1
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Waeterschoot J, Gosselé W, Lemež Š, Casadevall I Solvas X. Artificial cells for in vivo biomedical applications through red blood cell biomimicry. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2504. [PMID: 38509073 PMCID: PMC10954685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46732-8] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research in artificial cell production holds promise for the development of delivery agents with therapeutic effects akin to real cells. To succeed in these applications, these systems need to survive the circulatory conditions. In this review we present strategies that, inspired by the endurance of red blood cells, have enhanced the viability of large, cell-like vehicles for in vivo therapeutic use, particularly focusing on giant unilamellar vesicles. Insights from red blood cells can guide modifications that could transform these platforms into advanced drug delivery vehicles, showcasing biomimicry's potential in shaping the future of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik Waeterschoot
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Willemien Gosselé
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Špela Lemež
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Powers J, Jang Y. Advancing Biomimetic Functions of Synthetic Cells through Compartmentalized Cell-Free Protein Synthesis. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5539-5550. [PMID: 37962115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00879] [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: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial constructs that mimic the structures and functions of living cells. They are attractive for studying diverse biochemical processes and elucidating the origins of life. While creating a living synthetic cell remains a grand challenge, researchers have successfully synthesized hundreds of unique synthetic cell platforms. One promising approach to developing more sophisticated synthetic cells is to integrate cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) mechanisms into vesicle platforms. This makes it possible to create synthetic cells with complex biomimetic functions such as genetic circuits, autonomous membrane modifications, sensing and communication, and artificial organelles. This Review explores recent advances in the use of CFPS to impart advanced biomimetic structures and functions to bottom-up synthetic cell platforms. We also discuss the potential applications of synthetic cells in biomedicine as well as the future directions of synthetic cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Powers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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3
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. DNA-Origami Line-Actants Control Domain Organization and Fission in Synthetic Membranes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:11265-11275. [PMID: 37163977 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cells can precisely program the shape and lateral organization of their membranes using protein machinery. Aiming to replicate a comparable degree of control, here we introduce DNA-origami line-actants (DOLAs) as synthetic analogues of membrane-sculpting proteins. DOLAs are designed to selectively accumulate at the line-interface between coexisting domains in phase-separated lipid membranes, modulating the tendency of the domains to coalesce. With experiments and coarse-grained simulations, we demonstrate that DOLAs can reversibly stabilize two-dimensional analogues of Pickering emulsions on synthetic giant liposomes, enabling dynamic programming of membrane lateral organization. The control afforded over membrane structure by DOLAs extends to three-dimensional morphology, as exemplified by a proof-of-concept synthetic pathway leading to vesicle fission. With DOLAs we lay the foundations for mimicking, in synthetic systems, some of the critical membrane-hosted functionalities of biological cells, including signaling, trafficking, sensing, and division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Campus Plaine, CP 231, Boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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4
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Udono H, Gong J, Sato Y, Takinoue M. DNA Droplets: Intelligent, Dynamic Fluid. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200180. [PMID: 36470673 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breathtaking advances in DNA nanotechnology have established DNA as a promising biomaterial for the fabrication of programmable higher-order nano/microstructures. In the context of developing artificial cells and tissues, DNA droplets have emerged as a powerful platform for creating intelligent, dynamic cell-like machinery. DNA droplets are a microscale membrane-free coacervate of DNA formed through phase separation. This new type of DNA system couples dynamic fluid-like property with long-established DNA programmability. This hybrid nature offers an advantageous route to facile and robust control over the structures, functions, and behaviors of DNA droplets. This review begins by describing programmable DNA condensation, commenting on the physical properties and fabrication strategies of DNA hydrogels and droplets. By presenting an overview of the development pathways leading to DNA droplets, it is shown that DNA technology has evolved from static, rigid systems to soft, dynamic systems. Next, the basic characteristics of DNA droplets are described as intelligent, dynamic fluid by showcasing the latest examples highlighting their distinctive features related to sequence-specific interactions and programmable mechanical properties. Finally, this review discusses the potential and challenges of numerical modeling able to connect a robust link between individual sequences and macroscopic mechanical properties of DNA droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotake Udono
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Department of Intelligent and Control Systems, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka, Fukuoka, 820-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
- Living Systems Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers Initiative (IRFI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
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5
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Sincari V, Jäger E, Loureiro KC, Vragovic M, Hofmann E, Schlenk M, Filipová M, Rydvalová E, Štěpánek P, Hrubý M, Förster S, Jäger A. pH-Dependent disruption of giant polymer vesicles: a step towards biomimetic membranes. Polym Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py01229d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The spatiotemporal pH-triggered controlled release of a hydrophilic probe in a pH-responsive PGUV system demonstrates its potential as a biomimetic system for drug delivery, microreactors and artificial cell mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Sincari
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eliézer Jäger
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | | | - Martina Vragovic
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eddie Hofmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Mathias Schlenk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Marcela Filipová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Rydvalová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Štěpánek
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hrubý
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Stephan Förster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- JCNS-1/ICS-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Physical Chemistry, RWTH University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Jäger
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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6
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Stimuli-responsive vesicles as distributed artificial organelles for bacterial activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206563119. [PMID: 36223394 PMCID: PMC9586261 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206563119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication is a hallmark of living systems. As such, engineering artificial cells that possess this behavior has been at the heart of activities in bottom-up synthetic biology. Communication between artificial and living cells has potential to confer novel capabilities to living organisms that could be exploited in biomedicine and biotechnology. However, most current approaches rely on the exchange of chemical signals that cannot be externally controlled. Here, we report two types of remote-controlled vesicle-based artificial organelles that translate physical inputs into chemical messages that lead to bacterial activation. Upon light or temperature stimulation, artificial cell membranes are activated, releasing signaling molecules that induce protein expression in Escherichia coli. This distributed approach differs from established methods for engineering stimuli-responsive bacteria. Here, artificial cells (as opposed to bacterial cells themselves) are the design unit. Having stimuli-responsive elements compartmentalized in artificial cells has potential applications in therapeutics, tissue engineering, and bioremediation. It will underpin the design of hybrid living/nonliving systems where temporal control over population interactions can be exerted.
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7
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Pramanik S, Steinkühler J, Dimova R, Spatz J, Lipowsky R. Binding of His-tagged fluorophores to lipid bilayers of giant vesicles. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:6372-6383. [PMID: 35975692 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00915c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
His-tagged molecules can be attached to lipid bilayers via certain anchor lipids, a method that has been widely used for the biofunctionalization of membranes and vesicles. To observe the membrane-bound molecules, it is useful to consider His-tagged molecules that are fluorescent as well. Here, we study two such molecules, green fluorescence protein (GFP) and green-fluorescent fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), both of which are tagged with a chain of six histidines (6H) that bind to the anchor lipids within the bilayers. The His-tag 6H is much smaller than the GFP molecule but somewhat larger than the FITC dye. The lipid bilayers form giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), the behavior of which can be directly observed in the optical microscope. We apply and compare three well-established preparation methods for GUVs: electroformation on platinum wire, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel swelling, and electroformation on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. Microfluidics is used to expose the GUVs to a constant fluorophore concentration in the exterior solution. The brightness of membrane-bound 6H-GFP exceeds the brightness of membrane-bound 6H-FITC, in contrast to the quantum yields of the two fluorophores in solution. In fact, 6H-FITC is observed to be strongly quenched by the anchor lipids which bind the fluorophores via Ni2+ ions. For both 6H-GFP and 6H-FITC, the membrane fluorescence is measured as a function of the fluorophores' molar concentration. The theoretical analysis of these data leads to the equilibrium dissociation constants Kd = 37.5 nM for 6H-GFP and Kd = 18.5 nM for 6H-FITC. We also observe a strong pH-dependence of the membrane fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Pramanik
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Jan Steinkühler
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Joachim Spatz
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
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8
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Heuberger L, Korpidou M, Eggenberger OM, Kyropoulou M, Palivan CG. Current Perspectives on Synthetic Compartments for Biomedical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5718. [PMID: 35628527 PMCID: PMC9145047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nano- and micrometer-sized compartments composed of synthetic polymers are designed to mimic spatial and temporal divisions found in nature. Self-assembly of polymers into compartments such as polymersomes, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules, capsosomes, or polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes) allows for the separation of defined environments from the exterior. These compartments can be further engineered through the incorporation of (bio)molecules within the lumen or into the membrane, while the membrane can be decorated with functional moieties to produce catalytic compartments with defined structures and functions. Nanometer-sized compartments are used for imaging, theranostic, and therapeutic applications as a more mechanically stable alternative to liposomes, and through the encapsulation of catalytic molecules, i.e., enzymes, catalytic compartments can localize and act in vivo. On the micrometer scale, such biohybrid systems are used to encapsulate model proteins and form multicompartmentalized structures through the combination of multiple compartments, reaching closer to the creation of artificial organelles and cells. Significant progress in therapeutic applications and modeling strategies has been achieved through both the creation of polymers with tailored properties and functionalizations and novel techniques for their assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heuberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Maria Korpidou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Olivia M. Eggenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Myrto Kyropoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Danek C. Recent Advances and Future Challenges in the Additive Manufacturing of Hydrogels. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14030494. [PMID: 35160482 PMCID: PMC8838229 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Danek
- Bessel LLC, San Carlos, CA 94070, USA;
- Mechanical Engineering Department, W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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10
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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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11
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Chattopadhyay M, Orlikowska H, Krok E, Piatkowski L. Sensing Hydration of Biomimetic Cell Membranes. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:241. [PMID: 34356712 PMCID: PMC8301980 DOI: 10.3390/bios11070241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological membranes play a vital role in cell functioning, providing structural integrity, controlling signal transduction, and controlling the transport of various chemical species. Owing to the complex nature of biomembranes, the self-assembly of lipids in aqueous media has been utilized to develop model systems mimicking the lipid bilayer structure, paving the way to elucidate the mechanisms underlying various biological processes, as well as to develop a number of biomedical and technical applications. The hydration properties of lipid bilayers are crucial for their activity in various cellular processes. Of particular interest is the local membrane dehydration, which occurs in membrane fusion events, including neurotransmission, fertilization, and viral entry. The lack of universal technique to evaluate the local hydration state of the membrane components hampers understanding of the molecular-level mechanisms of these processes. Here, we present a new approach to quantify the hydration state of lipid bilayers. It takes advantage of the change in the lateral diffusion of lipids that depends on the number of water molecules hydrating them. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique, we applied this approach to planar single and multicomponent supported lipid bilayers. The method enables the determination of the hydration level of a biomimetic membrane down to a few water molecules per lipid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lukasz Piatkowski
- Faculty of Materials Engineering and Technical Physics, Institute of Physics, Division of Molecular Physics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 60-965 Poznan, Poland; (H.O.); (E.K.)
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12
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Barker SE, Walczak M, Cicuta P, Michele LD. A Modular, Dynamic, DNA-Based Platform for Regulating Cargo Distribution and Transport between Lipid Domains. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:2800-2808. [PMID: 33733783 PMCID: PMC8050828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c04867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell membranes regulate the distribution of biological machinery between phase-separated lipid domains to facilitate key processes including signaling and transport, which are among the life-like functionalities that bottom-up synthetic biology aims to replicate in artificial-cellular systems. Here, we introduce a modular approach to program partitioning of amphiphilic DNA nanostructures in coexisting lipid domains. Exploiting the tendency of different hydrophobic "anchors" to enrich different phases, we modulate the lateral distribution of our devices by rationally combining hydrophobes and by changing nanostructure size and topology. We demonstrate the functionality of our strategy with a bioinspired DNA architecture, which dynamically undergoes ligand-induced reconfiguration to mediate cargo transport between domains via lateral redistribution. Our findings pave the way to next-generation biomimetic platforms for sensing, transduction, and communication in synthetic cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Biological
and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Eizagirre Barker
- Biological
and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Walczak
- Biological
and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological
and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological
and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
- Molecular
Sciences Research Hub, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
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13
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Cao R, Kumar D, Dinsmore AD. Vesicle-Based Gel via Polyelectrolyte-Induced Adhesion: Structure, Rheology, and Response. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:1714-1724. [PMID: 33513022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We describe an experimental study of soft solids composed of micron-scale lipid bilayer vesicles that adhere to one another through electrostatic attraction to an oppositely charged polymer (PDADMAC). As the polymer concentration was increased, we found a fluid phase, a solid gel phase, and a gel composed of internally reorganized vesicles. Optical microscopy images showed a nearly close-packed structure of adhered vesicles that retained their closed-cell morphology. Shear rheology measurements showed that the gel phase is a solid with a modulus at the Pa scale and with linear response up to 70% strain. We found that the modulus depends on the energy per area of membrane-membrane adhesion but does not depend on the vesicle size. We further found that the gels survived osmotic stress or dilution of the adhering polymer but could be rapidly disrupted in response to the addition of strongly binding silica nanoparticles. These results demonstrate the potential for cell-sized lipid vesicles to form a solid platform that maintains the responsive properties of the membranes. Such materials may find applications as triggerable, protective coatings of delicate surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cao
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anthony D Dinsmore
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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14
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Strutt R, Hindley JW, Gregg J, Booth PJ, Harling JD, Law RV, Friddin MS, Ces O. Activating mechanosensitive channels embedded in droplet interface bilayers using membrane asymmetry. Chem Sci 2021; 12:2138-2145. [PMID: 34163978 PMCID: PMC8179348 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03889j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Droplet microcompartments linked by lipid bilayers show great promise in the construction of synthetic minimal tissues. Central to controlling the flow of information in these systems are membrane proteins, which can gate in response to specific stimuli in order to control the molecular flux between membrane separated compartments. This has been demonstrated with droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) using several different membrane proteins combined with electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical activators. Here we report the activation of the bacterial mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) in a dioleoylphosphatidylcholine:dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol DIB by controlling membrane asymmetry. We show using electrical measurements that the incorporation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into one of the bilayer leaflets triggers MscL gating in a concentration-dependent manner, with partial and full activation observed at 10 and 15 mol% LPC respectively. Our findings could inspire the design of new minimal tissues where flux pathways are dynamically defined by lipid composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Strutt
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
| | - James W Hindley
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Jordan Gregg
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Paula J Booth
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London SE1 1DB London UK
| | - John D Harling
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | - Robert V Law
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
| | - Mark S Friddin
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London Imperial College Road SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub Shepherd's Bush London W12 0BZ UK
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15
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Spustova K, Köksal ES, Ainla A, Gözen I. Subcompartmentalization and Pseudo-Division of Model Protocells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2005320. [PMID: 33230918 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Membrane enclosed intracellular compartments have been exclusively associated with the eukaryotes, represented by the highly compartmentalized last eukaryotic common ancestor. Recent evidence showing the presence of membranous compartments with specific functions in archaea and bacteria makes it conceivable that the last universal common ancestor and its hypothetical precursor, the protocell, may have exhibited compartmentalization. To the authors' knowledge, there are no experimental studies yet that have tested this hypothesis. They report on an autonomous subcompartmentalization mechanism for protocells which results in the transformation of initial subcompartments to daughter protocells. The process is solely determined by the fundamental materials properties and interfacial events, and does not require biological machinery or chemical energy supply. In the light of the authors' findings, it is proposed that similar events may have taken place under early Earth conditions, leading to the development of compartmentalized cells and potentially, primitive division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Alar Ainla
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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16
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Boyd MA, Kamat NP. Designing Artificial Cells towards a New Generation of Biosensors. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 39:927-939. [PMID: 33388162 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The combination of biological and synthetic materials has great potential to generate new types of biosensors. Toward this goal, recent advances in artificial cell development have demonstrated the capacity to detect a variety of analytes and environmental changes by encapsulating genetically encoded sensors within bilayer membranes, expanding the contexts within which biologically based sensing can operate. This chassis not only acts as a container for cell-free sensors, but can also play an active role in artificial cell sensing by serving as an additional gate mediating the transfer of environmental information. Here, we focus on recent progress toward stimuli-responsive artificial cells and discuss strategies for membrane functionalization in order to expand cell-free biosensing capabilities and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe A Boyd
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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