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Burgstaller A, Piernitzki N, Küchler N, Koch M, Kister T, Eichler H, Kraus T, Schwarz EC, Dustin ML, Lautenschläger F, Staufer O. Soft Synthetic Cells with Mobile Membrane Ligands for Ex Vivo Expansion of Therapy-Relevant T Cell Phenotypes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2401844. [PMID: 38751204 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401844] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The expansion of T cells ex vivo is crucial for effective immunotherapy but currently limited by a lack of expansion approaches that closely mimic in vivo T cell activation. Taking inspiration from bottom-up synthetic biology, a new synthetic cell technology is introduced based on dispersed liquid-liquid phase-separated droplet-supported lipid bilayers (dsLBs) with tunable biochemical and biophysical characteristics, as artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) for ex vivo T cell expansion. These findings obtained with the dsLB technology reveal three key insights: first, introducing laterally mobile stimulatory ligands on soft aAPCs promotes expansion of IL-4/IL-10 secreting regulatory CD8+ T cells, with a PD-1 negative phenotype, less prone to immune suppression. Second, it is demonstrated that lateral ligand mobility can mask differential T cell activation observed on substrates of varying stiffness. Third, dsLBs are applied to reveal a mechanosensitive component in bispecific Her2/CD3 T cell engager-mediated T cell activation. Based on these three insights, lateral ligand mobility, alongside receptor- and mechanosignaling, is proposed to be considered as a third crucial dimension for the design of ex vivo T cell expansion technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burgstaller
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus Saarland, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nils Piernitzki
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus Saarland, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nadja Küchler
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Building 48, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Koch
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Thomas Kister
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hermann Eichler
- Institute of Clinical Hemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, Saarland University and Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kraus
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Saarland University, Colloid and Interface Chemistry, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eva C Schwarz
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Building 48, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael L Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and, Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Franziska Lautenschläger
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus Saarland, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Experimental Physics, Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Saarland University, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Oskar Staufer
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus Saarland, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and, Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
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2
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Göpfrich K, Platten M, Frischknecht F, Fackler OT. Bottom-up synthetic immunology. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01744-9. [PMID: 39187581 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01744-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and cancer evade immune surveillance using similar mechanisms. Targeting immune mechanisms using common strategies thus represents a promising avenue to improve prevention and treatment. Synthetic immunology can provide such strategies by applying engineering principles from synthetic biology to immunology. Synthetic biologists engineer cells by top-down genetic manipulation or bottom-up assembly from nanoscale building blocks. Recent successes in treating advanced tumours and diseases using genetically engineered immune cells highlight the power of the top-down synthetic immunology approach. However, genetic immune engineering is mostly limited to ex vivo applications and is subject to complex counter-regulation inherent to immune functions. Bottom-up synthetic biology can harness the rich nanotechnology toolbox to engineer molecular and cellular systems from scratch and equip them with desired functions. These are beginning to be tailored to perform targeted immune functions and should hence allow intervention strategies by rational design. In this Perspective we conceptualize bottom-up synthetic immunology as a new frontier field that uses nanotechnology for crucial innovations in therapy and the prevention of infectious diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Göpfrich
- Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Platten
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver T Fackler
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Integrative Virology, Center of Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Thaden O, Schneider N, Walther T, Spiller E, Taoum A, Göpfrich K, Duarte Campos D. Bioprinting of Synthetic Cell-like Lipid Vesicles to Augment the Functionality of Tissues after Manufacturing. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2436-2446. [PMID: 39025476 PMCID: PMC11334175 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00137] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Bioprinting is an automated bioassembly method that enables the formation of human tissue-like constructs to restore or replace damaged tissues. Regardless of the employed bioprinting method, cells undergo mechanical stress that can impact their survival and function postprinting. In this study, we investigate the use of a synthetic cell-like unit, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), as adjuvants of the cellular function of human cells postprinting, or in future as the complete replacement of human cells. We analyzed the impact of two nozzle-based bioprinting methods (drop-on-demand and extrusion bioprinting) on the structure, stability, and function of GUVs. We showed that over 65% of the GUVs remain intact when printing at 0.5 bar, demonstrating the potential of using GUVs as a synthetic cell source. We further increased the stability of GUVs in a cell culture medium by introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG) into the GUV lipid membrane. The presence of PEG, however, diminished the structural properties of GUVs postprinting, and reduced the interaction of GUVs with human cells. Although the design of PEG-GUVs can still be modified in future studies for better cell-GUV interactions, we demonstrated that GUVs are functional postprinting. Chlorin e6-PEG-GUVs loaded with a fluorescent dye were bioprinted, and they released the dye postprinting only upon illumination. This is a new strategy to deliver carriers, such as growth factors, drugs, nutrients, or gases, inside large bioprinted specimens on a millimeter to centimeter scale. Overall, we showed that printed GUVs can augment the functionality of manufactured human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Thaden
- Bioprinting
& Tissue Engineering Group, Center for
Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Nicole Schneider
- Bioprinting
& Tissue Engineering Group, Center for
Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Tobias Walther
- Biophysical
Engineering of Life Group, Center for Molecular
Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Max
Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Erin Spiller
- Bioprinting
& Tissue Engineering Group, Center for
Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Alexandre Taoum
- Bioprinting
& Tissue Engineering Group, Center for
Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Kerstin Göpfrich
- Biophysical
Engineering of Life Group, Center for Molecular
Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Max
Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Daniela Duarte Campos
- Bioprinting
& Tissue Engineering Group, Center for
Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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Ngocho K, Yang X, Wang Z, Hu C, Yang X, Shi H, Wang K, Liu J. Synthetic Cells from Droplet-Based Microfluidics for Biosensing and Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400086. [PMID: 38563581 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400086] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cells function as biological mimics of natural cells by mimicking salient features of cells such as metabolism, response to stimuli, gene expression, direct metabolism, and high stability. Droplet-based microfluidic technology presents the opportunity for encapsulating biological functional components in uni-lamellar liposome or polymer droplets. Verified by its success in the fabrication of synthetic cells, microfluidic technology is widely replacing conventional labor-intensive, expensive, and sophisticated techniques justified by its ability to miniaturize and perform batch production operations. In this review, an overview of recent research on the preparation of synthetic cells through droplet-based microfluidics is provided. Different synthetic cells including lipid vesicles (liposome), polymer vesicles (polymersome), coacervate microdroplets, and colloidosomes, are systematically discussed. Efforts are then made to discuss the design of a variety of microfluidic chips for synthetic cell preparation since the combination of microfluidics with bottom-up synthetic biology allows for reproductive and tunable construction of batches of synthetic cell models from simple structures to higher hierarchical structures. The recent advances aimed at exploiting them in biosensors and other biomedical applications are then discussed. Finally, some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic cell research with microfluidics for biomimetic science and biomedical applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleins Ngocho
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xilei Yang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Cunjie Hu
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Hui Shi
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State key laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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5
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Pan T, Tang L, Chu R, Zheng S, Wang J, Yang Y, Wang W, He J. Microfluidic-Enabled Assembly of Multicomponent Artificial Organelle for Synergistic Tumor Starvation Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39069732 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Artificial organelles (AOs) encapsulating enzymes are engineered to facilitate biocatalytic reactions for exerting therapeutic effects in various diseases. Exploiting the confinement effect, these catalytic properties exhibit significant enhancements without being influenced by the surrounding medium, enabling more efficient cascade reactions. In this study, we present a novel approach for synergistic tumor starvation therapy by developing multicomponent artificial organelles that combine enzymatic oncotherapy with chemotherapy. The construction process involves a microfluidic-based approach that enables the encapsulation of cationic cores containing doxorubicin (DOX), electrostatic adsorption of cascade enzymes, and surface assembly of the protective lipid membrane. Additionally, these multicomponent AOs possess multicompartment structures that enable the separation and sequential release of each component. By coencapsulating enzymes and chemotherapeutic agent DOX within AOs, we achieve enhanced enzymatic cascade reactions (ECR) and improved intrinsic permeability of DOX due to spatial confinement. Furthermore, exceptional therapeutic effects on 4T1 xenograft tumors are observed, demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing AOs as biomimetic implants in living organisms. This innovative approach that combines starvation therapy with chemotherapy using multicompartment AOs represents a promising paradigm in the field of precise cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Pan
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Lu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Runxuan Chu
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Shumin Zheng
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Junji Wang
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yani Yang
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Jun He
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
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Jahnke K, Pavlovic M, Xu W, Chen A, Knowles TPJ, Arriaga LR, Weitz DA. Polysaccharide functionalization reduces lipid vesicle stiffness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317227121. [PMID: 38771870 PMCID: PMC11145274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317227121] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical properties of lipid vesicles are important for their stability and integrity, key parameters that control the performance when these vesicles are used for drug delivery. The vesicle properties are determined by the composition of lipids used to form the vesicle. However, for a given lipid composition, they can also be tailored by tethering polymers to the membrane. Typically, synthetic polymers like polyethyleneglycol are used to increase vesicle stability, but the use of polysaccharides in this context is much less explored. Here, we report a general method for functionalizing lipid vesicles with polysaccharides by binding them to cholesterol. We incorporate the polysaccharides on the outer membrane leaflet of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and investigate their effect on membrane mechanics using micropipette aspiration. We find that the presence of the glycolipid functionalization produces an unexpected softening of GUVs with fluid-like membranes. By contrast, the functionalization of GUVs with polyethylene glycol does not reduce their stretching modulus. This work provides the potential means to study membrane-bound meshworks of polysaccharides similar to the cellular glycocalyx; moreover, it can be used for tuning the mechanical properties of drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jahnke
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Marko Pavlovic
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Wentao Xu
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Anqi Chen
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Laura R. Arriaga
- Department of Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Condensed Matter Physics Center and Instituto Nicolás Cabrera, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid28049, Spain
| | - David A. Weitz
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
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Westensee IN, Paffen LJMM, Pendlmayr S, De Dios Andres P, Ramos Docampo MA, Städler B. Artificial Cells and HepG2 Cells in 3D-Bioprinted Arrangements. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303699. [PMID: 38277695 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303699] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial cells are engineered units with cell-like functions for different purposes including acting as supportive elements for mammalian cells. Artificial cells with minimal liver-like function are made of alginate and equipped with metalloporphyrins that mimic the enzyme activity of a member of the cytochrome P450 family namely CYP1A2. The artificial cells are employed to enhance the dealkylation activity within 3D bioprinted structures composed of HepG2 cells and these artificial cells. This enhancement is monitored through the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether to resorufin. HepG2 cell aggregates are 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink, resulting in the successful proliferation of the HepG2 cells. The composite ink made of an alginate/gelatin liquid phase with an increasing amount of artificial cells is characterized. The CYP1A2-like activity of artificial cells is preserved over at least 35 days, where 6 nM resorufin is produced in 8 h. Composite inks made of artificial cells and HepG2 cell aggregates in a liquid phase are used for 3D bioprinting. The HepG2 cells proliferate over 35 days, and the structure has boosted CYP1A2 activity. The integration of artificial cells and their living counterparts into larger 3D semi-synthetic tissues is a step towards exploring bottom-up synthetic biology in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella N Westensee
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Lars J M M Paffen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Stefan Pendlmayr
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Paula De Dios Andres
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Miguel A Ramos Docampo
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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8
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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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9
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Adamala KP, Dogterom M, Elani Y, Schwille P, Takinoue M, Tang TYD. Present and future of synthetic cell development. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:162-167. [PMID: 38102450 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cellular Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Marileen Dogterom
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London, UK.
| | - Petra Schwille
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
- Living Systems Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - T-Y Dora Tang
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
- Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology, University of Saarland, Saarbrucken, Germany.
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10
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Staufer O. Breaking the bottleneck of synthetic cells. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:3-4. [PMID: 37828265 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01509-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Staufer
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Campus E8 1, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, Bristol, UK.
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11
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Waeterschoot J, Gosselé W, Alizadeh Zeinabad H, Lammertyn J, Koos E, Casadevall i Solvas X. Formation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Assisted by Fluorinated Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302461. [PMID: 37807811 PMCID: PMC10700689 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302461] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the quest to produce artificial cells, one key challenge that remains to be solved is the recreation of a complex cellular membrane. Among the existing models, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are particularly interesting due to their intrinsic compartmentalisation ability and their resemblance in size and shape to eukaryotic cells. Many techniques have been developed to produce GUVs all having inherent advantages and disadvantages. Here, the authors show that fluorinated silica nanoparticles (FNPs) used to form Pickering emulsions in a fluorinated oil can destabilise lipid nanosystems to template the formation of GUVs. This technique enables GUV production across a broad spectrum of buffer conditions, while preventing the leakage of the encapsulated components into the oil phase. Furthermore, a simple centrifugation process is sufficient for the release of the emulsion-trapped GUVs, bypassing the need to use emulsion-destabilising chemicals. With fluorescent FNPs and transmission electron microscopy, the authors confirm that FNPs are efficiently removed, producing contaminant-free GUVs. Further experiments assessing the lateral diffusion of lipids and unilamellarity of the GUVs demonstrate that they are comparable to GUVs produced via electroformation. Finally, the ability of incorporating transmembrane proteins is demonstrated, highlighting the potential of this method for the production of GUVs for artificial cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik Waeterschoot
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Willemien Gosselé
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Hojjat Alizadeh Zeinabad
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Erin Koos
- Soft MatterRheology and Technology (SMaRT) at KU LeuvenCelestijnenlaan 200J3000LeuvenBelgium
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Nair KS, Bajaj H. Advances in giant unilamellar vesicle preparation techniques and applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 318:102935. [PMID: 37320960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are versatile and promising cell-sized bio-membrane mimetic platforms. Their applications range from understanding and quantifying membrane biophysical processes to acting as elementary blocks in the bottom-up assembly of synthetic cells. Definite properties and requisite goals in GUVs are dictated by the preparation techniques critical to the success of their applications. Here, we review key advances in giant unilamellar vesicle preparation techniques and discuss their formation mechanisms. Developments in lipid hydration and emulsion techniques for GUV preparation are described. Novel microfluidic-based techniques involving lipid or surfactant-stabilized emulsions are outlined. GUV immobilization strategies are summarized, including gravity-based settling, covalent linking, and immobilization by microfluidic, electric, and magnetic barriers. Moreover, some of the key applications of GUVs as biomimetic and synthetic cell platforms during the last decade have been identified. Membrane interface processes like phase separation, membrane protein reconstitution, and membrane bending have been deciphered using GUVs. In addition, vesicles are also employed as building blocks to construct synthetic cells with defined cell-like functions comprising compartments, metabolic reactors, and abilities to grow and divide. We critically discuss the pros and cons of preparation technologies and the properties they confer to the GUVs and identify potential techniques for dedicated applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika S Nair
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Harsha Bajaj
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Staufer O, Gantner G, Platzman I, Tanner K, Berger I, Spatz JP. Bottom-up assembly of viral replication cycles. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6530. [PMID: 36323671 PMCID: PMC9628313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology provides new means to understand living matter by constructing minimal life-like systems. This principle can also be applied to study infectious diseases. Here we summarize approaches and ethical considerations for the bottom-up assembly of viral replication cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Staufer
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7FY, UK.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Gösta Gantner
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Theological Seminary, Heidelberg University, Kisselgasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Tanner
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Theological Seminary, Heidelberg University, Kisselgasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Imre Berger
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, 4 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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