1
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Sapre A, Bhattacharyya R, Sen A. A Cautionary Perspective on Hydrogel-Induced Concentration Gradient Generation for Studying Chemotaxis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39021097 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The achievement of consistent and static chemical gradients is critically important in the study of diffusion and chemotaxis at the micro- and nanoscales. In this context, a number of groups have reported on hydrogel-based systems for generating concentration gradients. Here, we analyze the behavior of agarose and gelatin-based hydrogels in hybridization chambers of different heights. Our focus is on the issues that are caused by the presence of robust bulk fluid flows in such systems due to the solutes present in the hydrogel and/or the surrounding fluid. We describe the key insights derived from these experiments, offering practical guidelines for establishing gradients using hydrogel-based systems and make the community aware of different variables that can make the experiments nonreproducible and prone to misinterpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Sapre
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Rik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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2
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Kojima T, Noguchi Y, Terasaka K, Asakura K, Banno T. Engineering pH-Responsive, Self-Healing Vesicle-Type Artificial Tissues with Higher-Order Cooperative Functionalities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311255. [PMID: 38415816 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311255] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Multicellular organisms demonstrate a hierarchical organization where multiple cells collectively form tissues, thereby enabling higher-order cooperative functionalities beyond the capabilities of individual cells. Drawing inspiration from this biological organization, assemblies of multiple protocells are developed to create novel functional materials with emergent higher-order cooperative functionalities. This paper presents new artificial tissues derived from multiple vesicles, which serve as protocellular models. These tissues are formed and manipulated through non-covalent interactions triggered by a salt bridge. Exhibiting pH-sensitive reversible formation and destruction under neutral conditions, these artificial vesicle tissues demonstrate three distinct higher-order cooperative functionalities: transportation of large cargoes, photo-induced contractions, and enhanced survivability against external threats. The rapid assembly and disassembly of these artificial tissues in response to pH variations enable controlled mechanical task performance. Additionally, the self-healing property of these artificial tissues indicates robustness against external mechanical damage. The research suggests that these vesicles can detect specific pH environments and spontaneously assemble into artificial tissues with advanced functionalities. This leads to the possibility of developing intelligent materials with high environmental specificity, particularly for applications in soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kojima
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Yutaro Noguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Koichi Terasaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kouichi Asakura
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Taisuke Banno
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
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3
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Tseng YC, Song J, Zhang J, Shandilya E, Sen A. Chemomechanical Communication between Liposomes Based on Enzyme Cascades. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:16097-16104. [PMID: 38805671 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Communication between cells is crucial to the survival of both uni- and multicellular organisms. The primary mode of communication involves chemical cues. There is great current interest in mimicking this behavior in synthetic cells to understand the physical basis of intercellular communication and design collective functional behavior. Using liposomal cell mimics, we demonstrate how a chemical input can elicit a mechanical response (enhanced motility). We employed a single substrate to trigger enzyme cascade-induced control of the diffusion of up to three different liposome populations. Furthermore, substrate competition allows temporal control over enhanced diffusion. The use of enzyme cascades to propagate chemical signals provides a robust and efficient mechanism for diverse populations of protocells to coordinate their motion in response to signals from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ching Tseng
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Ekta Shandilya
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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4
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Ghosh S, Baltussen MG, Ivanov NM, Haije R, Jakštaitė M, Zhou T, Huck WTS. Exploring Emergent Properties in Enzymatic Reaction Networks: Design and Control of Dynamic Functional Systems. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2553-2582. [PMID: 38476077 PMCID: PMC10941194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The intricate and complex features of enzymatic reaction networks (ERNs) play a key role in the emergence and sustenance of life. Constructing such networks in vitro enables stepwise build up in complexity and introduces the opportunity to control enzymatic activity using physicochemical stimuli. Rational design and modulation of network motifs enable the engineering of artificial systems with emergent functionalities. Such functional systems are useful for a variety of reasons such as creating new-to-nature dynamic materials, producing value-added chemicals, constructing metabolic modules for synthetic cells, and even enabling molecular computation. In this review, we offer insights into the chemical characteristics of ERNs while also delving into their potential applications and associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Ghosh
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mathieu G. Baltussen
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nikita M. Ivanov
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Haije
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Miglė Jakštaitė
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tao Zhou
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T. S. Huck
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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5
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Yu X, Mukwaya V, Mann S, Dou H. Signal Transduction in Artificial Cells. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300231. [PMID: 37116092 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300231] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the emerging field of constructing biomimetic soft compartments with life-like behaviors. Given that biological activities occur under a flux of energy and matter exchange, the implementation of rudimentary signaling pathways in artificial cells (protocells) is a prerequisite for the development of adaptive sense-response phenotypes in cytomimetic models. Herein, recent approaches to the integration of signal transduction modules in model protocells prepared by bottom-up construction are discussed. The approaches are classified into two categories involving invasive biochemical signals or non-invasive physical stimuli. In the former mechanism, transducers with intrinsic recognition capability respond with high specificity, while in the latter, artificial cells respond through intra-protocellular energy transduction. Although major challenges remain in the pursuit of a sophisticated artificial signaling network for the orchestration of higher-order cytomimetic models, significant advances have been made in establishing rudimentary protocell communication networks, providing novel organizational models for the development of life-like microsystems and new avenues in protoliving technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Vincent Mukwaya
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Stephen Mann
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology and Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 201203, China
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6
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Wang X, Qiao X, Chen H, Wang L, Liu X, Huang X. Synthetic-Cell-Based Multi-Compartmentalized Hierarchical Systems. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201712. [PMID: 37069779 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201712] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In the extant lifeforms, the self-sustaining behaviors refer to various well-organized biochemical reactions in spatial confinement, which rely on compartmentalization to integrate and coordinate the molecularly crowded intracellular environment and complicated reaction networks in living/synthetic cells. Therefore, the biological phenomenon of compartmentalization has become an essential theme in the field of synthetic cell engineering. Recent progress in the state-of-the-art of synthetic cells has indicated that multi-compartmentalized synthetic cells should be developed to obtain more advanced structures and functions. Herein, two ways of developing multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems, namely interior compartmentalization of synthetic cells (organelles) and integration of synthetic cell communities (synthetic tissues), are summarized. Examples are provided for different construction strategies employed in the above-mentioned engineering ways, including spontaneous compartmentalization in vesicles, host-guest nesting, phase separation mediated multiphase, adhesion-mediated assembly, programmed arrays, and 3D printing. Apart from exhibiting advanced structures and functions, synthetic cells are also applied as biomimetic materials. Finally, key challenges and future directions regarding the development of multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems are summarized; these are expected to lay the foundation for the creation of a "living" synthetic cell as well as provide a larger platform for developing new biomimetic materials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qiao
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
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7
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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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8
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Ghosh C, Ghosh S, Chatterjee A, Bera P, Mampallil D, Ghosh P, Das D. Dual enzyme-powered chemotactic cross β amyloid based functional nanomotors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5903. [PMID: 37737223 PMCID: PMC10516904 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41301-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomotor chassis constructed from biological precursors and powered by biocatalytic transformations can offer important applications in the future, specifically in emergent biomedical techniques. Herein, cross β amyloid peptide-based nanomotors (amylobots) were prepared from short amyloid peptides. Owing to their remarkable binding capabilities, these soft constructs are able to host dedicated enzymes to catalyze orthogonal substrates for motility and navigation. Urease helps in powering the self-diffusiophoretic motion, while cytochrome C helps in providing navigation control. Supported by the simulation model, the design principle demonstrates the utilization of two distinct transport behaviours for two different types of enzymes, firstly enhanced diffusivity of urease with increasing fuel (urea) concentration and secondly, chemotactic motility of cytochrome C towards its substrate (pyrogallol). Dual catalytic engines allow the amylobots to be utilized for enhanced catalysis in organic solvent and can thus complement the technological applications of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandranath Ghosh
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Ayan Chatterjee
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
| | - Palash Bera
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India
| | - Dileep Mampallil
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Mangalam, Andhra Pradesh, 517507, India
| | - Pushpita Ghosh
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Dibyendu Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India.
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9
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Kumari A, Saha D, Bhattacharya J, Aswal VK, Moulick RG. Studying the structural organization of non-membranous protein hemoglobin in a lipid environment after reconstitution. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125212. [PMID: 37302629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125212] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In our current work we have developed a supported 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayer with embedded hemoglobin, reconstituted via detergent-mediated method. Microscopic studies revealed that the hemoglobin molecules could be visualized without any labelling agents. The reconstituted proteins assemble themselves as supramolecular structures to adapt to lipid bilayer environment. The nonionic detergent, n-octyl-β-d-glucoside (NOG) used for insertion of hemoglobin played an important role in formation of these structures. When concentrations of lipid, protein and detergent were raised by four folds, we observed phase separation by protein molecules within bilayer via protein-protein assembly. This phase separation process exhibited extremely slow kinetics to form large stable domains with correlation times in the order of minutes. Confocal Z-scanning images showed that these supramolecular structures generated membrane deformities. UV-Vis, Fluorescence and Circular Dichroism (CD) measurement indicated minor structural change to expose the hydrophobic regions of the protein to adjust the hydrophobic stress of the lipid environment whilst Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) results indicated that the hemoglobin molecules retained their overall tetrameric form in the system. In conclusion, we state that this investigation allowed us to closely inspect some rare but noteworthy phenomena like the formation of supramolecular structures, large domain formation and membrane deformation etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Kumari
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, 122413, India
| | - Debasish Saha
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | | | - V K Aswal
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
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10
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Ji Y, Chakraborty T, Wegner SV. Self-Regulated and Bidirectional Communication in Synthetic Cell Communities. ACS NANO 2023; 17:8992-9002. [PMID: 37156507 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is not limited to a sender releasing a signaling molecule and a receiver perceiving it but is often self-regulated and bidirectional. Yet, in communities of synthetic cells, such features that render communication efficient and adaptive are missing. Here, we report the design and implementation of adaptive two-way signaling with lipid-vesicle-based synthetic cells. The first layer of self-regulation derives from coupling the temporal dynamics of the signal, H2O2, production in the sender to adhesions between sender and receiver cells. This way the receiver stays within the signaling range for the duration sender produces the signal and detaches once the signal fades. Specifically, H2O2 acts as both a forward signal and a regulator of the adhesions by activating photoswitchable proteins at the surface for the duration of the chemiluminescence. The second layer of self-regulation arises when the adhesions render the receiver permeable and trigger the release of a backward signal, resulting in bidirectional exchange. These design rules provide a concept for engineering multicellular systems with adaptive communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ji
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Taniya Chakraborty
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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11
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Jin H, Cui J, Zhan W. Enzymatic Janus Liposome Micromotors. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:4198-4206. [PMID: 36893357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A liposome-based micromotor system that utilizes regional enzymatic conversion and gas generation to achieve directional motion in water is presented. Constituted mainly of a low-melting lipid and a high-melting lipid together with cholesterol, these liposomes maintain stable Janus configuration at room temperature as a result of lipid liquid-liquid phase separation. Local placement of enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase is realized via affinity binding between avidin and biotin, the latter as a lipid conjugate sorted specifically into one domain of these Janus liposomes as a minor component. In the presence of the substrate, hydrogen peroxide, these enzyme-decorated Janus liposomes undergo directional motion, yielding velocities exceeding thermal diffusion by three folds in some cases. Experimental details on liposome size control, motor assembly, and substrate distribution are presented; effects of key experimental factors on liposome motion, such as substrate concentration and liposome Janus ratio, are also examined. This work thus provides a viable approach to building asymmetrical lipid-assembled, enzyme-attached colloids and, in addition, stresses the importance of asymmetry in achieving particle directional motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Jinyan Cui
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Wei Zhan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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12
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Chen M, Liu G, Zhang M, Li Y, Hong X, Yang H. Programmatically Dynamic Microcompartmentation in Coacervate-in-Pickering Emulsion Protocell. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206437. [PMID: 36564366 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The desire for exploration of cellular functional mechanisms has substantially increased the rapid development of artificial cells. However, the construction of synthetic cells with high organizational complexity remains challenging due to the lack of facile approaches ensuring dynamic multi-compartments of cytoplasm and stability of membranes in protocells. Herein, a stable coacervate-in-Pickering emulsion protocell model comprising a membraneless coacervate phase formed by poly-l-lysine (PLys) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) encapsulated in Pickering emulsion is put forward only through simple one-step emulsification. The dynamic distribution of intracellular components (coacervates in this protocell model) can be manipulated by changes in temperature or pH. This coacervate-in-Pickering emulsion protocell system exhibits repeatable cycle stability in response to external stimuli (at least 24 cycles for temperature and 3 cycles for pH). By encapsulating antagonistic enzymes into coacervates, glucose oxidase (GOx) and urease as an example, the control of local enzyme concentration is achieved by introducing glucose and urea to adjust the pH value in Pickering emulsion droplets. This hybrid protocell model with programmatically dynamic microcompartmentation and sufficient stability is expected to be further studied and applied in cellular biology, facilitating the development of lifelike systems with potential in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Chen
- College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Guoliang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Xinlin Hong
- College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hengquan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
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13
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Berli CLA, Bellino MG. Toward droplets displaying life-like interaction behaviors. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:021302. [PMID: 37056636 PMCID: PMC10089683 DOI: 10.1063/5.0142115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Developments in synthetic biology usually bring the conception of individual artificial cells. A key feature of living systems is, however, the interaction between individuals, in which living units can interact autonomously and display a role differentiation such as the case of entities chasing each other. On the other hand, droplets have become a very useful and exciting medium for modern microengineering and biomedical technologies. In this Perspective, we show a brief discussion-outlook of different approaches to recreate predator-prey interactions in both swimmer and crawling droplet systems toward a new generation of synthetic life with impact in both fundamental insights and relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio L. A. Berli
- INTEC (Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET) Predio CCT CONICET Santa Fe, RN 168, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Martín G. Bellino
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología (CNEA-CONICET), Av. Gral. Paz 1499, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Fusi AD, Li Y, Llopis-Lorente A, Patiño T, van Hest JCM, Abdelmohsen LKEA. Achieving Control in Micro-/Nanomotor Mobility. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214754. [PMID: 36413146 PMCID: PMC10107182 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Unprecedented opportunities exist for the generation of advanced nanotechnologies based on synthetic micro/nanomotors (MNMs), such as active transport of medical agents or the removal of pollutants. In this regard, great efforts have been dedicated toward controlling MNM motion (e.g., speed, directionality). This was generally performed by precise engineering and optimizing of the motors' chassis, engine, powering mode (i.e., chemical or physical), and mechanism of motion. Recently, new insights have emerged to control motors mobility, mainly by the inclusion of different modes that drive propulsion. With high degree of synchronization, these modes work providing the required level of control. In this Minireview, we discuss the diverse factors that impact motion; these include MNM morphology, modes of mobility, and how control over motion was achieved. Moreover, we highlight the main limitations that need to be overcome so that such motion control can be translated into real applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Fusi
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Yudong Li
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A Llopis-Lorente
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tania Patiño
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Loai K E A Abdelmohsen
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14, 5612, AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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15
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Kämäräinen T, Kadota K, Tse JY, Uchiyama H, Oguchi T, Arima-Osonoi H, Tozuka Y. Tuning the Phytoglycogen Size and Aggregate Structure with Solvent Quality: Influence of Water-Ethanol Mixtures Revealed by X-ray and Light Scattering Techniques. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:225-237. [PMID: 36484419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phytoglycogen (PG) is a hyperbranched polysaccharide with promising properties for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Herein, we explore the size and structure of sweet corn PG nanoparticles and their aggregation in water-ethanol mixtures up to the ethanol mole fraction xEtOH = 0.364 in dilute concentrations using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Between 0 ≤ xEtOH ≤ 0.129, the conformation of PG contracts gradually decreasing up to ca. 80% in hydrodynamic volume, when measured shortly after ethanol addition. For equilibrated PG dispersions, SAXS suggests a lower PG volume decrease between 19 and 67% at the corresponding xEtOH range; however, the inflection point of the DLS volume contraction coincides with the onset of reduced colloidal stability observed with SAXS. Up to xEtOH = 0.201, the water-ethanol mixtures yield labile fractal and globular aggregates, as evidenced by their partial breakup under mild ultrasonic treatment, demonstrated by the decrease in their hydrodynamic size. Between 0.235 ≤ xEtOH ≤ 0.364, PG nanoparticles form larger, more cohesive globular aggregates that are less affected by ultrasonic shear forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tero Kämäräinen
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kadota
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Jun Y Tse
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Uchiyama
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Toshio Oguchi
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi409-3898, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
| | - Yuichi Tozuka
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
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16
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Joseph A, Wagner AM, Garay-Sarmiento M, Aleksanyan M, Haraszti T, Söder D, Georgiev VN, Dimova R, Percec V, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C. Zwitterionic Dendrimersomes: A Closer Xenobiotic Mimic of Cell Membranes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2206288. [PMID: 36134536 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202206288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Building functional mimics of cell membranes is an important task toward the development of synthetic cells. So far, lipid and amphiphilic block copolymers are the most widely used amphiphiles with the bilayers by the former lacking stability while membranes by the latter are typically characterized by very slow dynamics. Herein, a new type of Janus dendrimer containing a zwitterionic phosphocholine hydrophilic headgroup (JDPC ) and a 3,5-substituted dihydrobenzoate-based hydrophobic dendron is introduced. JDPC self-assembles in water into zwitterionic dendrimersomes (z-DSs) that faithfully recapitulate the cell membrane in thickness, flexibility, and fluidity, while being resilient to harsh conditions and displaying faster pore closing dynamics in the event of membrane rupture. This enables the fabrication of hybrid DSs with components of natural membranes, including pore-forming peptides, structure-directing lipids, and glycans to create raft-like domains or onion vesicles. Moreover, z-DSs can be used to create active synthetic cells with life-like features that mimic vesicle fusion and motility as well as environmental sensing. Despite their fully synthetic nature, z-DSs are minimal cell mimics that can integrate and interact with living matter with the programmability to imitate life-like features and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Joseph
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna M Wagner
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Manuela Garay-Sarmiento
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Chair of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mina Aleksanyan
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dominik Söder
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vasil N Georgiev
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Virgil Percec
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104323, USA
| | - Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Bioinspired Interactive Materials and Protocellular Systems, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Moreno S, Hübner H, Effenberg C, Boye S, Ramuglia A, Schmitt D, Voit B, Weidinger IM, Gallei M, Appelhans D. Redox- and pH-Responsive Polymersomes with Ferrocene Moieties Exhibiting Peroxidase-like, Chemoenzymatic Activity and H 2O 2-Responsive Release Behavior. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4655-4667. [PMID: 36215725 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of compartments for the design of cascade reactions in a local space requires a selective spatiotemporal control. The combination of enzyme-loaded polymersomes with enzymelike units shows a great potential in further refining the diffusion barrier and the type of reactions in nanoreactors. Herein, pH-responsive and ferrocene-containing block copolymers were synthesized to realize pH-stable and multiresponsive polymersomes. Permeable membrane, peroxidase-like behavior induced by the redox-responsive ferrocene moieties and release properties were validated using cyclovoltammetry, dye TMB assay, and rupture of host-guest interactions with β-cyclodextrin, respectively. Due to the incorporation of different block copolymers, the membrane permeability of glucose oxidase-loaded polymersomes was changed by increasing extracellular glucose concentration and in TMB assay, allowing for the chemoenzymatic cascade reaction. This study presents a potent synthetic, multiresponsive nanoreactor platform with tunable (e.g., redox-responsive) membrane properties for potential application in therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Hanna Hübner
- Polymer Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus Saarbrücken C4 2, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Christiane Effenberg
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Susanne Boye
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Anthony Ramuglia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01062, Germany
| | - Deborah Schmitt
- Polymer Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus Saarbrücken C4 2, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01062, Germany
| | - Inez M Weidinger
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01062, Germany
| | - Markus Gallei
- Polymer Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus Saarbrücken C4 2, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany.,Saarene, Saarland Center for Energy Materials and Sustainability, Campus C4 2, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Swimming bacterial pathogens can penetrate and shape the membranes of their host cells. We study an artificial model system of this kind comprising Escherichia coli enclosed inside vesicles, which consist of nothing more than a spherical membrane bag. The bacteria push out membrane tubes, and the tubes propel the vesicles. This phenomenon is intriguing because motion cannot be generated by pushing the vesicles from within. We explain the motility of our artificial cell by a shape coupling between the flagella of each bacterium and the enclosing membrane tube. This constitutes a design principle for conferring motility to cell-sized vesicles and demonstrates the universality of lipid membranes as a building block in the development of new biohybrid systems. We study a synthetic system of motile Escherichia coli bacteria encapsulated inside giant lipid vesicles. Forces exerted by the bacteria on the inner side of the membrane are sufficient to extrude membrane tubes filled with one or several bacteria. We show that a physical coupling between the membrane tube and the flagella of the enclosed cells transforms the tube into an effective helical flagellum propelling the vesicle. We develop a simple theoretical model to estimate the propulsive force from the speed of the vesicles and demonstrate the good efficiency of this coupling mechanism. Together, these results point to design principles for conferring motility to synthetic cells.
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19
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Khezri B, Villa K. Hybrid photoresponsive/biocatalytic micro- and nano-swimmers. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200596. [PMID: 35785519 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200596] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Micro/nano biomimetic systems that convert energy from the surroundings into mechanical motion have emerged as promising tools to enhance the efficiencies of different biomedical and environmental processes. The inclusion of multiple engines into the same device has become a promising strategy to achieve dual/triple stimuli responses. Such hybrid micro/nanoswimmers combining different propulsion forces exhibit advanced motion behaviors and different physical features that are interesting not only to achieve strong propulsion capabilities in complex environments but also to modulate their movement according to the intended use. The development of hybrid systems that can be actuated by both light and biocompatible fuels is of particular interest. This minireview covers the main types of photoactive/biocatalytic micro/nanoswimmers developed so far. Their main photoresponsive and enzymatic components are discussed along with the most representative designs. The applicability of such hybrid machines for analyte sensing, antibacterial and therapeutical uses are also described. The remaining challenges and opportunities are then explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Khezri
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague: Vysoka skola chemicko-technologicka v Praze, Chemistry, CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Katherine Villa
- ICIQ: Institut Catala d'Investigacio Quimica, N/A, 16, Avinguda dels Països Catalans, 43007 Tarragona, 43007, Tarragona, SPAIN
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20
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Mahato RR, Shandilya E, Not Applicable S, Maiti S. Regulating Spatial Localization and Reactivity Biasness of DNAzymes by Metal Ions and Oligonucleotides. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200154. [PMID: 35762518 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chemical gradient sensing behavior of catalytically active colloids and enzymes is an area of immense interest owing to their importance in understanding fundamental spatiotemporal complexity pattern in living systems and designing of dynamic materials. Herein, we have shown peroxidase activity of DNAzyme (G-quadruplex-hemin complex tagged in a micron-sized glass bead) can be modulated by metal ions and metal ion-binding oligonucleotides. Next we demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically that the localization and product formation ability of the DNAzyme containing particle remains biased to the more catalytically active zone where concentration of metal ion (Hg2+) inhibitor is low. Interestingly, this biased localization can be broken by introduction of Hg2+ binding oligonucleotide in the system. Additionally, macroscopically asymmetric catalytic product distributed zone has also been achieved on this process, showing possibility in regulation in autonomous spatially controlled chemical process. This demonstration of autonomous modulation of the localization pattern and spatially specific enhanced product forming ability of DNAzymes will further enable in designing of responsive nucleic acid-based motile materials and surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Ram Mahato
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Chemical Sciences, INDIA
| | - Ekta Shandilya
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Chemical Sciences, INDIA
| | | | - Subhabrata Maiti
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Chemical Sciences, Knowledge City, Sector-81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli P.O., 140306, Mohali, INDIA
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21
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Xu Q, Li S, Qi M, Gao J, Chen C, Huang P, Wang Y, Yu C, Huang W, Zhou Y. Membrane‐Bound Inward‐Growth of Artificial Cytoskeletons and Their Selective Disassembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202204440. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202204440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Shanlong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Meiwei Qi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Chuanshuang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Pei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yuling Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Chunyang Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
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22
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Wang X, Zhang D, Bai Y, Zhang J, Wang L. Enzyme-Powered Micro/Nanomotors for Cancer Treatment. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200498. [PMID: 35676200 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and lethal rate of cancers are rapidly rising recently, however current treatments of cancers, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, usually require long treatment period and have more side effects and high recurrence rate. Enzyme-powered micro/nanomotors (EMNMs), with powerful self-propulsion, enhanced permeability and good biocompatibility, have shown great potential in crossing biological barrier and targeted drug transportation for cancer treatment; moreover, advanced approaches based on EMNMs such as photothermal therapy and starvation therapy have also been widely explored in cancer treatment. Although there are several review works discussing the progress of micro/nanomotors for biomedical applications, there is not one review paper with the focus on the cancer treatment based on EMNMs. Therefore, in this review, we try to concisely and timely summarize the recent progress of cancer treatment based on enzyme-driven micro/nanomotors, such as brain tumors, bladder cancer, breast cancer and others. Finally, the challenges and outlook of cancer therapy based on EMNMs are discussed, hoping to provide fundamental guidance for the future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Dang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Yu Bai
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Functional Experiment Teaching Centre, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
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23
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Hu M, Reichholf N, Xia Y, Alvarez L, Cao X, Ma S, deMello AJ, Isa L. Multi-compartment supracapsules made from nano-containers towards programmable release. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1641-1648. [PMID: 35466981 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00135g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The assembly of nanomaterials into suprastructures offers the possibility to fabricate larger scale functional materials, whose inner structure strongly influences their functionality for a vast range of applications. In spite of the many current strategies, achieving multi-compartment structures in a targeted and versatile way remains highly challenging. Here, we describe a controllable and straightforward route to create uniform suprastructured materials with a multi-compartmentalized architecture by confining primary nanocapsules into droplets using a cross-junction microfluidic device. Following solvent evaporation from the droplets, the nanocapsules spontaneously assemble into precisely sized multi-compartment particles, which we term supracapsules. Thanks to the process, each spatially separated nanocapsule unit retains its cargo and functionalities within the resulting supracapsules. However, new collective properties emerge, and, particularly, programmable release profiles that are distinct from those of single-compartment capsules. Finally, the suprastructures can be disassembled into single-compartment units by applying ultra-sonication, switching their release to a burst-release mode. These findings open up exciting opportunities to fabricate multi-compartment suprastructures incorporating diverse functionalities for materials with emerging properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghan Hu
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Reichholf
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Yanming Xia
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Laura Alvarez
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Xiaobao Cao
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Shenglin Ma
- Department of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Andrew J deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Isa
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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24
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Liu Z, Chen J, Bai Q, Lin YN, Liang D. Coacervate Formed by an ATP-Binding Aptamer and Its Dynamic Behavior under Nonequilibrium Conditions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:6425-6434. [PMID: 35543367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous protocell models have been developed to explore the possible pathway of the origin of life on the early earth, few truly fulfill the roles of the DNA/RNA sequence and ATP molecules, which are keys to cell replication and evolution. The ATP-binding aptamer offers an opportunity to combine sequence and energy molecules. In this work, we choose the coacervate droplet as the protocell model and investigate the interaction of the DNA aptamer, poly(l-lysine)(PLL), and ATP under varying conditions. PLL and aptamers form solid precipitates, which spontaneously transform to coacervate droplets as ATP is introduced. The selective uptake and sequestration of exogenous molecules is achieved by the ATP-containing coacervates. As an electric field is applied to expel ATP, the portion of the droplet deficient in ATP becomes solid. The solid/liquid phase ratio is tunable by varying the electric field strength and excitation time. Together with the vacuolization process, a solid head with a soft mouth periodically opening and closing is created. Moreover, the composite coacervate droplet gradually grows as it is treated with an electric field and cannot recover to the original liquid phase after the power is turned off and replenished with ATP. Our work highlights that the proper integration of the DNA sequence, ATP, and energy input could be a powerful strategy for creating a protocell with certain living features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qingwen Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ya-Nan Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dehai Liang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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25
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Xu Q, Li S, Qi M, Gao J, Chen C, Huang P, Wang Y, Yu C, Huang W, Zhou Y. Membrane‐Bound Inward‐Growth of Artificial Cytoskeletons and Their Selective Disassembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202204440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Shanlong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Meiwei Qi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Chuanshuang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Pei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yuling Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Chunyang Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites Shanghai Jiao Tong University 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
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26
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Mashima T, van Stevendaal MHME, Cornelissens FRA, Mason AF, Rosier BJHM, Altenburg WJ, Oohora K, Hirayama S, Hayashi T, van Hest JCM, Brunsveld L. DNA-Mediated Protein Shuttling between Coacervate-Based Artificial Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202115041. [PMID: 35133040 PMCID: PMC9303767 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of protein uptake and secretion is crucial for (inter)cellular signaling. Mimicking these molecular events is essential when engineering synthetic cellular systems. A first step towards achieving this goal is obtaining control over the uptake and release of proteins from synthetic cells in response to an external trigger. Herein, we have developed an artificial cell that sequesters and releases proteinaceous cargo upon addition of a coded chemical signal: single‐stranded DNA oligos (ssDNA) were employed to independently control the localization of a set of three different ssDNA‐modified proteins. The molecular coded signal allows for multiple iterations of triggered uptake and release, regulation of the amount and rate of protein release and the sequential release of the three different proteins. This signaling concept was furthermore used to directionally transfer a protein between two artificial cell populations, providing novel directions for engineering lifelike communication pathways inside higher order (proto)cellular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Mashima
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Marleen H M E van Stevendaal
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Femke R A Cornelissens
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F Mason
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bas J H M Rosier
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wiggert J Altenburg
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Koji Oohora
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shota Hirayama
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takashi Hayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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27
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de Luis B, Morellá-Aucejo Á, Llopis-Lorente A, Martínez-Latorre J, Sancenón F, López C, Murguía JR, Martínez-Máñez R. Nanoprogrammed Cross-Kingdom Communication Between Living Microorganisms. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:1836-1844. [PMID: 35171622 PMCID: PMC9940291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The engineering of chemical communication at the micro/nanoscale is a key emergent topic in micro/nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and related areas. However, the field is still in its infancy; previous advances, although scarce, have mainly focused on communication between abiotic micro/nanosystems or between microvesicles and living cells. Here, we have implemented a nanoprogrammed cross-kingdom communication involving two different microorganisms and tailor-made nanodevices acting as "nanotranslators". Information flows from the sender cells (bacteria) to the nanodevice and from the nanodevice to receiver cells (yeasts) in a hierarchical way, allowing communication between two microorganisms that otherwise would not interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz de Luis
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Morellá-Aucejo
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades
y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antoni Llopis-Lorente
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez-Latorre
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Sancenón
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo López
- Instituto
Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad
Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica
de València (COMAV-UPV), 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Ramón Murguía
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y
Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades
y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Instituto
de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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28
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Mashima T, Stevendaal MHME, Cornelissens FRA, Mason AF, Rosier BJHM, Altenburg WJ, Oohora K, Hirayama S, Hayashi T, Hest JCM, Brunsveld L. DNA‐Mediated Protein Shuttling between Coacervate‐Based Artificial Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202115041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Mashima
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Marleen H. M. E. Stevendaal
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Femke R. A. Cornelissens
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F. Mason
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Bas J. H. M. Rosier
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Wiggert J. Altenburg
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Koji Oohora
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Shota Hirayama
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Takashi Hayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Jan C. M. Hest
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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29
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Biocatalytic self-assembled synthetic vesicles and coacervates: From single compartment to artificial cells. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 299:102566. [PMID: 34864354 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is an intrinsic feature of living cells that allows spatiotemporal control over the biochemical pathways expressed in them. Over the years, a library of compartmentalized systems has been generated, which includes nano to micrometer sized biomimetic vesicles derived from lipids, amphiphilic block copolymers, peptides, and nanoparticles. Biocatalytic vesicles have been developed using a simple bag containing enzyme design of liposomes to multienzymes immobilized multi-vesicular compartments for artificial cell generation. Additionally, enzymes were also entrapped in membrane-less coacervate droplets to mimic the cytoplasmic macromolecular crowding mechanisms. Here, we have discussed different types of single and multicompartment systems, emphasizing their recent developments as biocatalytic self-assembled structures using recent examples. Importantly, we have summarized the strategies in the development of the self-assembled structure to improvise their adaptivity and flexibility for enzyme immobilization. Finally, we have presented the use of biocatalytic assemblies in mimicking different aspects of living cells, which further carves the path for the engineering of a minimal cell.
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30
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Design and Construction of Bioreactor Based on Hybrid Microcapsules and its Bio-catalytic Performance. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-021-02090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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31
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Fabrini G, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Amphiphilic DNA nanostructures for bottom-up synthetic biology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12725-12740. [PMID: 34750602 PMCID: PMC8631003 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04311k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology enables the construction of sophisticated biomimetic nanomachines that are increasingly central to the growing efforts of creating complex cell-like entities from the bottom-up. DNA nanostructures have been proposed as both structural and functional elements of these artificial cells, and in many instances are decorated with hydrophobic moieties to enable interfacing with synthetic lipid bilayers or regulating bulk self-organisation. In this feature article we review recent efforts to design biomimetic membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures capable of imparting complex functionalities to cell-like objects, such as regulated adhesion, tissue formation, communication and transport. We then discuss the ability of hydrophobic modifications to enable the self-assembly of DNA-based nanostructured frameworks with prescribed morphology and functionality, and explore the relevance of these novel materials for artificial cell science and beyond. Finally, we comment on the yet mostly unexpressed potential of amphiphilic DNA-nanotechnology as a complete toolbox for bottom-up synthetic biology - a figurative and literal scaffold upon which the next generation of synthetic cells could be built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Giacomo Fabrini
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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32
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Chen C, Wang X, Wang Y, Tian L, Cao J. Construction of protocell-based artificial signal transduction pathways. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12754-12763. [PMID: 34755716 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc03775g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The maintenance of an orderly and controllable multicellular society depends on the communication and signal regulation between various types of biological cells. How to replicate complicated signal transduction pathways in synthetic protocellular communities remains a key challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology. Herein, we review recent advances in the design and construction of interactive protocell communities, or protocell communities and biological communities, and explore the ways of designing and constructing artificial paracrine-like signaling pathways and juxtacrine-like signaling pathways. Key molecules involved in the signaling pathways that can be used to connect two or more spatially separated communities, and diverse signal outputs generated by the communication are summarized. We also propose the limitations, challenges and opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xuejing Wang
- 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
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Liangfei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China. .,Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, 66 Dongxin Road, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jinxuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
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33
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Chemical communication at the synthetic cell/living cell interface. Commun Chem 2021; 4:161. [PMID: 36697795 PMCID: PMC9814394 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the complexity of synthetic cells has continued to increase in recent years, chemical communication between protocell models and living organisms remains a key challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology and bioengineering. In this Review, we discuss how communication channels and modes of signal processing can be established between living cells and cytomimetic agents such as giant unilamellar lipid vesicles, proteinosomes, polysaccharidosomes, polymer-based giant vesicles and membrane-less coacervate micro-droplets. We describe three potential modes of chemical communication in consortia of synthetic and living cells based on mechanisms of distributed communication and signal processing, physical embodiment and nested communication, and network-based contact-dependent communication. We survey the potential for applying synthetic cell/living cell communication systems in biomedicine, including the in situ production of therapeutics and development of new bioreactors. Finally, we present a short summary of our findings.
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34
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De Corato M, Pagonabarraga I, Natale G. Spontaneous chiralization of polar active particles. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:044607. [PMID: 34781499 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.044607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Polar active particles constitute a wide class of active matter that is able to propel along a preferential direction, given by their polar axis. Here, we demonstrate a generic active mechanism that leads to their spontaneous chiralization through a symmetry-breaking instability. We find that the transition of an active particle from a polar to a chiral symmetry is characterized by the emergence of active rotation and of circular trajectories. The instability is driven by the advection of a solute that interacts differently with the two portions of the particle surface and it occurs through a supercritical pitchfork bifurcation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Corato
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Pagonabarraga
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, C. Martí Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain University of Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain and CECAM, Centre Européen de Calcul Atomique et Moléculaire, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Batochime, Avenue Forel 2, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanniantonio Natale
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Canada
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35
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Chakraborty T, Wegner SV. Cell to Cell Signaling through Light in Artificial Cell Communities: Glowing Predator Lures Prey. ACS NANO 2021; 15:9434-9444. [PMID: 34152740 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cells commonly communicate with each other through diffusible molecules but nonchemical communication remains elusive. While bioluminescent organisms communicate through light to find prey or attract mates, it is still under debate if signaling through light is possible at the cellular level. Here, we demonstrate that cell to cell signaling through light is possible in artificial cell communities derived from biomimetic vesicles. In our design, artificial sender cells produce an intracellular light signal, which triggers the adhesion to receiver cells. Unlike soluble molecules, the light signal propagates fast, independent of diffusion and without the need for a transporter across membranes. To obtain a predator-prey relationship, the luminescence predator cells is loaded with a secondary diffusible poison, which is transferred to the prey cell upon adhesion and leads to its lysis. This design provides a blueprint for light based intercellular communication, which can be used for programing artificial and natural cell communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Chakraborty
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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36
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Ivanov I, Castellanos SL, Balasbas S, Otrin L, Marušič N, Vidaković-Koch T, Sundmacher K. Bottom-Up Synthesis of Artificial Cells: Recent Highlights and Future Challenges. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:287-308. [PMID: 34097845 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-092220-085918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up approach in synthetic biology aims to create molecular ensembles that reproduce the organization and functions of living organisms and strives to integrate them in a modular and hierarchical fashion toward the basic unit of life-the cell-and beyond. This young field stands on the shoulders of fundamental research in molecular biology and biochemistry, next to synthetic chemistry, and, augmented by an engineering framework, has seen tremendous progress in recent years thanks to multiple technological and scientific advancements. In this timely review of the research over the past decade, we focus on three essential features of living cells: the ability to self-reproduce via recursive cycles of growth and division, the harnessing of energy to drive cellular processes, and the assembly of metabolic pathways. In addition, we cover the increasing efforts to establish multicellular systems via different communication strategies and critically evaluate the potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ivanov
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Sebastián López Castellanos
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Severo Balasbas
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Lado Otrin
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; ,
| | - Nika Marušič
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , ,
| | - Tanja Vidaković-Koch
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; ,
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; , , , , .,Department of Process Systems Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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37
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Stevendaal MHME, Hest JCM, Mason AF. Functional Interactions Between Bottom‐Up Synthetic Cells and Living Matter for Biomedical Applications. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marleen H. M. E. Stevendaal
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41) 5600MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. Hest
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41) 5600MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F. Mason
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41) 5600MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
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38
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Wang Q, Shi T, Wan M, Wei J, Wang F, Mao C. Research progress of using micro/nanomotors in the detection and therapy of diseases related to the blood environment. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:283-294. [PMID: 33241834 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02055a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors bring new possibilities for the detection and therapy of diseases related to the blood environment with their unique motion effect. This work reviews the research progress of using micro/nanomotors in the detection and therapy of diseases related to the blood environment. First, we outline the advantages of using micro/nanomotors in blood-related disease detection. To be specific, the motion capability of micro/nanomotors can increase plasma or blood fluid convection and accelerate the interaction between the sample and the capture probe. This allows the effective reduction of the amount of reagents and treatment steps. Therefore, the application of micro/nanomotors significantly improves the analytical performance. Second, we discuss the key challenges and future prospects of micro/nanomotors in the treatment of blood-environment related diseases. It is very important to design a unique treatment plan according to the etiology and specific microenvironment of the disease. The next generation of micro/nanomotors is expected to bring exciting progress to the detection and therapy of blood-environment related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China. and School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Fenghe Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Engineering motile aqueous phase-separated droplets via liposome stabilisation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1673. [PMID: 33723263 PMCID: PMC7960712 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There are increasing efforts to engineer functional compartments that mimic cellular behaviours from the bottom-up. One behaviour that is receiving particular attention is motility, due to its biotechnological potential and ubiquity in living systems. Many existing platforms make use of the Marangoni effect to achieve motion in water/oil (w/o) droplet systems. However, most of these systems are unsuitable for biological applications due to biocompatibility issues caused by the presence of oil phases. Here we report a biocompatible all aqueous (w/w) PEG/dextran Pickering-like emulsion system consisting of liposome-stabilised cell-sized droplets, where the stability can be easily tuned by adjusting liposome composition and concentration. We demonstrate that the compartments are capable of negative chemotaxis: these droplets can respond to a PEG/dextran polymer gradient through directional motion down to the gradient. The biocompatibility, motility and partitioning abilities of this droplet system offers new directions to pursue research in motion-related biological processes.
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Elani Y. Interfacing Living and Synthetic Cells as an Emerging Frontier in Synthetic Biology. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 133:5662-5671. [PMID: 38505493 PMCID: PMC10946473 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202006941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The construction of artificial cells from inanimate molecular building blocks is one of the grand challenges of our time. In addition to being used as simplified cell models to decipher the rules of life, artificial cells have the potential to be designed as micromachines deployed in a host of clinical and industrial applications. The attractions of engineering artificial cells from scratch, as opposed to re-engineering living biological cells, are varied. However, it is clear that artificial cells cannot currently match the power and behavioural sophistication of their biological counterparts. Given this, many in the synthetic biology community have started to ask: is it possible to interface biological and artificial cells together to create hybrid living/synthetic systems that leverage the advantages of both? This article will discuss the motivation behind this cellular bionics approach, in which the boundaries between living and non-living matter are blurred by bridging top-down and bottom-up synthetic biology. It details the state of play of this nascent field and introduces three generalised hybridisation modes that have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical EngineeringImperial College LondonExhibition RoadLondonUK
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41
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Elani Y. Interfacing Living and Synthetic Cells as an Emerging Frontier in Synthetic Biology. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:5602-5611. [PMID: 32909663 PMCID: PMC7983915 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The construction of artificial cells from inanimate molecular building blocks is one of the grand challenges of our time. In addition to being used as simplified cell models to decipher the rules of life, artificial cells have the potential to be designed as micromachines deployed in a host of clinical and industrial applications. The attractions of engineering artificial cells from scratch, as opposed to re-engineering living biological cells, are varied. However, it is clear that artificial cells cannot currently match the power and behavioural sophistication of their biological counterparts. Given this, many in the synthetic biology community have started to ask: is it possible to interface biological and artificial cells together to create hybrid living/synthetic systems that leverage the advantages of both? This article will discuss the motivation behind this cellular bionics approach, in which the boundaries between living and non-living matter are blurred by bridging top-down and bottom-up synthetic biology. It details the state of play of this nascent field and introduces three generalised hybridisation modes that have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical EngineeringImperial College LondonExhibition RoadLondonUK
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42
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van Stevendaal MHME, Vasiukas L, Yewdall NA, Mason AF, van Hest JCM. Engineering of Biocompatible Coacervate-Based Synthetic Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:7879-7889. [PMID: 33587612 PMCID: PMC7908014 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymer-stabilized complex coacervate microdroplets have emerged as a robust platform for synthetic cell research. Their unique core-shell properties enable the sequestration of high concentrations of biologically relevant macromolecules and their subsequent release through the semipermeable membrane. These unique properties render the synthetic cell platform highly suitable for a range of biomedical applications, as long as its biocompatibility upon interaction with biological cells is ensured. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the structure and formulation of these coacervate-based synthetic cells impact the viability of several different cell lines. Through careful examination of the individual synthetic cell components, it became evident that the presence of free polycation and membrane-forming polymer had to be prevented to ensure cell viability. After closely examining the structure-toxicity relationship, a set of conditions could be found whereby no detrimental effects were observed, when the artificial cells were cocultured with RAW264.7 cells. This opens up a range of possibilities to use this modular system for biomedical applications and creates design rules for the next generation of coacervate-based, biomedically relevant particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen H. M. E. van Stevendaal
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P. O. Box 513
(STO 3.41), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Laurynas Vasiukas
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P. O. Box 513
(STO 3.41), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - N. Amy Yewdall
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F. Mason
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P. O. Box 513
(STO 3.41), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P. O. Box 513
(STO 3.41), 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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43
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Jia TZ, Caudan M, Mamajanov I. Origin of Species before Origin of Life: The Role of Speciation in Chemical Evolution. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:154. [PMID: 33671365 PMCID: PMC7922636 DOI: 10.3390/life11020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Speciation, an evolutionary process by which new species form, is ultimately responsible for the incredible biodiversity that we observe on Earth every day. Such biodiversity is one of the critical features which contributes to the survivability of biospheres and modern life. While speciation and biodiversity have been amply studied in organismic evolution and modern life, it has not yet been applied to a great extent to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of primitive life. In particular, one unanswered question is at what point in the history of life did speciation as a phenomenon emerge in the first place. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which speciation could have occurred before the origins of life in the context of chemical evolution. Specifically, we discuss that primitive compartments formed before the emergence of the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) could have provided a mechanism by which primitive chemical systems underwent speciation. In particular, we introduce a variety of primitive compartment structures, and associated functions, that may have plausibly been present on early Earth, followed by examples of both discriminate and indiscriminate speciation affected by primitive modes of compartmentalization. Finally, we discuss modern technologies, in particular, droplet microfluidics, that can be applied to studying speciation phenomena in the laboratory over short timescales. We hope that this discussion highlights the current areas of need in further studies on primitive speciation phenomena while simultaneously proposing directions as important areas of study to the origins of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Z. Jia
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan;
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 1001 4th Ave., Suite 3201, Seattle, WA 98154, USA
| | - Melina Caudan
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan;
| | - Irena Mamajanov
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan;
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Somasundar A, Sen A. Chemically Propelled Nano and Micromotors in the Body: Quo Vadis? SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2007102. [PMID: 33432722 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202007102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The active delivery of drugs to disease sites in response to specific biomarkers is a holy grail in theranostics. If successful, it would greatly diminish the therapeutic dosage and reduce collateral cytotoxicity. In this context, the development of nano and micromotors that are able to harvest local energy to move directionally is an important breakthrough. However, serious hurdles remain before such active systems can be employed in vivo in therapeutic applications. Such motors and their energy sources must be safe and biocompatible, they should be able to move through complex body fluids, and have the ability to reach specific cellular targets. Given the complexity in the design and deployment of nano and micromotors, it is also critically important to show that they are significantly superior to inactive "smart" nanoparticles in theranostics. Furthermore, receiving regulatory approval requires the ability to scale-up the production of nano and micromotors with uniformity in structure, function, and activity. In this essay, the limitations of the current nano and micromotors and the issues that need to be resolved before such motors are likely to find theranostic applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambika Somasundar
- Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Wen P, Wang X, Moreno S, Boye S, Voigt D, Voit B, Huang X, Appelhans D. Construction of Eukaryotic Cell Biomimetics: Hierarchical Polymersomes-in-Proteinosome Multicompartment with Enzymatic Reactions Modulated Protein Transportation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2005749. [PMID: 33373089 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The eukaryotic cell is a smart compartment containing an outer permeable membrane, a cytoskeleton, and functional organelles, presenting part structures for life. The integration of membrane-containing artificial organelles (=polymersomes) into a large microcompartment is a key step towards the establishment of exquisite cellular biomimetics with different membrane properties. Herein, an efficient way to construct a hierarchical multicompartment composed of a hydrogel-filled proteinosome hybrid structure with an outer homogeneous membrane, a smart cytoskeleton-like scaffold, and polymersomes is designed. Specially, this hybrid structure creates a micro-environment for pH-responsive polymersomes to execute a desired substance transport upon response to biological stimuli. Within the dynamic pH-stable skeleton of the protein hydrogels, polymersomes with loaded PEGylated insulin biomacromolecules demonstrate a pH-responsive reversible swelling-deswelling and a desirable, on-demand cargo release which is induced by the enzymatic oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid. This stimulus responsive behavior is realized by tunable on/off states through protonation of the polymersomes membrane under the enzymatic reaction of glucose oxidase, integrated in the skeleton of protein hydrogels. The integration of polymersomes-based hybrid structure into the proteinosome compartment and the stimuli-response on enzyme reactions fulfills the requirements of eukaryotic cell biomimetics in complex architectures and allows mimicking cellular transportation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xueyi Wang
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Chair of Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Boye
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dagmar Voigt
- Institute for Botany, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Chair of Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
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46
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From protocells to prototissues: a materials chemistry approach. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:2579-2589. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20200310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prototissues comprise free-standing 3D networks of interconnected protocell consortia that communicate and display synergistic functions. Significantly, they can be constructed from functional molecules and materials, providing unprecedented opportunities to design tissue-like architectures that can do more than simply mimic living tissues. They could function under extreme conditions and exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties and bio-inspired metabolic functions. In this perspective, I will start by describing recent advancements in the design and synthetic construction of prototissues. I will then discuss the next challenges and the future impact of this emerging research field, which is destined to find applications in the most diverse areas of science and technology, from biomedical science to environmental science, and soft robotics.
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47
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Luan J, Wang D, Wilson DA. Leveraging synthetic particles for communication: from passive to active systems. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:21015-21033. [PMID: 33073819 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05675h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Communication is one of the most remarkable behaviors in the living world. It is an important prerequisite for building an artificial cell which can be considered as alive. Achieving complex communicative behaviors leveraging synthetic particles will likely fill the gap between artificial vesicles and natural counterpart of cells and allow for the discovery of new therapies in medicine. In this review, we highlight recent endeavors for constructing communication with synthetic particles by revealing the principles underlying the communicative behaviors. Emergent progress using active particles to achieve communication is also discussed, which resembles the dynamic and out-of-equilibrium properties of communication in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Luan
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Danni Wang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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48
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Liquid Crystal Peptide/DNA Coacervates in the Context of Prebiotic Molecular Evolution. CRYSTALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst10110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) phenomena are ubiquitous in biological systems, as various cellular LLPS structures control important biological processes. Due to their ease of in vitro assembly into membraneless compartments and their presence within modern cells, LLPS systems have been postulated to be one potential form that the first cells on Earth took on. Recently, liquid crystal (LC)-coacervate droplets assembled from aqueous solutions of short double-stranded DNA (s-dsDNA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) have been reported. Such LC-coacervates conjugate the advantages of an associative LLPS with the relevant long-range ordering and fluidity properties typical of LC, which reflect and propagate the physico-chemical properties of their molecular constituents. Here, we investigate the structure, assembly, and function of DNA LC-coacervates in the context of prebiotic molecular evolution and the emergence of functional protocells on early Earth. We observe through polarization microscopy that LC-coacervate systems can be dynamically assembled and disassembled based on prebiotically available environmental factors including temperature, salinity, and dehydration/rehydration cycles. Based on these observations, we discuss how LC-coacervates can in principle provide selective pressures effecting and sustaining chemical evolution within partially ordered compartments. Finally, we speculate about the potential for LC-coacervates to perform various biologically relevant properties, such as segregation and concentration of biomolecules, catalysis, and scaffolding, potentially providing additional structural complexity, such as linearization of nucleic acids and peptides within the LC ordered matrix, that could have promoted more efficient polymerization. While there are still a number of remaining open questions regarding coacervates, as protocell models, including how modern biologies acquired such membraneless organelles, further elucidation of the structure and function of different LLPS systems in the context of origins of life and prebiotic chemistry could provide new insights for understanding new pathways of molecular evolution possibly leading to the emergence of the first cells on Earth.
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Wang L, Marciello M, Estévez‐Gay M, Soto Rodriguez PED, Luengo Morato Y, Iglesias‐Fernández J, Huang X, Osuna S, Filice M, Sánchez S. Enzyme Conformation Influences the Performance of Lipase‐powered Nanomotors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202008339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 China
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri i Reixac 10–12 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Marzia Marciello
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Lab Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Plaza Ramón y Cajal 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Miquel Estévez‐Gay
- Compbiolab Group Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de Química Universitat de Girona Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
| | - Paul E. D. Soto Rodriguez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri i Reixac 10–12 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Yurena Luengo Morato
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Lab Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Plaza Ramón y Cajal 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Javier Iglesias‐Fernández
- Compbiolab Group Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de Química Universitat de Girona Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 China
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- Compbiolab Group Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de Química Universitat de Girona Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) Pg. Lluís Companys 23 08010 Barcelona Spain
| | - Marco Filice
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Lab Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Plaza Ramón y Cajal 28040 Madrid Spain
- Microscopy and Dynamic Imaging Unit Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) Calle Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3 28029 Madrid Spain
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri i Reixac 10–12 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) Pg. Lluís Companys 23 08010 Barcelona Spain
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50
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Wang L, Marciello M, Estévez‐Gay M, Soto Rodriguez PED, Luengo Morato Y, Iglesias‐Fernández J, Huang X, Osuna S, Filice M, Sánchez S. Enzyme Conformation Influences the Performance of Lipase‐powered Nanomotors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:21080-21087. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202008339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 China
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri i Reixac 10–12 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Marzia Marciello
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Lab Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Plaza Ramón y Cajal 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Miquel Estévez‐Gay
- Compbiolab Group Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de Química Universitat de Girona Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
| | - Paul E. D. Soto Rodriguez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri i Reixac 10–12 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Yurena Luengo Morato
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Lab Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Plaza Ramón y Cajal 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Javier Iglesias‐Fernández
- Compbiolab Group Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de Química Universitat de Girona Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin 150001 China
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- Compbiolab Group Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de Química Universitat de Girona Carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) Pg. Lluís Companys 23 08010 Barcelona Spain
| | - Marco Filice
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Lab Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Plaza Ramón y Cajal 28040 Madrid Spain
- Microscopy and Dynamic Imaging Unit Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) Calle Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3 28029 Madrid Spain
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri i Reixac 10–12 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) Pg. Lluís Companys 23 08010 Barcelona Spain
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