | - Hang Guo
- Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology
- Xiamen University Xiamen
- Fujian 361005
- China
| | - Nay Ming Huang
- New Energy Science & Engineering Programme
- University of Xiamen Malaysia
- Jalan SunSuria
- Bandar SunSuria
- 43900 Sepang
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