1
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Chen C, Wu S, Wang Y, Cao J, Tian L. Reversible modulation of protocell volume via collective response of functional protein in its membrane. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 651:182-190. [PMID: 37542893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.07.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Volume change plays an important role in biological cells to regulate their internal microenvironment. To adapt to the rapid variation of the surface area during the volume change, the lipid membrane is dynamically modulated via membrane folding invagination, or spontaneous uptake or release of lipid molecules under osmotic pressure. Here, we demonstrate an alternative approach to design a functional protocellular system capable of dynamically adjusting its volume and intracellular microenvironment in response to the alteration of pH. By assembling and subsequently cross-linking pH-responsive caseinate at the water-oil interface, the caseinate-based protocell with more than ten thousand caseinate units in its membrane was established and showed a reversible volume and pore size change to pH variation due to the collective response of the caseinate in the membrane, which could be used to control the spatial distribution of proto-organelle by regulating of the viscosity inside the protocell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Innovation Center for Smart Medical Technologies & Devices, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shuqi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Jinxuan Cao
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Liangfei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Innovation Center for Smart Medical Technologies & Devices, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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2
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Shrivastava A, Du Y, Adepu HK, Li R, Madhvacharyula AS, Swett AA, Choi JH. Motility of Synthetic Cells from Engineered Lipids. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2789-2801. [PMID: 37729546 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial systems that resemble natural cells. Significant efforts have been made over the years to construct synthetic protocells that can mimic biological mechanisms and perform various complex processes. These include compartmentalization, metabolism, energy supply, communication, and gene reproduction. Cell motility is also of great importance, as nature uses elegant mechanisms for intracellular trafficking, immune response, and embryogenesis. In this review, we discuss the motility of synthetic cells made from lipid vesicles and relevant molecular mechanisms. Synthetic cell motion may be classified into surface-based or solution-based depending on whether it involves interactions with surfaces or movement in fluids. Collective migration behaviors have also been demonstrated. The swarm motion requires additional mechanisms for intercellular signaling and directional motility that enable communication and coordination among the synthetic vesicles. In addition, intracellular trafficking for molecular transport has been reconstituted in minimal cells with the help of DNA nanotechnology. These efforts demonstrate synthetic cells that can move, detect, respond, and interact. We envision that new developments in protocell motility will enhance our understanding of biological processes and be instrumental in bioengineering and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwary Shrivastava
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Yancheng Du
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Harshith K Adepu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ruixin Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Anirudh S Madhvacharyula
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Alexander A Swett
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, 701 W. Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jong Hyun Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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3
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Häfner G, Müller M. Reaction-driven assembly: controlling changes in membrane topology by reaction cycles. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7281-7292. [PMID: 37605887 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00876b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Chemical reaction cycles are prototypical examples how to drive systems out of equilibrium and introduce novel, life-like properties into soft-matter systems. We report simulations of amphiphilic molecules in aqueous solution. The molecule's head group is permanently hydrophilic, whereas the reaction cycle switches the molecule's tail from hydrophilic (precursor) to hydrophobic (amphiphile) and vice versa. The reaction cycle leads to an arrest in coalescence and results in uniform vesicle sizes that can be controlled by the reaction rate. Using a continuum description and particle-based simulation, we study the scaling of the vesicle size with the reaction rate. The chemically active vesicles are inflated by precursor, imparting tension onto the membrane and, for specific parameters, stabilize pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Häfner
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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4
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Herianto S, Chien PJ, Ho JAA, Tu HL. Liposome-based artificial cells: From gene expression to reconstitution of cellular functions and phenotypes. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 142:213156. [PMID: 36302330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bottom-up approaches in creating artificial cells that can mimic natural cells have significant implications for both basic research and translational application. Among various artificial cell models, liposome is one of the most sophisticated systems. By encapsulating proteins and associated biomolecules, they can functionally reconstitute foundational features of biological cells, such as the ability to divide, communicate, and undergo shape deformation. Yet constructing liposome artificial cells from the genetic level, which is central to generate self-sustained systems remains highly challenging. Indeed, many studies have successfully established the expression of gene-coded proteins inside liposomes. Further, recent endeavors to build a direct integration of gene-expressed proteins for reconstituting molecular functions and phenotypes in liposomes have also significantly increased. Thus, this review presents the development of liposome-based artificial cells to demonstrate the process of gene-expressed proteins and their reconstitution to perform desired molecular and cell-like functions. The molecular and cellular phenotypes discussed here include the self-production of membrane phospholipids, division, shape deformation, self-DNA/RNA replication, fusion, and intercellular communication. Together, this review gives a comprehensive overview of gene-expressing liposomes that can stimulate further research of this technology and achieve artificial cells with superior properties in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Herianto
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jen Chien
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ja-An Annie Ho
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; BioAnalytical Chemistry and Nanobiomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiung-Lin Tu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
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5
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Guindani C, Silva LC, Cao S, Ivanov T, Landfester K. Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio‐Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Guindani
- Chemical Engineering Program COPPE Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ, CEP 21941-972 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Lucas Caire Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
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6
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Hernández Becerra E, Quinchia J, Castro C, Orozco J. Light-Triggered Polymersome-Based Anticancer Therapeutics Delivery. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12050836. [PMID: 35269324 PMCID: PMC8912464 DOI: 10.3390/nano12050836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes are biomimetic cell membrane-like model structures that are self-assembled stepwise from amphiphilic copolymers. These polymeric (nano)carriers have gained the scientific community’s attention due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and higher stability than liposomes. Their tunable properties, such as composition, size, shape, and surface functional groups, extend encapsulation possibilities to either hydrophilic or hydrophobic cargoes (or both) and their site-specific delivery. Besides, polymersomes can disassemble in response to different stimuli, including light, for controlling the “on-demand” release of cargo that may also respond to light as photosensitizers and plasmonic nanostructures. Thus, polymersomes can be spatiotemporally stimulated by light of a wide wavelength range, whose exogenous response may activate light-stimulable moieties, enhance the drug efficacy, decrease side effects, and, thus, be broadly employed in photoinduced therapy. This review describes current light-responsive polymersomes evaluated for anticancer therapy. It includes light-activable moieties’ features and polymersomes’ composition and release behavior, focusing on recent advances and applications in cancer therapy, current trends, and photosensitive polymersomes’ perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Hernández Becerra
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Nanobioengineering, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Antioquia, Complejo Ruta N, Calle 67 No. 52-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (E.H.B.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jennifer Quinchia
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Nanobioengineering, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Antioquia, Complejo Ruta N, Calle 67 No. 52-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (E.H.B.); (J.Q.)
| | - Cristina Castro
- Engineering School, Pontificia Bolivariana University, Bloque 11, Cq. 1 No. 70-01, Medellín 050004, Colombia;
| | - Jahir Orozco
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Nanobioengineering, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Antioquia, Complejo Ruta N, Calle 67 No. 52-20, Medellín 050010, Colombia; (E.H.B.); (J.Q.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Baghbanbashi M, Kakkar A. Polymersomes: Soft Nanoparticles from Miktoarm Stars for Applications in Drug Delivery. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1687-1703. [PMID: 35157463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules has provided an advantageous platform to address significant issues in a variety of areas, including biology. Such soft nanoparticles with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic corona, referred to as micelles, have been extensively investigated for delivering lipophilic therapeutics by physical encapsulation. Polymeric vesicles or polymersomes with similarities in morphology to liposomes continue to play an essential role in understanding the behavior of cell membranes and, in addition, have offered opportunities in designing smart nanoformulations. With the evolution in synthetic methodologies to macromolecular precursors, the construction of such assemblies can now be modulated to tailor their properties to match desired needs. This review brings into focus the current state-of-the-art in the design of polymersomes using amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers through a detailed analysis of the synthesis of miktoarm star polymers with tuned lengths of varied polymeric arms, their self-assembly, and applications in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojhdeh Baghbanbashi
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Ashok Kakkar
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
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8
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Guindani C, Caire da Silva L, Cao S, Ivanov T, Landfester K. Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio-Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202110855. [PMID: 34856047 PMCID: PMC9314110 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bottom‐up synthetic biology is the science of building systems that mimic the structure and function of living cells from scratch. To do this, researchers combine tools from chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry to develop functional and structural building blocks to construct synthetic cell‐like systems. The many strategies and materials that have been developed in recent decades have enabled scientists to engineer synthetic cells and organelles that mimic the essential functions and behaviors of natural cells. Examples include synthetic cells that can synthesize their own ATP using light, maintain metabolic reactions through enzymatic networks, perform gene replication, and even grow and divide. In this Review, we discuss recent developments in the design and construction of synthetic cells and organelles using the bottom‐up approach. Our goal is to present representative synthetic cells of increasing complexity as well as strategies for solving distinct challenges in bottom‐up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Guindani
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Chemical Engineering Program, COPPE, BRAZIL
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, GERMANY
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research: Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, GERMANY
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research: Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, GERMANY
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research: Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, GERMANY
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9
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Ramsay K, Levy J, Gobbo P, Elvira KS. Programmed assembly of bespoke prototissues on a microfluidic platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4574-4585. [PMID: 34723291 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00602a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The precise assembly of protocell building blocks into prototissues that are stable in water, capable of sensing the external environment and which display collective behaviours remains a considerable challenge in prototissue engineering. We have designed a microfluidic platform that enables us to build bespoke prototissues from predetermined compositions of two types of protein-polymer protocells. We can accurately control their size, composition and create unique Janus configurations in a way that is not possible with traditional methods. Because we can control the number and type of the protocells that compose the prototissue, we can hence modulate the collective behaviours of this biomaterial. We show control over both the amplitude of thermally induced contractions in the biomaterial and its collective endogenous biochemical reactivity. Our results show that microfluidic technologies enable a new route to the precise and high-throughput fabrication of tissue-like materials with programmable collective properties that can be tuned through careful assembly of protocell building blocks of different types. We anticipate that our bespoke prototissues will be a starting point for the development of more sophisticated artificial tissues for use in medicine, soft robotics, and environmentally beneficial bioreactor technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Ramsay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
- The Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jae Levy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
| | | | - Katherine S Elvira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
- The Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
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10
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Chakraborty K, Khatua P, Shinoda W, Loverde SM. Domain Formation in Charged Polymer Vesicles. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314, United States
| | - Prabir Khatua
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314, United States
| | - Wataru Shinoda
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Sharon M. Loverde
- Department of Chemistry, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10314, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Physics, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
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11
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Ren K, Blosser MC, Malmstadt N. Light-Triggered Unique Shape Transformation of Giant Polymersomes with Tubular Protrusions. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100474. [PMID: 34553805 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Light-triggered unique shape transformation of calcein-loaded giant polymersomes with tubular protrusions, which serve as a reservoir membrane area during the shape transformation, is reported here. Under irradiation at the excitation wavelength of calcein, the tubular protrusions form strings of budded vesicles and then reintegrate into the mother vesicle. The initial giant polymersomes transform to two connected spherical vesicles via two pathways to alleviate the osmotic pressure imbalance across the vesicle membrane. The two connected spherical vesicles further transform to a mother vesicle with an inner daughter vesicle after switching off the light to relieve the bending energy. The finding provides a promising platform to mimic cell morphology changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Ren
- Department of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China.,Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1211, USA
| | - Matthew C Blosser
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1211, USA
| | - Noah Malmstadt
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1211, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 840 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0744, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 3650 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1111, USA
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12
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Green DW, Watson JA, Ben-Nissan B, Watson GS, Stamboulis A. Synthetic tissue engineering with smart, cytomimetic protocells. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120941. [PMID: 34298445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic protocells are rudimentary origin-of-life versions of natural cell counterparts. Protocells are widely engineered to advance efforts and useful accepted outcomes in synthetic biology, soft matter chemistry and bioinspired materials chemistry. Protocells in collective symbiosis generate synthetic proto-tissues that display unprecedented autonomy and yield advanced materials with desirable life-like features for smart multi-drug delivery, micro bioreactors, renewable fuel production, environmental clean-up, and medicine. Current levels of protocell and proto-tissue functionality and adaptivity are just sufficient to apply them in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they animate biomaterials and increase therapeutic cell productivity. As of now, structural biomaterials for tissue engineering lack the properties of living biomaterials such as self-repair, stochasticity, cell synergy and the sequencing of molecular and cellular events. Future protocell-based biomaterials provide these core properties of living organisms, but excluding evolution. Most importantly, protocells are programmable for a broad array of cell functions and behaviors and collectively in consortia are tunable for multivariate functions. Inspired by upcoming designs of smart protocells, we review their developmental background and cover the most recently reported developments in this promising field of synthetic proto-biology. Our emphasis is on manufacturing proto-tissues for tissue engineering of organoids, stem cell niches and reprogramming and tissue formation through stages of embryonic development. We also highlight the exciting reported developments arising from fusing living cells and tissues, in a valuable hybrid symbiosis, with synthetic counterparts to bring about novel functions, and living tissue products for a new synthetic tissue engineering discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- David William Green
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, Proto-cellular Biomaterials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Jolanta Anna Watson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
| | - Besim Ben-Nissan
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology, PO BOX 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory Shaun Watson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
| | - Artemis Stamboulis
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, Proto-cellular Biomaterials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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13
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Yang X, He X, Li M, Liu S, Wang K, Liu J, Mann S. Giant Coacervate Vesicles As an Integrated Approach to Cytomimetic Modeling. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:2866-2874. [PMID: 33566601 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been extensively studied as synthetic cell-like microcompartments, their applicability as cytomimetic models is severely compromised by low levels of membrane permeability, low encapsulation efficiencies, and high physicochemical instability. Here, we develop an integrated cytomimetic model comprising a macromolecularly crowded interior with high sequestration efficiency and enclosed within a phospholipid membrane that is permeable to molecules below a molecular weight cutoff of ca. 4 kDa. The protocells are readily prepared by spontaneous assembly of a phospholipid membrane on the surface of preformed polynucleotide/polysaccharide coacervate microdroplets and are designated as giant coacervate vesicles (GCVs). Partial anchoring of the GCV membrane to the underlying coacervate phase results in increased robustness, lower membrane fluidity, and increased permeability compared with GUV counterparts. As a consequence, enzyme and ribozyme catalysis can be triggered in the molecularly crowded interior of the GCV but not inside the GUVs when small molecule substrates or inducers are present in the external environment. By integrating processes of membrane-mediated compartmentalization and liquid-liquid microphase separation, GCVs could offer substantial advantages as cytomimetic models, synthetic protocells, and artificial biomolecular microreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao He
- College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | | | - Songyang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Stephen Mann
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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14
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Zhang Y, Liu S, Yao Y, Chen Y, Zhou S, Yang X, Wang K, Liu J. Invasion and Defense Interactions between Enzyme-Active Liquid Coacervate Protocells and Living Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002073. [PMID: 32452628 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The design and construction of mutual interaction models between artificial microsystems and living cells have the potential to open a wide range of novel applications in biomedical and biomimetic technologies. In this study, an artificial form of invasion-defense mutual interactions is established in a community of glucose oxidase (GOx)-containing liquid coacervate microdroplets and living cells, which interact via enzyme-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. The enzyme-containing coacervate microdroplets, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, act as invader protocells to electrostatically bind with the host HepG2 cell, resulting in assimilation. Subsequently, the glucose oxidation in the liquid coacervates initiates the generation of H2 O2 , which serves as an ROS resource to block cell proliferation. As a defense strategy, introduction of catalase (CAT) into the host cells is exploited to resist the ROS damage. CAT-mediated decomposition of H2 O2 leads to the ROS scavenging and results in the recovery of cell viability. The results obtained in the current study highlight the remarkable opportunities for the development of mutual interacting communities on the interface of artificial protocells/living cells. They also provide a new approach for engineering cellular behaviors through exploiting artificial nonliving microsystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Songyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yu Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Shaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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15
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Wang L, Song S, van Hest J, Abdelmohsen LKEA, Huang X, Sánchez S. Biomimicry of Cellular Motility and Communication Based on Synthetic Soft-Architectures. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1907680. [PMID: 32250035 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201907680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cells, sophisticated membrane-bound units that contain the fundamental molecules of life, provide a precious library for inspiration and motivation for both society and academia. Scientists from various disciplines have made great endeavors toward the understanding of the cellular evolution by engineering artificial counterparts (protocells) that mimic or initiate structural or functional cellular aspects. In this regard, several works have discussed possible building blocks, designs, functions, or dynamics that can be applied to achieve this goal. Although great progress has been made, fundamental-yet complex-behaviors such as cellular communication, responsiveness to environmental cues, and motility remain a challenge, yet to be resolved. Herein, recent efforts toward utilizing soft systems for cellular mimicry are summarized-following the main outline of cellular evolution, from basic compartmentalization, and biological reactions for energy production, to motility and communicative behaviors between artificial cell communities or between artificial and natural cell communities. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in the field are discussed, hoping to inspire more future research and to help the further advancement of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, China
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Shidong Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, MB, 5600, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van Hest
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, MB, 5600, The Netherlands
| | - Loai K E A Abdelmohsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, MB, 5600, The Netherlands
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats (ICREA), Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
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16
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Ai Y, Xie R, Xiong J, Liang Q. Microfluidics for Biosynthesizing: from Droplets and Vesicles to Artificial Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903940. [PMID: 31603270 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of artificial biomimetic materials has attracted abundant attention. As one of the subcategories of biomimetic materials, artificial cells are highly significant for multiple disciplines and their synthesis has been intensively pursued. In order to manufacture robust "alive" artificial cells with high throughput, easy operation, and precise control, flexible microfluidic techniques are widely utilized. Herein, recent advances in microfluidic-based methods for the synthesis of droplets, vesicles, and artificial cells are summarized. First, the advances of droplet fabrication and manipulation on the T-junction, flow-focusing, and coflowing microfluidic devices are discussed. Then, the formation of unicompartmental and multicompartmental vesicles based on microfluidics are summarized. Furthermore, the engineering of droplet-based and vesicle-based artificial cells by microfluidics is also reviewed. Moreover, the artificial cells applied for imitating cell behavior and acting as bioreactors for synthetic biology are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future trends in microfluidic-based artificial cells are discussed. This review should be helpful for researchers in the fields of microfluidics, biomaterial fabrication, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Ai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ruoxiao Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jialiang Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Qionglin Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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17
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Lv R, Lin S, Sun S, He H, Zheng F, Tan D, Ma B, He M. Cascade cycling of nicotinamide cofactor in a dual enzyme microsystem. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2723-2726. [PMID: 32021996 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc10031h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulation of two enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and glucose oxidase (GOx), within peroxidase-like tourmaline microparticle (TM)-based colloidosomes was used to construct a functionalized microsystem capable of sustainable cascade cycling of nicotinamide cofactor (NAD+/NADH) via chemical signaling between spatially confined dual-enzyme and active membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lv
- School of Environment and Resource and Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
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18
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Hou L, Dueñas-Díez M, Srivastava R, Pérez-Mercader J. Flow chemistry controls self-assembly and cargo in Belousov-Zhabotinsky driven polymerization-induced self-assembly. Commun Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1038/s42004-019-0241-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractAmphiphilic block-copolymer vesicles are increasingly used for medical and chemical applications, and a novel method for their transient self-assembly orchestrated by periodically generated radicals during the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction was recently developed. Here we report how combining this one pot polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) method with a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) strategy allows for continuous and reproducible control of both the PISA process and the chemical features (e.g. the radical generation and oscillation) of the entrapped cargo. By appropriately tuning the residence time (τ), target degree of polymerization (DP) and the BZ reactants, intermediate self-assembly structures are also obtained (micelles, worms and nano-sized vesicles). Simultaneously, the chemical properties of the cargo at encapsulation are known and tunable, a key advantage over batch operation. Finally, we also show that BZ-driven polymerization in CSTR additionally supports more non-periodic dynamics such as bursting.
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19
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Multifaceted cell mimicry in coacervate-based synthetic cells. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:567-571. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20190094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cells, the discrete living systems that comprise all life on Earth, are a boundless source of inspiration and motivation for many researchers in the natural sciences. In the field of bottom-up synthetic cells, researchers seek to create multifaceted, self-assembled, chemical systems that mimic the properties and behaviours of natural life. In this perspective, we will describe the relatively recent application of complex coacervates to synthetic cells, and how they have been used to model an expanding range of biologically relevant phenomena. Furthermore, we will explore the unique advantages and disadvantages of coacervate-based synthetic cells, and their potential impact on the field in the years to come.
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20
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Mason A, Yewdall NA, Welzen PLW, Shao J, van Stevendaal M, van Hest JCM, Williams DS, Abdelmohsen LKEA. Mimicking Cellular Compartmentalization in a Hierarchical Protocell through Spontaneous Spatial Organization. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:1360-1365. [PMID: 31482118 PMCID: PMC6716124 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A systemic feature of eukaryotic cells is the spatial organization of functional components through compartmentalization. Developing protocells with compartmentalized synthetic organelles is, therefore, a critical milestone toward emulating one of the core characteristics of cellular life. Here we demonstrate the bottom-up, multistep, noncovalent, assembly of rudimentary subcompartmentalized protocells through the spontaneous encapsulation of semipermeable, polymersome proto-organelles inside cell-sized coacervates. The coacervate microdroplets are membranized using tailor-made terpolymers, to complete the hierarchical self-assembly of protocells, a system that mimics both the condensed cytosol and the structure of a cell membrane. In this way, the spatial organization of enzymes can be finely tuned, leading to an enhancement of functionality. Moreover, incompatible components can be sequestered in the same microenvironments without detrimental effect. The robust stability of the subcompartmentalized coacervate protocells in biocompatible milieu, such as in PBS or cell culture media, makes it a versatile platform to be extended toward studies in vitro, and perhaps, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
F. Mason
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - N. Amy Yewdall
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal L. W. Welzen
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jingxin Shao
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen van Stevendaal
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - David S. Williams
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea
University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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21
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Abstract
The utilization of light energy to power organic-chemical transformations is a fundamental strategy of the terrestrial energy cycle. Inspired by the elegance of natural photosynthesis, much interdisciplinary research effort has been devoted to the construction of simplified cell mimics based on artificial vesicles to provide a novel tool for biocatalytic cascade reactions with energy-demanding steps. By inserting natural or even artificial photosynthetic systems into liposomes or polymersomes, the light-driven proton translocation and the resulting formation of electrochemical gradients have become possible. This is the basis for the conversion of photonic into chemical energy in form of energy-rich molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which can be further utilized by energy-dependent biocatalytic reactions, e.g. carbon fixation. This review compares liposomes and polymersomes as artificial compartments and summarizes the types of light-driven proton pumps that have been employed in artificial photosynthesis so far. We give an overview over the methods affecting the orientation of the photosystems within the membranes to ensure a unidirectional transport of molecules and highlight recent examples of light-driven biocatalysis in artificial vesicles. Finally, we summarize the current achievements and discuss the next steps needed for the transition of this technology from the proof-of-concept status to preparative applications.
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22
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Yewdall NA, Mason AF, van Hest JCM. The hallmarks of living systems: towards creating artificial cells. Interface Focus 2018; 8:20180023. [PMID: 30443324 PMCID: PMC6227776 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the astonishing diversity and complexity of living systems, they all share five common hallmarks: compartmentalization, growth and division, information processing, energy transduction and adaptability. In this review, we give not only examples of how cells satisfy these requirements for life and the ways in which it is possible to emulate these characteristics in engineered platforms, but also the gaps that remain to be bridged. The bottom-up synthesis of life-like systems continues to be driven forward by the advent of new technologies, by the discovery of biological phenomena through their transplantation to experimentally simpler constructs and by providing insights into one of the oldest questions posed by mankind, the origin of life on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513 (STO 3.31), Eindhoven, MB, The Netherlands
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23
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Peyret A, Zhao H, Lecommandoux S. Preparation and Properties of Asymmetric Synthetic Membranes Based on Lipid and Polymer Self-Assembly. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:3376-3385. [PMID: 29486556 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b04233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell membrane asymmetry is a common structural feature of all biological cells. Researchers have tried for decades to better study its formation and its function in membrane-regulated phenomena. In particular, there has been increasing interest in developing synthetic asymmetric membrane models in the laboratory, with the aim of studying basic physical chemistry properties that may be correlated to a relevant biological function. The present article aims to summarize the main presented approaches to prepare asymmetric membranes, which are most often made from lipids, polymers, or a combination of both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Peyret
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, LCPO, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629 , 16 Avenue Pey Berland F-33600 Pessac , France
| | - Hang Zhao
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, LCPO, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629 , 16 Avenue Pey Berland F-33600 Pessac , France
| | - Sébastien Lecommandoux
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, LCPO, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629 , 16 Avenue Pey Berland F-33600 Pessac , France
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24
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Čejková J, Hanczyc MM, Štěpánek F. Multi-Armed Droplets as Shape-Changing Protocells. ARTIFICIAL LIFE 2018; 24:71-79. [PMID: 29369709 DOI: 10.1162/artl_a_00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Protocells are objects that mimic one or several functions of biological cells and may be embodied as solid particles, lipid vesicles, or droplets. Our work is based on using decanol droplets in an aqueous solution of sodium decanoate in the presence of salt. A decanol droplet under such conditions bears many qualitative similarities with living cells, such as the ability to move chemotactically, divide and fuse, or change its shape. This article focuses on the description of a shape-changing process induced by the evaporation of water from the decanoate solution. Under these conditions, the droplets perform complex shape changes, whereby the originally round decanol droplets grow into branching patterns and mimic the growth of appendages in bacteria or axon growth of neuronal cells. We report two outcomes: (i) the morphological changes are reversible, and (ii) multiple protocells avoid contact between each other during the morphological transformation. The importance of these morphological changes in the context of artificial life are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Čejková
- * Chemical Robotics Laboratory, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6, 166 28, Czech Republic. E-mail:
| | - Martin M Hanczyc
- Laboratory for Artificial Biology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, I-38123 Povo (TN), Italy; Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico, USA. E-mail:
| | - František Štěpánek
- Chemical Robotics Laboratory, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6, 166 28, Czech Republic. E-mail:
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25
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Rideau E, Dimova R, Schwille P, Wurm FR, Landfester K. Liposomes and polymersomes: a comparative review towards cell mimicking. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:8572-8610. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00162f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 521] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Minimal cells: we compare and contrast liposomes and polymersomes for a bettera priorichoice and design of vesicles and try to understand the advantages and shortcomings associated with using one or the other in many different aspects (properties, synthesis, self-assembly, applications).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeline Rideau
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
- 55128 Mainz
- Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces
- Wissenschaftspark Potsdam-Golm
- 14476 Potsdam
- Germany
| | - Petra Schwille
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
- 82152 Martinsried
- Germany
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26
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Mason AF, Buddingh' BC, Williams DS, van Hest JCM. Hierarchical Self-Assembly of a Copolymer-Stabilized Coacervate Protocell. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:17309-17312. [PMID: 29134798 PMCID: PMC5724030 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b10846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Complex coacervate microdroplets are finding increased utility in synthetic cell applications due to their cytomimetic properties. However, their intrinsic membrane-free nature results in instability that limits their application in protocell research. Herein, we present the development of a new protocell model through the spontaneous interfacial self-assembly of copolymer molecules on biopolymer coacervate microdroplets. This hierarchical protocell model not only incorporates the favorable properties of coacervates (such as spontaneous assembly and macromolecular condensation) but also assimilates the essential features of a semipermeable copolymeric membrane (such as discretization and stabilization). This was accomplished by engineering an asymmetric, biodegradable triblock copolymer molecule comprising hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and polyanionic components capable of direct coacervate membranization via electrostatic surface anchoring and chain self-association. The resulting hierarchical protocell demonstrated striking integrity as a result of membrane formation, successfully stabilizing enzymatic cargo against coalescence and fusion in discrete protocellular populations. The semipermeable nature of the copolymeric membrane enabled the incorporation of a simple enzymatic cascade, demonstrating chemical communication between discrete populations of neighboring protocells. In this way, we pave the way for the development of new synthetic cell constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Mason
- Eindhoven University of Technology , P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.31), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan C Buddingh'
- Eindhoven University of Technology , P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.31), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - David S Williams
- Eindhoven University of Technology , P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.31), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Chemistry, Swansea University , Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Eindhoven University of Technology , P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.31), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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