1
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Matthew SL, Seib FP. Silk Bioconjugates: From Chemistry and Concept to Application. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:12-28. [PMID: 36706352 PMCID: PMC10777352 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Medical silks have captured global interest. While silk sutures have a long track record in humans, silk bioconjugates are still in preclinical development. This perspective examines key advances in silk bioconjugation, including the fabrication of silk-protein conjugates, bioconjugated silk particles, and bioconjugated substrates to enhance cell-material interactions in two and three dimensions. Many of these systems rely on chemical modification of the silk biopolymer, often using carbodiimide and reactive ester chemistries. However, recent progress in enzyme-mediated and click chemistries has expanded the molecular toolbox to enable biorthogonal, site-specific conjugation in a single step when combined with recombinant silk fibroin tagged with noncanonical amino acids. This perspective outlines key strategies available for chemical modification, compares the resulting silk conjugates to clinical benchmarks, and outlines open questions and areas that require more work. Overall, this assessment highlights a domain of new sunrise capabilities and development opportunities for silk bioconjugates that may ultimately offer new ways of delivering improved healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saphia
A. L. Matthew
- Strathclyde
Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, U.K.
| | - F. Philipp Seib
- Strathclyde
Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, U.K.
- Branch
Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular
Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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2
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Falcucci T, Radke M, Sahoo JK, Hasturk O, Kaplan DL. Multifunctional silk vinyl sulfone-based hydrogel scaffolds for dynamic material-cell interactions. Biomaterials 2023; 300:122201. [PMID: 37348323 PMCID: PMC10366540 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical and mechanical interactions between cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix influence cell behavior and fate. Mimicking these features in vitro has prompted the design and development of biomaterials, with continuing efforts to improve tailorable systems that also incorporate dynamic chemical functionalities. The majority of these chemistries have been incorporated into synthetic biomaterials, here we focus on modifications of silk protein with dynamic features achieved via enzymatic, "click", and photo-chemistries. The one-pot synthesis of vinyl sulfone modified silk (SilkVS) can be tuned to manipulate the degree of functionalization. The resultant modified protein-based material undergoes three different gelation mechanisms, enzymatic, "click", and light-induced, to generate hydrogels for in vitro cell culture. Further, the versatility of this chemical functionality is exploited to mimic cell-ECM interactions via the incorporation of bioactive peptides and proteins or by altering the mechanical properties of the material to guide cell behavior. SilkVS is well-suited for use in in vitro culture, providing a natural protein with both tunable biochemistry and mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Falcucci
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Margaret Radke
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA
| | | | - Onur Hasturk
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford, MA, USA.
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3
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Trossmann VT, Lentz S, Scheibel T. Factors Influencing Properties of Spider Silk Coatings and Their Interactions within a Biological Environment. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:434. [PMID: 37623678 PMCID: PMC10455157 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14080434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials are an indispensable part of biomedical research. However, although many materials display suitable application-specific properties, they provide only poor biocompatibility when implanted into a human/animal body leading to inflammation and rejection reactions. Coatings made of spider silk proteins are promising alternatives for various applications since they are biocompatible, non-toxic and anti-inflammatory. Nevertheless, the biological response toward a spider silk coating cannot be generalized. The properties of spider silk coatings are influenced by many factors, including silk source, solvent, the substrate to be coated, pre- and post-treatments and the processing technique. All these factors consequently affect the biological response of the environment and the putative application of the appropriate silk coating. Here, we summarize recently identified factors to be considered before spider silk processing as well as physicochemical characterization methods. Furthermore, we highlight important results of biological evaluations to emphasize the importance of adjustability and adaption to a specific application. Finally, we provide an experimental matrix of parameters to be considered for a specific application and a guided biological response as exemplarily tested with two different fibroblast cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa T. Trossmann
- Chair of Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (V.T.T.); (S.L.)
| | - Sarah Lentz
- Chair of Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (V.T.T.); (S.L.)
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Chair of Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (V.T.T.); (S.L.)
- Bayreuth Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Materials Center (BayMAT), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
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4
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Sisila V, Indhu M, Radhakrishnan J, Ayyadurai N. Building biomaterials through genetic code expansion. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:165-183. [PMID: 35908989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion (GCE) enables directed incorporation of noncoded amino acids (NCAAs) and unnatural amino acids (UNAAs) into the active core that confers dedicated structure and function to engineered proteins. Many protein biomaterials are tandem repeats that intrinsically include NCAAs generated through post-translational modifications (PTMs) to execute assigned functions. Conventional genetic engineering approaches using prokaryotic systems have limited ability to biosynthesize functionally active biomaterials with NCAAs/UNAAs. Codon suppression and reassignment introduce NCAAs/UNAAs globally, allowing engineered proteins to be redesigned to mimic natural matrix-cell interactions for tissue engineering. Expanding the genetic code enables the engineering of biomaterials with catechols - growth factor mimetics that modulate cell-matrix interactions - thereby facilitating tissue-specific expression of genes and proteins. This method of protein engineering shows promise in achieving tissue-informed, tissue-compliant tunable biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valappil Sisila
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Mohan Indhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Janani Radhakrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, India.
| | - Niraikulam Ayyadurai
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, India.
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5
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Gonzalez-Obeso C, Jane Hartzell E, Albert Scheel R, Kaplan DL. Delivering on the promise of recombinant silk-inspired proteins for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 192:114622. [PMID: 36414094 PMCID: PMC9812964 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Effective drug delivery is essential for the success of a medical treatment. Polymeric drug delivery systems (DDSs) are preferred over systemic administration of drugs due to their protection capacity, directed release, and reduced side effects. Among the numerous polymer sources, silks and recombinant silks have drawn significant attention over the past decade as DDSs. Native silk is produced from a variety of organisms, which are then used as sources or guides of genetic material for heterologous expression or engineered designs. Recombinant silks bear the outstanding properties of natural silk, such as processability in aqueous solution, self-assembly, drug loading capacity, drug stabilization/protection, and degradability, while incorporating specific properties beneficial for their success as DDS, such as monodispersity and tailored physicochemical properties. Moreover, the on-demand inclusion of sequences that customize the DDS for the specific application enhances efficiency. Often, inclusion of a drug into a DDS is achieved by simple mixing or diffusion and stabilized by non-specific molecular interactions; however, these interactions can be improved by the incorporation of drug-binding peptide sequences. In this review we provide an overview of native sources for silks and silk sequences, as well as the design and formulation of recombinant silk biomaterials as drug delivery systems in a variety of formats, such as films, hydrogels, porous sponges, or particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constancio Gonzalez-Obeso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Emily Jane Hartzell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Ryan Albert Scheel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA.
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6
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Gueta O, Amiram M. Expanding the chemical repertoire of protein-based polymers for drug-delivery applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114460. [PMID: 36030987 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Expanding the chemical repertoire of natural and artificial protein-based polymers (PBPs) can enable the production of sequence-defined, yet chemically diverse, biopolymers with customized or new properties that cannot be accessed in PBPs composed of only natural amino acids. Various approaches can enable the expansion of the chemical repertoire of PBPs, including chemical and enzymatic treatments or the incorporation of unnatural amino acids. These techniques are employed to install a wide variety of chemical groups-such as bio-orthogonally reactive, cross-linkable, post-translation modifications, and environmentally responsive groups-which, in turn, can facilitate the design of customized PBP-based drug-delivery systems with modified, fine-tuned, or entirely new properties and functions. Here, we detail the existing and emerging technologies for expanding the chemical repertoire of PBPs and review several chemical groups that either demonstrate or are anticipated to show potential in the design of PBP-based drug delivery systems. Finally, we provide our perspective on the remaining challenges and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osher Gueta
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Miriam Amiram
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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7
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Bargel H, Trossmann VT, Sommer C, Scheibel T. Bioselectivity of silk protein-based materials and their bio-inspired applications. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 13:902-921. [PMID: 36127898 PMCID: PMC9475208 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion to material surfaces is crucial for almost all organisms regarding subsequent biological responses. Mammalian cell attachment to a surrounding biological matrix is essential for maintaining their survival and function concerning tissue formation. Conversely, the adhesion and presence of microbes interferes with important multicellular processes of tissue development. Therefore, tailoring bioselective, biologically active, and multifunctional materials for biomedical applications is a modern focus of biomaterial research. Engineering biomaterials that stimulate and interact with cell receptors to support binding and subsequent physiological responses of multicellular systems attracted much interest in the last years. Further to this, the increasing threat of multidrug resistance of pathogens against antibiotics to human health urgently requires new material concepts for preventing microbial infestation and biofilm formation. Thus, materials exhibiting microbial repellence or antimicrobial behaviour to reduce inflammation, while selectively enhancing regeneration in host tissues are of utmost interest. In this context, protein-based materials are interesting candidates due to their natural origin, biological activity, and structural properties. Silk materials, in particular those made of spider silk proteins and their recombinant counterparts, are characterized by extraordinary properties including excellent biocompatibility, slow biodegradation, low immunogenicity, and non-toxicity, making them ideally suited for tissue engineering and biomedical applications. Furthermore, recombinant production technologies allow for application-specific modification to develop adjustable, bioactive materials. The present review focusses on biological processes and surface interactions involved in the bioselective adhesion of mammalian cells and repellence of microbes on protein-based material surfaces. In addition, it highlights the importance of materials made of recombinant spider silk proteins, focussing on the progress regarding bioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Bargel
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Vanessa T Trossmann
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Christoph Sommer
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Material Science and Engineering (BayMat), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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8
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Cheng J, Hu CF, Gan CY, Xia XX, Qian ZG. Functionalization and Reinforcement of Recombinant Spider Dragline Silk Fibers by Confined Nanoparticle Formation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3299-3309. [PMID: 35820196 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spider dragline silk is a remarkable protein fiber that is mechanically superior to almost any other natural or synthetic material. As a sustainable supply of natural dragline silk is not feasible, recombinant production of silk fibers with native-like mechanical properties and non-native physiochemical functions is highly desirable for various applications. Here, we report a new strategy for simultaneous functionalization and reinforcement of recombinant spider silk fibers by confined nanoparticle formation. First, a mimic silk protein (N16C) of spider Trichonephila clavipes was recombinantly produced and wet-spun into fibers. Drawing the as-spun fibers in water led to post-drawn fibers more suitable for the templated synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with uniform distribution throughout the synthetic fibers. This was exemplified using a chemical precipitation reaction to generate copper sulfide nanoparticle-incorporated fibers. These fibers and the derived fabric displayed a significant photothermal effect as their temperatures could increase to over 40 °C from room temperature within 3 min under near-infrared laser irradiation or simulated sunlight. In addition, the tensile strength and toughness of the nanofunctionalized fibers were greatly enhanced, and the toughness of these synthetic fibers could reach 160.1 ± 21.4 MJ m-3, which even exceeds that of natural spider dragline silk (111.19 ± 30.54 MJ m-3). Furthermore, the confined synthesis of gold NPs via a redox reaction was shown to improve the ultraviolet-protective effect and tensile mechanical properties of synthetic silk fibers. These results suggest that our strategy may have great potential for creating functional and high-performance spider silk fibers and fabrics for wide applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Fei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Yi Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xia Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Gang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
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9
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Hadar D, Strugach DS, Amiram M. Conjugates of Recombinant Protein‐Based Polymers: Combining Precision with Chemical Diversity. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dagan Hadar
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering Ben-Gurion University of the Negev P.O. Box 653 Beer-Sheva 8410501 Israel
| | - Daniela S. Strugach
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering Ben-Gurion University of the Negev P.O. Box 653 Beer-Sheva 8410501 Israel
| | - Miriam Amiram
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering Ben-Gurion University of the Negev P.O. Box 653 Beer-Sheva 8410501 Israel
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10
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Lang G, Grill C, Scheibel T. Site-Specific Functionalization of Recombinant Spider Silk Janus Fibers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202115232. [PMID: 34986278 PMCID: PMC9303884 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biotechnological production is a powerful tool to design materials with customized properties. The aim of this work was to apply designed spider silk proteins to produce Janus fibers with two different functional sides. First, functionalization was established through a cysteine‐modified silk protein, ntagCyseADF4(κ16). After fiber spinning, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were coupled via thiol‐ene click chemistry. Significantly reduced electrical resistivity indicated sufficient loading density of AuNPs on such fiber surfaces. Then, Janus fibers were electrospun in a side‐by‐side arrangement, with “non‐functional” eADF4(C16) on the one and “functional” ntagCyseADF4(κ16) on the other side. Post‐treatment was established to render silk fibers insoluble in water. Subsequent AuNP binding was highly selective on the ntagCyseADF4(κ16) side demonstrating the potential of such silk‐based systems to realize complex bifunctional structures with spatial resolutions in the nano scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Lang
- Biopolymer Processing Group, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig-Thoma-Straße 36A, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Carolin Grill
- Chair of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, TAO Gebäude, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Chair of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, TAO Gebäude, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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11
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Lang G, Grill C, Scheibel T. Site‐specific functionalization of recombinant spider silk Janus fibers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Lang
- Universität Bayreuth: Universitat Bayreuth Biopolymerprocessing GERMANY
| | - Carolin Grill
- Universität Bayreuth: Universitat Bayreuth Biomaterials GERMANY
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- University of Bayreuth Biomaterials Prof. Rüdiger Bormann Str. 1 95447 Bayreuth GERMANY
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12
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Li F, Bian C, Li D, Shi Q. Spider Silks: An Overview of Their Component Proteins for Hydrophobicity and Biomedical Applications. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:255-269. [PMID: 32895035 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200907104401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spider silks have received extensive attention from scientists and industries around the world because of their remarkable mechanical properties, which include high tensile strength and extensibility. It is a leading-edge biomaterial resource, with a wide range of potential applications. Spider silks are composed of silk proteins, which are usually very large molecules, yet many silk proteins still remain largely underexplored. While there are numerous reviews on spider silks from diverse perspectives, here we provide a most up-to-date overview of the spider silk component protein family in terms of its molecular structure, evolution, hydrophobicity, and biomedical applications. Given the confusion regarding spidroin naming, we emphasize the need for coherent and consistent nomenclature for spidroins and provide recommendations for pre-existing spidroin names that are inconsistent with nomenclature. We then review recent advances in the components, identification, and structures of spidroin genes. We next discuss the hydrophobicity of spidroins, with particular attention on the unique aquatic spider silks. Aquatic spider silks are less known but may inspire innovation in biomaterials. Furthermore, we provide new insights into antimicrobial peptides from spider silk glands. Finally, we present possibilities for future uses of spider silks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Li
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Bian
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Daiqin Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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13
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Whittall DR, Baker KV, Breitling R, Takano E. Host Systems for the Production of Recombinant Spider Silk. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:560-573. [PMID: 33051051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk is renowned for its impressive mechanical properties. It is one of the strongest known biomaterials, possessing mechanical properties that outmatch both steel and Kevlar. However, the farming of spiders for their silk is unfeasible. Consequently, production of recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) in more amenable hosts is an exciting field of research. For large-scale production to be viable, a heterologous silk production system that is both highly efficient and cost effective is essential. Genes encoding recombinant spidroin have been expressed in bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian cells, in addition to many other platforms. This review discusses the recent advances in exploiting an increasingly diverse range of host platforms in the heterologous production of recombinant spidroins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic R Whittall
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Katherine V Baker
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Rainer Breitling
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Eriko Takano
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
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14
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Liu Y, Huang W, Meng M, Chen M, Cao C. Progress in the application of spider silk protein in medicine. J Biomater Appl 2021; 36:859-871. [PMID: 33853426 DOI: 10.1177/08853282211003850] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk protein has attracted much attention on account of its excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. As the main protein component of spider silk, spidroin plays important role in spider spinning under natural circumstances and biomaterial application in medicine as well. Compare to the native spidroin which has a large molecular weight (>300 kDa) with highly repeat glycine and polyalanine regions, the recombinant spidroin was maintained the core amino motifs and much easier to collect. Here, we reviewed the application of recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(C16), major ampullate spidroin (MaSp), minor ampullate spidroin (MiSp), and the derivatives of recombinant spider silk protein in drug delivery system. Moreover, we also reviewed the application of spider silk protein in the field of alternative materials, repairing materials, wound dressing, surgical sutures along with advances in recombinant spider silk protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- 1Key Laboratories of Fine Chemicals and Surfactants in Sichuan Provincial Universities, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong, China
| | - Wei Huang
- 1Key Laboratories of Fine Chemicals and Surfactants in Sichuan Provincial Universities, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong, China
| | - Minsi Meng
- 1Key Laboratories of Fine Chemicals and Surfactants in Sichuan Provincial Universities, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong, China
| | - Minhui Chen
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital, Zigong, China
| | - Chengjian Cao
- 3Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zigong First People's Hospital, Zigong, China
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15
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Chambre L, Martín-Moldes Z, Parker RN, Kaplan DL. Bioengineered elastin- and silk-biomaterials for drug and gene delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 160:186-198. [PMID: 33080258 PMCID: PMC7736173 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Advances in medical science have led to diverse new therapeutic modalities, as well as enhanced understanding of the progression of various disease states. These findings facilitate the design and development of more customized and exquisite drug delivery systems that aim to improve therapeutic indices of drugs to treat a variety of conditions. Synthetic polymer-based drug carriers have often been the focus of such research. However, these structures suffer from challenges with heterogeneity of the starting material, limited chemical features, complex functionalization methods, and in some cases a lack of biocompatibility. Consequently, protein-based polymers have garnered much attention in recent years due to their monodisperse features, ease of production and functionalization, and biocompatibility. Genetic engineering techniques enable the advancement of protein-based drug delivery systems with finely tuned physicochemical properties, and thus an expanded level of customization unavailable with synthetic polymers. Of these genetically engineered proteins, elastin-like proteins (ELP), silk-like proteins (SLP), and silk-elastin-like proteins (SELP) provide a unique set of alternatives for designing drug delivery systems due to their inherent chemical and physical properties and ease of engineering afforded by recombinant DNA technologies. In this review we examine the advantages of genetically engineered drug delivery systems with emphasis on ELP and SLP constructions. Methods for fabrication and relevant biomedical applications will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chambre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Zaira Martín-Moldes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Rachael N Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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16
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Kvick M, Tasiopoulos CP, Barth A, Söderberg LD, Lundell F, Hedhammar M. Cyclic Expansion/Compression of the Air-Liquid Interface as a Simple Method to Produce Silk Fibers. Macromol Biosci 2020; 21:e2000227. [PMID: 33016002 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of recombinant spider silk protein at air-liquid interfaces is used as a starting point to produce homogeneous fiber bundles. The film that is formed on a silk protein solution in a vertically placed syringe is subjected to repeated controlled extension and compression by an oscillating vertical motion. Thereby, a precise breakup of the film can be achieved, followed by transport and roll-up against the syringe wall prior to extraction. Advantages of the method are that it 1) is simple to use; 2) requires a small volume of protein solution (1 mL) at relatively low concentration (1 mg mL-1 ); 3) can be performed under sterile conditions; 4) does not require any use of coagulants; and 5) is compatible with the addition of viable cells during the process, which thereby are integrated uniformly throughout the fiber.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos P Tasiopoulos
- Institute of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Biotechnology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Andreas Barth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Lars Daniel Söderberg
- Linné FLOW Centre, KTH Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden.,Wallenberg Wood Science Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Lundell
- Linné FLOW Centre, KTH Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden.,Wallenberg Wood Science Center, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- Institute of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Biotechnology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
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17
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Harvey D, Bray G, Zamberlan F, Amer M, Goodacre SL, Thomas NR. Cyclo(RGDfK) Functionalized Spider Silk Cell Scaffolds: Significantly Improved Performance in Just One Click. Macromol Biosci 2020; 20:e2000255. [PMID: 32864887 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant spider silk has the potential to provide a new generation of biomaterial scaffolds as a result of its degree of biocompatibility and lack of immunogenicity. These recombinant biomaterials are, however, reported to exhibit poor cellular adhesion which limits their potential for use in applications such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, a simple chemical functionalization approach is described that specifically addresses this issue and significantly improves the adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (CiMSCs) to a recombinant spider silk biomaterial. This utilizes copper-catalyzed or strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC/SPAAC) "click" chemistry to covalently attach cyclo(RGDfK) peptides to the azide group of l-azidohomoalanine, a methionine analogue previously site specifically incorporated into the primary sequence of a thioredoxin (TRX)-tagged silk fusion protein, TRX-4RepCT, to give TRX3Aha -4RepCT3Aha . This method is used to produce cyclo(RGDfK) functionalized films and macroscopic fibers. Over 24 h, cyclo(RGDfK) functionalized TRX3Aha -4RepCT3Aha films and 4RepCT3Aha fibers display significantly improved performance in CiMSC culture, yielding far greater cell numbers than the controls. This approach circumvents the previously observed lack of cell adhesion, thus allowing spider silk derived biomaterials to be used where such adhesion is critical, in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Harvey
- The Biodiscovery Institute, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Gemma Bray
- The Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Francesco Zamberlan
- The Biodiscovery Institute, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mahetab Amer
- The Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Sara L Goodacre
- University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Neil R Thomas
- The Biodiscovery Institute, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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18
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Abstract
Spider web proteins are unique materials created by nature that, considering the combination of their properties, do not have analogues among natural or human-created materials. Obtaining significant amounts of these proteins from natural sources is not feasible. Biotechnological manufacturing in heterological systems is complicated by the very high molecular weight of spidroins and their specific amino acid composition. Obtaining recombinant analogues of spidroins in heterological systems, mainly in bacteria and yeast, has become a compromise solution. Because they can self-assemble, these proteins can form various materials, such as fibers, films, 3D-foams, hydrogels, tubes, and microcapsules. The effectiveness of spidroin hydrogels in deep wound healing, as 3D scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration and as oriented fibers for axon growth and nerve tissue regeneration, was demonstrated in animal models. The possibility to use spidroin micro- and nanoparticles for drug delivery was demonstrated, including the use of modified spidroins for virus-free DNA delivery into animal cell nuclei. In the past few years, significant interest has arisen concerning the use of these materials as biocompatible and biodegradable soft optics to construct photonic crystal super lenses and fiber optics and as soft electronics to use in triboelectric nanogenerators. This review summarizes the latest achievements in the field of spidroin production, the creation of materials based on them, the study of these materials as a scaffold for the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of various types of cells, and the prospects for using these materials for medical applications (e.g., tissue engineering, drug delivery, coating medical devices), soft optics, and electronics. Accumulated data suggest the use of recombinant spidroins in medical practice in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir G Debabov
- State Research Institute for Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute" (NRC "Kurchatov Institute"-GOSNIIGENETIKA), Moscow 117545, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Bogush
- State Research Institute for Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms of National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute" (NRC "Kurchatov Institute"-GOSNIIGENETIKA), Moscow 117545, Russia
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19
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Bacteria as genetically programmable producers of bioactive natural products. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:172-193. [PMID: 37128046 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-0176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Next to plants, bacteria account for most of the biomass on Earth. They are found everywhere, although certain species thrive only in specific ecological niches. These microorganisms biosynthesize a plethora of both primary and secondary metabolites, defined, respectively, as those required for the growth and maintenance of cellular functions and those not required for survival but offering a selective advantage for the producer under certain conditions. As a result, bacterial fermentation has long been used to manufacture valuable natural products of nutritional, agrochemical and pharmaceutical interest. The interactions of secondary metabolites with their biological targets have been optimized by millions of years of evolution and they are, thus, considered to be privileged chemical structures, not only for drug discovery. During the last two decades, functional genomics has allowed for an in-depth understanding of the underlying biosynthetic logic of secondary metabolites. This has, in turn, paved the way for the unprecedented use of bacteria as programmable biochemical workhorses. In this Review, we discuss the multifaceted use of bacteria as biological factories in diverse applications and highlight recent advances in targeted genetic engineering of bacteria for the production of valuable bioactive compounds. Emphasis is on current advances to access nature's abundance of natural products.
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20
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Whole-Genome Sequencing of Pantoea sp. Strain RIT388, a Potential Oral Opportunistic Pathogen Isolated from a Chewing Stick ( Distemonanthus benthamianus). Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/9/e01468-19. [PMID: 32107300 PMCID: PMC7046821 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01468-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the isolation, identification, characterization, and whole-genome sequence of the endophyte Pantoea sp. strain RIT388, isolated from Distemonanthus benthamianus, a plant known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that is commonly used for chewing sticks.
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21
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Chouhan D, Mandal BB. Silk biomaterials in wound healing and skin regeneration therapeutics: From bench to bedside. Acta Biomater 2020; 103:24-51. [PMID: 31805409 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Silk biomaterials are known for biomedical and tissue engineering applications including drug delivery and implantable devices owing to their biocompatible and a wide range of ideal physico-chemical properties. Herein, we present a critical overview of the progress of silk-based matrices in skin regeneration therapeutics with an emphasis on recent innovations and scientific findings. Beginning with a brief description of numerous varieties of silks, the review summarizes our current understanding of the biological properties of silk that help in the wound healing process. Various silk varieties such as silkworm silk fibroin, silk sericin, native spider silk and recombinant silk materials have been explored for cutaneous wound healing applications from the past few decades. With an aim to harness the regenerative properties of silk, numerous strategies have been applied to develop functional bioactive wound dressings and viable bio-artificial skin grafts in recent times. The review examines multiple inherent properties of silk that aid in the critical events of the healing process such as cell migration, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization. A detailed insight into the progress of silk-based cellular skin grafts is also provided that discusses various co-culture strategies and development of bilayer and tri-layer human skin equivalent under in vitro conditions. In addition, functionalized silk matrices loaded with bioactive molecules and antibacterial compounds are discussed, which have shown great potential in treating hard-to-heal wounds. Finally, clinical studies performed using silk-based translational products are reviewed that validate their regenerative properties and future applications in this area. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The review article discusses the recent advances in silk-based technologies for wound healing applications, covering various types of silk biomaterials and their properties suitable for wound repair and regeneration. The article demonstrates the progress of silk-based matrices with an update on the patented technologies and clinical advancements over the years. The rationale behind this review is to highlight numerous properties of silk biomaterials that aid in all the critical events of the wound healing process towards skin regeneration. Functionalization strategies to fabricate silk dressings containing bioactive molecules and antimicrobial compounds for drug delivery to the wound bed are discussed. In addition, a separate section describes the approaches taken to generate living human skin equivalent that have recently contributed in the field of skin tissue engineering.
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22
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Peng CA, Kozubowski L, Marcotte WR. Advances in Plant-Derived Scaffold Proteins. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:122. [PMID: 32161608 PMCID: PMC7052361 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Scaffold proteins form critical biomatrices that support cell adhesion and proliferation for regenerative medicine and drug screening. The increasing demand for such applications urges solutions for cost effective and sustainable supplies of hypoallergenic and biocompatible scaffold proteins. Here, we summarize recent efforts in obtaining plant-derived biosynthetic spider silk analogue and the extracellular matrix protein, collagen. Both proteins are composed of a large number of tandem block repeats, which makes production in bacterial hosts challenging. Furthermore, post-translational modification of collagen is essential for its function which requires co-transformation of multiple copies of human prolyl 4-hydroxylase. We discuss our perspectives on how the GAANTRY system could potentially assist the production of native-sized spider dragline silk proteins and prolyl hydroxylated collagen. The potential of recombinant scaffold proteins in drug delivery and drug discovery is also addressed.
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23
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Tasiopoulos CP, Petronis S, Sahlin H, Hedhammar M. Surface Functionalization of PTFE Membranes Intended for Guided Bone Regeneration Using Recombinant Spider Silk. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 3:577-583. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Panagiotis Tasiopoulos
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 114 21, Sweden
| | - Sarunas Petronis
- Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås 501 15, Sweden
| | - Herman Sahlin
- Research Department, Neoss Ltd, Göteborg 413 46, Sweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 114 21, Sweden
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24
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Saric M, Scheibel T. Engineering of silk proteins for materials applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 60:213-220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Romano JD, Tatonetti NP. Informatics and Computational Methods in Natural Product Drug Discovery: A Review and Perspectives. Front Genet 2019; 10:368. [PMID: 31114606 PMCID: PMC6503039 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new pharmaceutical drugs is one of the preeminent tasks-scientifically, economically, and socially-in biomedical research. Advances in informatics and computational biology have increased productivity at many stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Nevertheless, drug discovery has slowed, largely due to the reliance on small molecules as the primary source of novel hypotheses. Natural products (such as plant metabolites, animal toxins, and immunological components) comprise a vast and diverse source of bioactive compounds, some of which are supported by thousands of years of traditional medicine, and are largely disjoint from the set of small molecules used commonly for discovery. However, natural products possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from traditional small molecule drug candidates, requiring new methods and approaches for assessing their therapeutic potential. In this review, we investigate a number of state-of-the-art techniques in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and knowledge engineering for data-driven drug discovery from natural products. We focus on methods that aim to bridge the gap between traditional small-molecule drug candidates and different classes of natural products. We also explore the current informatics knowledge gaps and other barriers that need to be overcome to fully leverage these compounds for drug discovery. Finally, we conclude with a "road map" of research priorities that seeks to realize this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Romano
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Tatonetti
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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26
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Mantravadi PK, Kalesh KA, Dobson RCJ, Hudson AO, Parthasarathy A. The Quest for Novel Antimicrobial Compounds: Emerging Trends in Research, Development, and Technologies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:E8. [PMID: 30682820 PMCID: PMC6466574 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria pose one of the most important health challenges of the 21st century. The overuse and abuse of antibiotics coupled with the natural evolutionary processes of bacteria has led to this crisis. Only incremental advances in antibiotic development have occurred over the last 30 years. Novel classes of molecules, such as engineered antibodies, antibiotic enhancers, siderophore conjugates, engineered phages, photo-switchable antibiotics, and genome editing facilitated by the CRISPR/Cas system, are providing new avenues to facilitate the development of antimicrobial therapies. The informatics revolution is transforming research and development efforts to discover novel antibiotics. The explosion of nanotechnology and micro-engineering is driving the invention of antimicrobial materials, enabling the cultivation of "uncultivable" microbes and creating specific and rapid diagnostic technologies. Finally, a revival in the ecological aspects of microbial disease management, the growth of prebiotics, and integrated management based on the "One Health" model, provide additional avenues to manage this health crisis. These, and future scientific and technological developments, must be coupled and aligned with sound policy and public awareness to address the risks posed by rising antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renwick C J Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800 Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - André O Hudson
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, 85 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.
| | - Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, 85 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.
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27
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Chouhan D, Thatikonda N, Nilebäck L, Widhe M, Hedhammar M, Mandal BB. Recombinant Spider Silk Functionalized Silkworm Silk Matrices as Potential Bioactive Wound Dressings and Skin Grafts. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:23560-23572. [PMID: 29940099 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b05853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Silk is considered to be a potential biomaterial for a wide number of biomedical applications. Silk fibroin (SF) can be retrieved in sufficient quantities from the cocoons produced by silkworms. While it is easy to formulate into scaffolds with favorable mechanical properties, the natural SF does not contain bioactive functions. Spider silk proteins, on the contrary, can be produced in fusion with bioactive protein domains, but the recombinant procedures are expensive, and large-scale production is challenging. We combine the two types of silk to fabricate affordable, functional tissue-engineered constructs for wound-healing applications. Nanofibrous mats and microporous scaffolds made of natural silkworm SF are used as a bulk material that are top-coated with the recombinant spider silk protein (4RepCT) in fusion with a cell-binding motif, antimicrobial peptides, and a growth factor. For this, the inherent silk properties are utilized to form interactions between the two silk types by self-assembly. The intended function, that is, improved cell adhesion, antimicrobial activity, and growth factor stimulation, could be demonstrated for the obtained functionalized silk mats. As a skin prototype, SF scaffolds coated with functionalized silk are cocultured with multiple cell types to demonstrate formation of a bilayered tissue construct with a keratinized epidermal layer under in vitro conditions. The encouraging results support this strategy of fabrication of an affordable bioactive SF-spider silk-based biomaterial for wound dressings and skin substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimple Chouhan
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati , Guwahati 781039 , Assam , India
| | - Naresh Thatikonda
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center , 106 91 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Linnea Nilebäck
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center , 106 91 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Mona Widhe
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center , 106 91 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health , KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center , 106 91 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Biman B Mandal
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati , Guwahati 781039 , Assam , India
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28
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Akef HM. Anticancer, antimicrobial, and analgesic activities of spider venoms. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2018; 7:381-395. [PMID: 30090588 PMCID: PMC6060684 DOI: 10.1039/c8tx00022k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms are complex mixtures composed of a variety of compounds, including salts, small organic molecules, peptides, and proteins. But, the venom of a few species is dangerous to humans. High levels of chemical diversity make spider venoms attractive subjects for chemical prospecting. Many spider venom components show potential activity against a wide range of human diseases. However, the development of novel venom-derived therapeutics requires an understanding of their mechanisms of action. This review will highlight the structures, activities and the possible mechanisms of action of spider venoms and their components against cancer, microbial infections, and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M Akef
- National Organization for Research and Control of Biologicals (NORCB) , Giza , Egypt . ; ; Tel: +20-2-37480478
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29
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Aigner TB, DeSimone E, Scheibel T. Biomedical Applications of Recombinant Silk-Based Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1704636. [PMID: 29436028 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201704636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Silk is mostly known as a luxurious textile, which originates from silkworms first cultivated in China. A deeper look into the variety of silk reveals that it can be used for much more, in nature and by humanity. For medical purposes, natural silks were recognized early as a potential biomaterial for surgical threads or wound dressings; however, as biomedical engineering advances, the demand for high-performance, naturally derived biomaterials becomes more pressing and stringent. A common problem of natural materials is their large batch-to-batch variation, the quantity available, their potentially high immunogenicity, and their fast biodegradation. Some of these common problems also apply to silk; therefore, recombinant approaches for producing silk proteins have been developed. There are several research groups which study and utilize various recombinantly produced silk proteins, and many of these have also investigated their products for biomedical applications. This review gives a critical overview over of the results for applications of recombinant silk proteins in biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elise DeSimone
- University Bayreuth, Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen (BZKG), Bayreuther Zentrum für Bio-Makromoleküle (bio-mac), Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften (BZMB), Bayreuther Materialzentrum (BayMAT), Bayerisches Polymerinstitut (BPI), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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30
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Conservation of a pH-sensitive structure in the C-terminal region of spider silk extends across the entire silk gene family. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 120:574-580. [PMID: 29445119 PMCID: PMC5943517 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders produce multiple silks with different physical properties that allow them to occupy a diverse range of ecological niches, including the underwater environment. Despite this functional diversity, past molecular analyses show a high degree of amino acid sequence similarity between C-terminal regions of silk genes that appear to be independent of the physical properties of the resulting silks; instead, this domain is crucial to the formation of silk fibers. Here, we present an analysis of the C-terminal domain of all known types of spider silk and include silk sequences from the spider Argyroneta aquatica, which spins the majority of its silk underwater. Our work indicates that spiders have retained a highly conserved mechanism of silk assembly, despite the extraordinary diversification of species, silk types and applications of silk over 350 million years. Sequence analysis of the silk C-terminal domain across the entire gene family shows the conservation of two uncommon amino acids that are implicated in the formation of a salt bridge, a functional bond essential to protein assembly. This conservation extends to the novel sequences isolated from A. aquatica. This finding is relevant to research regarding the artificial synthesis of spider silk, suggesting that synthesis of all silk types will be possible using a single process.
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