1
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Lansky Z, de Haan D, Piven Y, Rechav K, Gal A. Hexagonal Patterns in Diatom Silica Form via a Directional Two-Step Process. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402492. [PMID: 39239810 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Organisms are able to control material patterning down to the nanometer scale. This is exemplified by the intricate geometrical patterns of the silica cell wall of diatoms, a group of unicellular algae. Theoretical and modeling studies propose putative physical and chemical mechanisms to explain morphogenesis of diatom silica. Nevertheless, direct investigations of the underlying formation process are challenging because this process occurs within the confines of the living cell. Here, a method is developed for in situ 3D visualization of silica development in the diatom Stephanopyxis turris, using electron microscopy slice-and-view techniques. The formation of an isotropic hexagonal pattern made of nanoscale pores is documented. Surprisingly, these data reveal a directional process that starts with elongation of silica rods along one of the three equivalent orientations of the hexagonal lattice. Only as a secondary step, these rods are connected by crisscrossing bridges that give rise to the complete hexagonal pattern. These in situ observations combine two known properties of diatom silica, close packing of pores and branching of rods, to a unified process that yields isotropic patterns from an anisotropic background. Future research into diatom morphogenesis should focus on rod elongation and branching as the key for pattern formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zipora Lansky
- Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Diede de Haan
- Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Yuval Piven
- Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Katya Rechav
- Dept. of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Assaf Gal
- Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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2
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Zhao R, Amstad E. Bio-Informed Porous Mineral-Based Composites. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401052. [PMID: 39221524 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Certain biominerals, such as sea sponges and echinoderm skeletons, display a fascinating combination of mechanical properties and adaptability due to the well-defined structures spanning various length scales. These materials often possess high density normalized mechanical properties because they contain well-defined pores. The density-normalized mechanical properties of synthetic minerals are often inferior because the pores are stochastically distributed, resulting in an inhomogeneous stress distribution. The mechanical properties of synthetic materials are limited by the degree of structural and compositional control currently available fabrication methods offer. In the first part of this review, examples of structural elements nature uses to impart exceptional density normalized Young's moduli to its porous biominerals are showcased. The second part highlights recent advancements in the fabrication of bio-informed mineral-based composites possessing pores with diameters that span a wide range of length scales. The influence of the processing of mineral-based composites on their structures and mechanical properties is summarized. Thereby, it is aimed at encouraging further research directed to the sustainable, energy-efficient fabrication of synthetic lightweight yet stiff mineral-based composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhao
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Esther Amstad
- Swiss National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Bio-inspired materials, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
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3
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Wang YR, Zhang XX, Chen XX, Yin XH, Yang M, Jiang K, Liu SC. Enhancement of Bone Repair in Diabetic Rats with Metformin-Modified Silicified Collagen Scaffolds. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401430. [PMID: 39177124 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Regenerating bone defects in diabetic rats presents a significant challenge due to the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species and impaired autophagy on bone healing. To address these issues, a metformin-modified biomimetic silicified collagen scaffold is developed utilizing the principles of biomimetic silicification. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the scaffold enhanced bone tissue regeneration within the diabetic microenvironment through the release of dual bio-factors. Further analysis reveals a potential therapeutic mechanism whereby these dual bio-factors synergistically promoted osteogenesis in areas of diabetic bone defects by improving mitochondrial autophagy and maintaining redox balance. The present study provides critical insights into the advancement of tissue engineering strategies aimed at bone regeneration in diabetic patients. The study also sheds light on the underlying biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xia Zhang
- Xi'an International University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xu-Xu Chen
- The Department of Orthopedics, Hong-Hui Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Hua Yin
- The Department of Orthopedics, Hong-Hui Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Ming Yang
- The Department of Orthopedics, Hong-Hui Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Kuo Jiang
- The Department of Orthopedics, Hong-Hui Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Chang Liu
- The Department of Orthopedics, Hong-Hui Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
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4
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Kozak F, Brandis D, Pötzl C, Epasto LM, Reichinger D, Obrist D, Peterlik H, Polyansky A, Zagrovic B, Daus F, Geyer A, Becker CFW, Kurzbach D. An Atomistic View on the Mechanism of Diatom Peptide-Guided Biomimetic Silica Formation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401239. [PMID: 38874418 PMCID: PMC11321707 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401239] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Deciphering nature's remarkable way of encoding functions in its biominerals holds the potential to enable the rational development of nature-inspired materials with tailored properties. However, the complex processes that convert solution-state precursors into solid biomaterials remain largely unknown. In this study, an unconventional approach is presented to characterize these precursors for the diatom-derived peptides R5 and synthetic Silaffin-1A1 (synSil-1A1). These molecules can form defined supramolecular assemblies in solution, which act as templates for solid silica structures. Using a tailored structural biology toolbox, the structure-function relationships of these self-assemblies are unveiled. NMR-derived constraints are employed to enable a recently developed fractal-cluster formalism and then reveal the architecture of the peptide assemblies in atomistic detail. Finally, by monitoring the self-assembly activities during silica formation at simultaneous high temporal and residue resolution using real-time spectroscopy, the mechanism is elucidated underlying template-driven silica formation. Thus, it is demonstrated how to exercise morphology control over bioinorganic solids by manipulating the template architectures. It is found that the morphology of the templates is translated into the shape of bioinorganic particles via a mechanism that includes silica nucleation on the solution-state complexes' surfaces followed by complete surface coating and particle precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Kozak
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Dörte Brandis
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Christopher Pötzl
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Ludovica M. Epasto
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Daniela Reichinger
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Dominik Obrist
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Herwig Peterlik
- Faculty of PhysicsUniversity of ViennaBoltzmanngasse 5Vienna1090Austria
| | - Anton Polyansky
- Department of Structural and Computational BiologyMax Perutz LabsUniversity of ViennaCampus Vienna Biocenter 5ViennaA‐1030Austria
| | - Bojan Zagrovic
- Department of Structural and Computational BiologyMax Perutz LabsUniversity of ViennaCampus Vienna Biocenter 5ViennaA‐1030Austria
| | - Fabian Daus
- Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐Universität Marburg35032MarburgGermany
| | - Armin Geyer
- Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐Universität Marburg35032MarburgGermany
| | - Christian FW Becker
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
| | - Dennis Kurzbach
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWähringer Str. 38Vienna109Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem)University of ViennaWähringer Str. 42Vienna1090Austria
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5
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Zhai H, Chen Q, Yilmaz M, Wang B. Enhancing Aqueous Carbonation of Calcium Silicate through Acid and Base Pretreatments with Implications for Efficient Carbon Mineralization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13808-13817. [PMID: 37672711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) mineralization based on aqueous carbonation of alkaline earth silicate minerals is a promising route toward large-scale carbon removal. Traditional aqueous carbonation methods largely adopt acidification-based approaches, e.g., using concentrated/pressurized CO2 or acidic media, to accelerate mineral dissolution and carbonation. In this study, we designed and tested three distinctive routes to evaluate the effect of pretreatments under different pH conditions on aqueous carbonation, using amorphous calcium silicate (CS) as an example system. Pretreating CS with high concentrations (100 mM) of HCl (Route I) or NaOH (Route II and III) enhanced their carbonation degrees. However, NaOH pretreatment overall yielded higher carbonation degrees than the HCl pretreatment, with the highest carbonation degree achieved through Route III, where an extra step is taken after the NaOH pretreatment to remove the solution containing dissolved silica prior to carbonation. The HCl and NaOH pretreatments formed different intermediate silica products on the CS surface. Silica precipitated from the HCl pretreatment had a minimal effect on the carbonation degree. The high Ca/Si ratio intermediate phases formed from the NaOH, on the other hand, can be readily carbonated. In contrast to commonly utilized acidification-based approaches, basification offers a more promising route to accelerate aqueous carbonation as it can mitigate the need for costly pH swing and high-concentration/pressurized CO2. The key to aqueous carbonation under basic conditions, as suggested by this study, is the control of aqueous silica species that have a suppressing effect on carbonation. Overall, this study highlights the critical needs for investigations of aqueous mineral carbonation in a broader pH region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Qiyuan Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Mehmet Yilmaz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- School of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Bu Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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6
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Li M, Mirshafian R, Wang J, Mohanram H, Ahn KA, Hosseinzadeh S, Pervushin KV, Waite JH, Yu J. Compliant Clients: Catechols Exhibit Enhanced Solubility and Stability in Diverse Complex Coacervates. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4190-4198. [PMID: 37603820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte coacervates, with their greater-than-water density, low interfacial energy, shear thinning viscosity, and ability to undergo structural arrest, mediate the formation of diverse load-bearing macromolecular materials in living organisms as well as in industrial material fabrication. Coacervates, however, have other useful attributes that are challenging to study given the metastability of coacervate colloidal droplets and a lack of suitable analytical methods. We adopt solution electrochemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements to obtain remarkable insights about coacervates as solvent media for low-molecular-weight catechols. When catechols are added to dispersions of coacervated polyelectrolytes, there are two significant consequences: (1) catechols preferentially partition up to 260-fold into the coacervate phase, and (2) coacervates stabilize catechol redox potentials by up to +200 mV relative to the equilibrium solution. The results suggest that the relationship between phase-separated polyelectrolytes and their client molecules is distinct from that existing in aqueous solution and has the potential for insulating many redox-unstable chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Razieh Mirshafian
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jining Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Harini Mohanram
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Kollbe Ando Ahn
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Shayan Hosseinzadeh
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Konstantin V Pervushin
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - J Herbert Waite
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 637553, Singapore
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7
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Zhu X, Wang Z, Yang Y, Ma N, Zhang X. Bioinspired Formation of Anti-Ultraviolet Micro-Goose Bump PDMAEMA/PS Coatings. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300479. [PMID: 37532630 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, inspired by the human-giving goosebumps process, we demonstrated a rapid, versatile, and simple method to prepare anti-UV microstructures polymer blend films with good morphology based on phase separation. Through the results of characterizations, it is proved that the microstructures are formed by polymer phase separation. Then the formation possibility of microstructures is proved by thermodynamic analysis. Moreover, the phase-field model is used to simulate the formation of microstructures by the finite element method, which can illustrate the evolution process of the microstructures. Besides, the microstructures were prepared on different substrates through the simple phase separation method, which can verify the versatility of this method. In addition, the anti-UV performance of the micro-structure films was evaluated. This work proposed a simple and versatile route to prepare microstructures coating in different substrates, which exhibit well anti-UV performance, and this work has the application potential for preventing material aging caused by UV radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhu
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yuyun Yang
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
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8
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Zexer N, Kumar S, Elbaum R. Silica deposition in plants: scaffolding the mineralization. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:897-908. [PMID: 37094329 PMCID: PMC10332400 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad056] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silicon and aluminium oxides make the bulk of agricultural soils. Plants absorb dissolved silicon as silicic acid into their bodies through their roots. The silicic acid moves with transpiration to target tissues in the plant body, where it polymerizes into biogenic silica. Mostly, the mineral forms on a matrix of cell wall polymers to create a composite material. Historically, silica deposition (silicification) was supposed to occur once water evaporated from the plant surface, leaving behind an increased concentration of silicic acid within plant tissues. However, recent publications indicate that certain cell wall polymers and proteins initiate and control the extent of plant silicification. SCOPE Here we review recent publications on the polymers that scaffold the formation of biogenic plant silica, and propose a paradigm shift from spontaneous polymerization of silicic acid to dedicated active metabolic processes that control both the location and the extent of the mineralization. CONCLUSION Protein activity concentrates silicic acid beyond its saturation level. Polymeric structures at the cell wall stabilize the supersaturated silicic acid and allow its flow with the transpiration stream, or bind it and allow its initial condensation. Silica nucleation and further polymerization are enabled on a polymeric scaffold, which is embedded within the mineral. Deposition is terminated once free silicic acid is consumed or the chemical moieties for its binding are saturated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerya Zexer
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar 403726, Goa, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Rivka Elbaum
- R. H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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9
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Sheng H, Li Y, Feng J, Liu Y. Regulation of thermodynamics and kinetics of silica nucleation during the silicification process in higher plants. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 198:107674. [PMID: 37018864 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The formation mechanism of SiO2 aggregates is controversial because two contrasting hypotheses are often proposed to explain plant silicification. In this review, we summarize the physicochemical fundamentals of amorphous silica nucleation and discuss how plants regulate the process of silicification by influencing the thermodynamics and kinetics of silica nucleation. At silicification positions, plants overcome the thermodynamic barrier by establishing the supersaturation of the H4SiO4 solution and reducing the interfacial free energy. Among the thermodynamic-drivers, the establishment of supersaturation of H4SiO4 solution mainly depends on the expression of Si transporters for H4SiO4 supply, evapotranspiration for concentrating Si, and the other solutes in H4SiO4 solution for influencing the dissolution equilibrium of SiO2; while the interfacial free energy was reduced seemingly by the overexpression Na+/H+ antiporter SOS1 in high NaCl-stressed rice. Moreover, some kinetic-drivers, such as silicification-related proteins (Slp1 and PRP1) and new cell wall components, are actively expressed or synthesized by plants to interact with silicic acid, thereby reducing the kinetic barrier. According to classical nucleation theory, when the thermodynamic barrier is overcome, the super-saturated silicic acid solution (such as H4SiO4 in xylem sap) does not necessarily have to precipitate, just has the potential ability to precipitation. Thus, based on the mediators of SiO2 deposition at the thermodynamic-driven stage, it is difficult to evaluate whether the process of plant silicification is active or passive. We conclude that the characteristics of kinetic-drivers determine the mechanism of plant silicification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachun Sheng
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Tibetan Plateau Ethnic Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Sichuan Provincial Qiang-Yi Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Technology and Engineering Laboratory, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China.
| | - Ying Li
- Tibetan Plateau Ethnic Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Sichuan Provincial Qiang-Yi Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Technology and Engineering Laboratory, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China
| | - Jingqiu Feng
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Tibetan Plateau Ethnic Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Sichuan Provincial Qiang-Yi Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Technology and Engineering Laboratory, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Tibetan Plateau Ethnic Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China; Sichuan Provincial Qiang-Yi Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Technology and Engineering Laboratory, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610225, PR China.
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10
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Zhai H, Fan Y, Zhang W, Varsano N, Gal A. Polymer-Rich Dense Phase Can Concentrate Metastable Silica Precursors and Regulate Their Mineralization. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:601-607. [PMID: 36722128 PMCID: PMC9930081 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Multistep mineralization processes are pivotal in the fabrication of functional materials and are often characterized by far from equilibrium conditions and high supersaturation. Interestingly, such 'nonclassical' mineralization pathways are widespread in biological systems, even though concentrating molecules well beyond their saturation level is incompatible with cellular homeostasis. Here, we show how polymer phase separation can facilitate bioinspired silica formation by passively concentrating the inorganic building blocks within the polymer dense phase. The high affinity of the dense phase to mobile silica precursors generates a diffusive flux against the concentration gradient, similar to dynamic equilibrium, and the resulting high supersaturation leads to precipitation of insoluble silica. Manipulating the chemistry of the dense phase allows to control the delicate interplay between polymer chemistry and silica precipitation. These results connect two phase transition phenomena, mineralization and coacervation, and offer a framework to achieve better control of mineral formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhai
- Department
of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann
Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yuke Fan
- College
of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural
University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- College
of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural
University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Neta Varsano
- Department
of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute
of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Assaf Gal
- Department
of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann
Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel,
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11
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Shaffer CC, Zhai C, Chasteen JL, Orlova T, Zhukovskyi M, Smith BD. Silica nanoparticle remodeling under mild conditions: versatile one step conversion of mesoporous to hollow nanoparticles with simultaneous payload loading. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:17514-17518. [PMID: 36408868 PMCID: PMC9970696 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05528g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A binary mixture of mesoporous silica nanoparticles plus organic polyammonium additive (dye or drug) is cleanly converted upon mild heating into hollow nanoparticles. The remodeled nanoparticle shell is an organized nanoscale assembly of globular additive/silica subunits and cancer cell assays show that a loaded drug additive is bioavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra C Shaffer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Canjia Zhai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Jordan L Chasteen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Tatyana Orlova
- Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Maksym Zhukovskyi
- Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Bradley D Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Bruno F, Gigli L, Ferraro G, Cavallo A, Michaelis VK, Goobes G, Fratini E, Ravera E. Lysozyme is Sterically Trapped Within the Silica Cage in Bioinspired Silica-Lysozyme Composites: A Multi-Technique Understanding of Elusive Protein-Material Interactions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:8030-8037. [PMID: 35738569 PMCID: PMC9261187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lysozyme is widely known to promote the formation of condensed silica networks from solutions containing silicic acid, in a reproducible and cost-effective way. However, little is known about the fate of the protein after the formation of the silica particles. Also, the relative arrangement of the different components in the resulting material is a matter of debate. In this study, we investigate the nature of the protein-silica interactions by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy. We find that lysozyme and silica are in intimate contact and strongly interacting, but their interaction is neither covalent nor electrostatic: lysozyme is mostly trapped inside the silica by steric effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bruno
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Lucia Gigli
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ferraro
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Consorzio
per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavallo
- CERTEMA
S.c.a.r.l., S.P. Del
Cipressino Km 10, Cinigiano 58044, Italy
| | | | - Gil Goobes
- Department
of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Emiliano Fratini
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Consorzio
per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), via della Lastruccia, 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Enrico Ravera
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metalloproteine (CIRMMP), via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
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