1
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Li L, Wang R, Zhao B, Yin B, Zhang H, Liang C, Hu X. Enzyme-Triggered Polyelectrolyte Complex for Responsive Delivery of α-Helical Polypeptides to Optimize Antibacterial Therapy. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3112-3121. [PMID: 38651274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00206] [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: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Responsive nanomaterials hold significant promise in the treatment of bacterial infections by recognizing internal or external stimuli to achieve stimuli-responsive behavior. In this study, we present an enzyme-responsive polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PTPMN) with α-helical cationic polypeptide as a coacervate-core for the treatment of Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection. The complex was constructed through electrostatic interaction between cationic poly(glutamic acid) derivatives and phosphorylation-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(tyrosine) (PEG-b-PPTyr) by directly dissolving them in aqueous solution. The cationic polypeptide adopted α-helical structure and demonstrated excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as low as 12.5 μg mL-1 against E. coli. By complexing with anionic PEG-b-PPTyr, the obtained complex formed β-sheet structures and exhibited good biocompatibility and low hemolysis. When incubated in a bacterial environment, the complex cleaved its phosphate groups triggered by phosphatases secreted by bacteria, exposing the highly α-helical conformation and restoring its effective bactericidal ability. In vivo experiments confirmed accelerated healing in E. coli-infected wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuxuan Li
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Ruoxue Wang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Bo Zhao
- School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Bowen Yin
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Chunyong Liang
- School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
| | - Xiuli Hu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, PR China
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2
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Joshi P, Decker C, Zeng X, Sathyavageeswaran A, Perry SL, Heldt CL. Design Rules for the Sequestration of Viruses into Polypeptide Complex Coacervates. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:741-753. [PMID: 38103178 PMCID: PMC10866146 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulation is a strategy that has been used to facilitate the delivery and increase the stability of proteins and viruses. Here, we investigate the encapsulation of viruses via complex coacervation, which is a liquid-liquid phase separation resulting from the complexation of oppositely charged polymers. In particular, we utilized polypeptide-based coacervates and explored the effects of peptide chemistry, chain length, charge patterning, and hydrophobicity to better understand the effects of the coacervating polypeptides on virus incorporation. Our study utilized two nonenveloped viruses, porcine parvovirus (PPV) and human rhinovirus (HRV). PPV has a higher charge density than HRV, and they both appear to be relatively hydrophobic. These viruses were compared to characterize how the charge, hydrophobicity, and patterning of chemistry on the surface of the virus capsid affects encapsulation. Consistent with the electrostatic nature of complex coacervation, our results suggest that electrostatic effects associated with the net charge of both the virus and polypeptide dominated the potential for incorporating the virus into a coacervate, with clustering of charges also playing a significant role. Additionally, the hydrophobicity of a virus appears to determine the degree to which increasing the hydrophobicity of the coacervating peptides can enhance virus uptake. Nonintuitive trends in uptake were observed with regard to both charge patterning and polypeptide chain length, with these parameters having a significant effect on the range of coacervate compositions over which virus incorporation was observed. These results provide insights into biophysical mechanisms, where sequence effects can control the uptake of proteins or viruses into biological condensates and provide insights for use in formulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik
U. Joshi
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological
University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
- Health
Research Institute, Michigan Technological
University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
| | - Claire Decker
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological
University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
| | - Xianci Zeng
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Arvind Sathyavageeswaran
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Sarah L. Perry
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Institute
for Applied Life Sciences, University of
Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Caryn L. Heldt
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological
University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
- Health
Research Institute, Michigan Technological
University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
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3
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Zhao B, Zhang X, Bickle MS, Fu S, Li Q, Zhang F. Development of polypeptide-based materials toward messenger RNA delivery. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2250-2264. [PMID: 38213302 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05635j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic agents have demonstrated significant potential in recent times, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. As a promising prophylactic and therapeutic strategy, polypeptide-based mRNA delivery systems attract significant interest because of their low cost, simple preparation, tuneable sizes and morphology, convenient large-scale production, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this review, we begin with a brief discussion of the synthesis of polypeptides, followed by a review of commonly used polypeptides in mRNA delivery, including classical polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides. Then, the challenges against mRNA delivery, including extracellular, intracellular, and clinical barriers, are discussed in detail. Finally, we highlight a range of strategies for polypeptide-based mRNA delivery, offering valuable insights into the advancement of polypeptide-based mRNA carrier development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Molly S Bickle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Shiwei Fu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Qingchun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
| | - Fuwu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA.
- The Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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4
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Tabandeh S, Ateeq T, Leon L. Drug Encapsulation via Peptide-Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300440. [PMID: 37875787 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300440] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-based polyelectrolyte complexes are biocompatible materials that can encapsulate molecules with different polarities due to their ability to be precisely designed. Here we use UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the encapsulation of model drugs, doxorubicin (DOX) and methylene blue (MB) using a series of rationally designed polypeptides. For both drugs, we find an overall higher encapsulation efficiency with sequences that have higher charge density, highlighting the importance of ionic interactions between the small molecules and the peptides. However, comparing molecules with the same charge density, illustrated that the most hydrophobic sequence pairs had the highest encapsulation of both DOX and MB molecules. The phase behavior and stability of DOX-containing complexes did not change compared to the complexes without drugs. However, MB encapsulation caused changes in the stabilities of the complexes. The sequence pair with the highest charge density and hydrophobicity had the most dramatic increase in stability, which coincided with a phase change from liquid to solid. This study illustrates how multiple types of molecular interactions are required for efficient encapsulation of poorly soluble drugs and provides insights into the molecular design of delivery carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tabandeh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, 12760 Pegasus Dr, Orlando, FL-32816, USA
| | - Tahoora Ateeq
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, 12760 Pegasus Dr, Orlando, FL-32816, USA
| | - Lorraine Leon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, 12760 Pegasus Dr, Orlando, FL-32816, USA
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Pkwy #400, Orlando, FL-32826, USA
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5
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Stepanova M, Nikiforov A, Tennikova T, Korzhikova-Vlakh E. Polypeptide-Based Systems: From Synthesis to Application in Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2641. [PMID: 38004619 PMCID: PMC10674432 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic polypeptides are biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules whose composition and architecture can vary over a wide range. Their unique ability to form secondary structures, as well as different pathways of modification and biofunctionalization due to the diversity of amino acids, provide variation in the physicochemical and biological properties of polypeptide-containing materials. In this review article, we summarize the advances in the synthesis of polypeptides and their copolymers and the application of these systems for drug delivery in the form of (nano)particles or hydrogels. The issues, such as the diversity of polypeptide-containing (nano)particle types, the methods for their preparation and drug loading, as well as the influence of physicochemical characteristics on stability, degradability, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and immunogenicity of polypeptide-containing nanoparticles and their drug formulations, are comprehensively discussed. Finally, recent advances in the development of certain drug nanoformulations for peptides, proteins, gene delivery, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory systems are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Stepanova
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Alexey Nikiforov
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Tatiana Tennikova
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskiy pr. 26, Petergof, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.S.); (A.N.)
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6
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Šálek P, Dvořáková J, Hladysh S, Oleshchuk D, Pavlova E, Kučka J, Proks V. Stimuli-responsive polypeptide nanogels for trypsin inhibition. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 13:538-548. [PMID: 35812252 PMCID: PMC9235903 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A new type of hydrophilic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polypeptide nanogel depots loaded with the natural serine protease inhibitor α1-antitrypsin (AAT) was applied for the inhibition of the inflammatory mediator trypsin. Two types of nanogels were prepared from linear synthetic polypeptides based on biocompatible and biodegradable poly[N 5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ʟ-glutamine-ran-N 5-propargyl-ʟ-glutamine-ran-N 5-(6-aminohexyl)-ʟ-glutamine]-ran-N 5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-ʟ-glutamine] (PHEG-Tyr) or biocompatible N α-ʟ-lysine-grafted α,β-poly[(2-propyne)-ᴅ,ʟ-aspartamide-ran-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ᴅʟ-aspartamide-ran-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-ᴅʟ-aspartamide] (N α-Lys-NG). Both nanogels were prepared by HRP/H2O2-mediated crosslinking in inverse miniemulsions with pH and temperature-stimuli responsive behavior confirmed by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The loading capacity of PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels and their release profiles were first optimized with bovine serum albumin. The nanogels were then used for loading and release of AAT. PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels showed different loading capacities for AAT with the maximum (20%) achieved with N α-Lys-NG nanogel. In both cases, the nanogel depots demonstrated a burst release of AAT during the first 6 h, which could be favorable for quick inhibition of trypsin. A consequent pilot in vitro inhibition study revealed that both PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels loaded with AAT successfully inhibited the enzymatic activity of trypsin. Furthermore, the inhibitory efficiency of the AAT-loaded nanogels was higher than that of only AAT. Interestingly, also non-loaded PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels were shown to effectively inhibit trypsin because they contain suitable amino acids in their structures that effectively block the active site of trypsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Šálek
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Dvořáková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sviatoslav Hladysh
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Diana Oleshchuk
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Pavlova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kučka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Proks
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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7
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Wang J, Chen G, Liu N, Han X, Zhao F, Zhang L, Chen P. Strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 302:102638. [PMID: 35299136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, the striking development of cationic polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) tailored for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery has been fuelled by the conception of nuclear acid therapy and precision medicine. Owing to their amino acid compositions, inherent secondary structures as well as diverse geometrical shapes, peptides or peptide-containing polymers exhibit good biodegradability, high flexibility, and bio-functional diversity as nonviral siRNA vectors. Also, a variety of noncovalent nanocomplexes could be built via self-assembling and electrostatic interactions between cationic peptides and siRNAs. Although the peptide/siRNA nanocomplex-based RNAi therapies, STP705 and MIR-19, are under clinical trials, a guideline addressing the current bottlenecks of peptide/siRNA nanocomplex delivery is in high demand for future research and development. In this review, we present strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes in the treatment of genetic disorders. Through thorough analysis of those RNAi formulations using different delivery strategies, we seek to shed light on the rationale of peptide design and modification in constructing robust siRNA delivery systems, including targeted and co-delivery systems. Based on this, we provide a timely and comprehensive understanding of how to engineer biocompatible and efficient peptide-based siRNA vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for China National Light Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Nan Liu
- Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoxia Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - P Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China.
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8
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Ferreira DDCM, Ferreira SO, de Alvarenga ES, Soares NDFF, Coimbra JSDR, de Oliveira EB. Polyelectrolyte complexes obtained from chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose: a physicochemical and microstructural study. CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpta.2022.100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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9
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Gao J, Zhan QW, Tang Z, Huang Y. The critical Transition from Soluble Complexes to Colloidal Aggregates of Polyelectrolyte Complexes at Non-stoichiometric Charge Ratios. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100880. [PMID: 35066951 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The transition from soluble to colloidal polyelectrolyte complex normally occurs at a critical non-stoichiometric charge ratio. Here, we demonstrated that the conventional batch mixing produces heterogeneous binding and complexation, which could easily mask this soluble-colloidal complex transition (sol-col transition) even for weakly binding polyelectrolytes like polyacrylic acid (PAA) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). When mixed efficiently using multi-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM), the sol-col transition occurs beyond a critical charge ratio (n-/n+) and the large colloidal complexes are formed through the aggregation of small primary complexes (as revealed by atomic force microscopy). Moreover, the sol-col transition occurs at a constant charge ratio below the overlapping concentration (c*) of the long host polyelectrolyte, but at lower charge ratios above c* due to chain entanglement. When adding NaCl to the solution, the sol-col transition charge ratio first decreases, then remained stable for a period and finally increased and vanished at high ionic strength. When replacing NaCl with chaotropic salts, the sol-col transition occurs at lower charge ratios, while kosmotropes had little impact. The solvent quality and polymer hydrophobicity effects are also discussed. With the assistance of rapid mixing, this study provides a more reliable way of studying the sol-col transition of polyelectrolyte complexes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gao
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Qiang-Wei Zhan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Ziyao Tang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
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10
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Fay JM, Kabanov AV. Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes as an Emerging Technology for Pharmaceutical Delivery of Polypeptides. REVIEWS AND ADVANCES IN CHEMISTRY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9987408 DOI: 10.1134/s2634827622600177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complexes and the derivatives thereof comprise some of the most promising vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. In particular, protein therapeutics, which present a host of special considerations, can often be effectively packaged and delivered using interpolyelectrolyte complexes. While the technologies are still in the developmental phase, there are numerous examples of complexes where control is exerted over spacial and temporal delivery of a model protein cargo or candidate protein therapeutic agent. Here we provide a historical and practical background to promote a deeper understanding of interpolyelectrolyte complexes and the derivative technologies. Additionally, we review the physical principles underlying the association of polyelectrolyte complexes and the application of those principles to novel strategies and technologies driving interpolyelectrolyte complexation. Then, the application of polyelectrolyte complex technology to protein therapeutics is discussed in detail including discussions of several types of protein cargo with a special emphasis on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Finally, we focus on the use of stealth polymers in block ionomer complexes, specifically PEG; its benefits, flaws, and possible alternatives. Comprehensive understanding of the field may promote the continued development of derivative technologies for the delivery of particularly intransigent protein therapeutics, much as has been accomplished for small molecule drugs. We also aim to link current advances to the historical developments which inaugurated the field. With consideration to the field, industrial and academic researchers can utilize the discussed technologies and continue to elucidate novel modalities for a myriad of therapeutic and commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Fay
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, NC 27599-7362 Chapel Hill, USA ,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, NC 27599-7260 Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Alexander V. Kabanov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, NC 27599-7362 Chapel Hill, USA ,Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, NC 27599-7260 Chapel Hill, USA ,Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Shah S, Leon L. Structural dynamics, phase behavior, and applications of polyelectrolyte complex micelles. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2021.101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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12
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Jiang J, Chen EQ, Yang S. The effect of ion pairs on coacervate-driven self-assembly of block polyelectrolytes. J Chem Phys 2021; 154:144903. [PMID: 33858167 DOI: 10.1063/5.0044845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes into a block copolymer system can lead to formation of microphase separated nanostructures driven by the electrostatic complex between two oppositely charged blocks. It is a theoretical challenge to build an appropriate model to handle such coacervate-driven self-assembly, which should capture the strong electrostatic correlations for highly charged polymers. In this paper, we develop the self-consistent field theory considering the ion paring effect to predict the phase behavior of block polyelectrolytes. In our model, two types of ion pairs, the binding between two oppositely charged monomers and the binding between charged monomers and counterions, are included. Their strength of formation is controlled by two parameters Kaa and Kac, respectively. We give a detailed analysis about how the binding strength Kac and Kaa and salt concentration affect the self-assembled nanostructure of diblock polyelectrolyte systems. The results show that the binding between two oppositely charged blocks provides driven force for microphase separation, while the binding between charged monomers and counterions competes with the polyion pairing and thus suppresses the microphase separation. The addition of salt has a shielding effect on the charges of polymers, which is a disadvantage to microphase separation. The phase diagrams as a function of polymer concentration and salt concentration at different situations are constructed, and the influence of Kaa, Kac, and charged block composition fa is analyzed in depth. The obtained phase diagrams are in good agreement with currently existing experimental and theoretical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadi Jiang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Er-Qiang Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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13
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Liu Y, Yin L. α-Amino acid N-carboxyanhydride (NCA)-derived synthetic polypeptides for nucleic acids delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 171:139-163. [PMID: 33333206 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, gene therapy has come into the spotlight for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases. Polypeptides have been widely used in mediating nucleic acid delivery, due to their versatilities in chemical structures, desired biodegradability, and low cytotoxicity. Chemistry plays an essential role in the development of innovative polypeptides to address the challenges of producing efficient and safe gene vectors. In this Review, we mainly focused on the latest chemical advances in the design and preparation of polypeptide-based nucleic acid delivery vehicles. We first discussed the synthetic approach of polypeptides via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), and introduced the various types of polypeptide-based gene delivery systems. The extracellular and intracellular barriers against nucleic acid delivery were then outlined, followed by detailed review on the recent advances in polypeptide-based delivery systems that can overcome these barriers to enable in vitro and in vivo gene transfection. Finally, we concluded this review with perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lichen Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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14
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Synthesis and Characterization of Partially Renewable Oleic Acid-Based Ionomers for Proton Exchange Membranes. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 13:polym13010130. [PMID: 33396908 PMCID: PMC7794934 DOI: 10.3390/polym13010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The future availability of synthetic polymers is compromised due to the continuous depletion of fossil reserves; thus, the quest for sustainable and eco-friendly specialty polymers is of the utmost importance to ensure our lifestyle. In this regard, this study reports on the use of oleic acid as a renewable source to develop new ionomers intended for proton exchange membranes. Firstly, the cross-metathesis of oleic acid was conducted to yield a renewable and unsaturated long-chain aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, which was further subjected to polycondensation reactions with two aromatic diamines, 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(p-phenyleneoxy)dianiline and 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid, as comonomers for the synthesis of a series of partially renewable aromatic-aliphatic polyamides with an increasing degree of sulfonation (DS). The polymer chemical structures were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, and 19F NMR) spectroscopy, which revealed that the DS was effectively tailored by adjusting the feed molar ratio of the diamines. Next, we performed a study involving the ion exchange capacity, the water uptake, and the proton conductivity in membranes prepared from these partially renewable long-chain polyamides, along with a thorough characterization of the thermomechanical and physical properties. The highest value of the proton conductivity determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was found to be 1.55 mS cm−1 at 30 °C after activation of the polymer membrane.
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15
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SAXS methods for investigating macromolecular and self-assembled polyelectrolyte complexes. Methods Enzymol 2020; 646:223-259. [PMID: 33453927 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complexation is driven by associative interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, resulting in formation of a macroscopic polymer dense phase and a polymer dilute phase with applications in coatings, adhesives, and purification membranes. Beyond macroscale phase separation, precision polymer synthesis has enabled further development of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC)-based self-assembled micelles and hydrogels with applications in biotechnology. Interestingly, it has been suggested that mechanisms similar to polyelectrolyte complexation drive formation of biological condensates that play an indispensable role in cellular biogenesis. The formation pathways and functionality of these complex materials is dependent on the physical properties that are built into polymer structure and the resulting physical conformation in the dilute and dense phase. Scattering techniques have enabled in situ investigation of structure-function relationships in PEC materials that may address unresolved biophysical questions in cellular processes as well as catalyze the development of novel materials for diverse applications. We describe preparation of PEC materials with controlled polymer characteristics (length, blockiness, charge density), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques employed to probe appropriate length scales, and the data analysis routines from a practical standpoint for new users. This article deals with bulk complexes and not with the related, important and interesting area of non-equilibrium layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes.
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16
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Liu Y, Santa Chalarca CF, Carmean RN, Olson RA, Madinya J, Sumerlin BS, Sing CE, Emrick T, Perry SL. Effect of Polymer Chemistry on the Linear Viscoelasticity of Complex Coacervates. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Cristiam F. Santa Chalarca
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - R. Nicholas Carmean
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Olson
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Jason Madinya
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brent S. Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Charles E. Sing
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Todd Emrick
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Sarah L. Perry
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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17
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Ye Z, Sun S, Wu P. Distinct Cation-Anion Interactions in the UCST and LCST Behavior of Polyelectrolyte Complex Aqueous Solutions. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:974-979. [PMID: 35648610 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are recently observed to possess diversified thermoresponsive phase transition behaviors in aqueous solutions. Herein, by adjusting the initial polymer concentrations (Cpi) of poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDADMA) PEC in the same saline solution, in addition to previously reported lower critical solution temperature (LCST), we experimentally observed the upper critical solution temperature (UCST)-type phase transition behavior of PSS/PDADMA PECs at a lower polymer concentration. As elucidated by temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and two-dimensional correlation analysis, at temperatures lower than UCST, more hydrophobic polyelectrolyte chains lead to a high proportion of contact ion pairs (CIPs), contributing to UCST-type solid-liquid phase transition; however, at higher concentrations of PEC, the less hydrophobic polyelectrolyte chains correspond to a higher proportion of solvent-separated ion pairs (SIPs), which enables the occurrence of LCST-type liquid-liquid phase transition. With the spectroscopic indicator of CIPs/SIPs peak ratio and monitoring the hydration state of polymer chains, the complex interplays of PSS/PDADMA PECs are hereby interpreted at the molecular level, which lays the mechanistic foundation for designing other thermoresponsive PEC assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangxin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science and Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shengtong Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Peiyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science and Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and Center for Advanced Low-Dimension Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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18
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Scheff DR, Weirich KL, Dasbiswas K, Patel A, Vaikuntanathan S, Gardel ML. Tuning shape and internal structure of protein droplets via biopolymer filaments. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:5659-5668. [PMID: 32519715 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02462j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecules can phase separate to form liquid condensates, which are emerging as critical compartments in fields as diverse as intracellular organization and soft materials design. A myriad of macromolecules, including the protein FUS, form condensates which behave as isotropic liquids. Here, we investigate the influence of filament dopants on the material properties of protein liquids. We find that the short, biopolymer filaments of actin spontaneously partition into FUS droplets to form composite liquid droplets. As the concentration of the filament dopants increases, the coalescence time decreases, indicating that the dopants control viscosity relative to surface tension. The droplet shape is tunable and ranges from spherical to tactoid as the filament length or concentration is increased. We find that the tactoids are well described by a model of a quasi bipolar liquid crystal droplet, where nematic order from the anisotropic actin filaments competes with isotropic interfacial energy from the FUS, controlling droplet shape in a size-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate a versatile approach to construct tunable, anisotropic macromolecular liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Scheff
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. and Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kimberly L Weirich
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. and HHMI HCIA Summer Institute, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA and Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kinjal Dasbiswas
- Department of Physics, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Avinash Patel
- HHMI HCIA Summer Institute, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA and Dewpoint Therapeutics GmbH, Pfotenhauer Strasse 108, Dresden 01307, USA
| | - Suriyanarayanan Vaikuntanathan
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Margaret L Gardel
- James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. and Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA and HHMI HCIA Summer Institute, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA and Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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19
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Ting JM, Marras AE, Mitchell JD, Campagna TR, Tirrell MV. Comparing Zwitterionic and PEG Exteriors of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles. Molecules 2020; 25:E2553. [PMID: 32486282 PMCID: PMC7321349 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of model polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PCMs) was prepared to investigate the consequences of neutral and zwitterionic chemistries and distinct charged cores on the size and stability of nanocarriers. Using aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, we synthesized a well-defined diblock polyelectrolyte system, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine methacrylate)-block-poly((vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium) (PMPC-PVBTMA), at various neutral and charged block lengths to compare directly against PCM structure-property relationships centered on poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly((vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium) (PEG-PVBTMA) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lysine) (PEG-PLK). After complexation with a common polyanion, poly(sodium acrylate), the resulting PCMs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We observed uniform assemblies of spherical micelles with a diameter ~1.5-2× larger when PMPC-PVBTMA was used compared to PEG-PLK and PEG-PVBTMA via SAXS and DLS. In addition, PEG-PLK PCMs proved most resistant to dissolution by both monovalent and divalent salt, followed by PEG-PVBTMA then PMPC-PVBTMA. All micelle systems were serum stable in 100% fetal bovine serum over the course of 8 h by time-resolved DLS, demonstrating minimal interactions with serum proteins and potential as in vivo drug delivery vehicles. This thorough study of the synthesis, assembly, and characterization of zwitterionic polymers in PCMs advances the design space for charge-driven micelle assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Ting
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (J.M.T.); (A.E.M.); (J.D.M.); (T.R.C.)
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Alexander E. Marras
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (J.M.T.); (A.E.M.); (J.D.M.); (T.R.C.)
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Joseph D. Mitchell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (J.M.T.); (A.E.M.); (J.D.M.); (T.R.C.)
| | - Trinity R. Campagna
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (J.M.T.); (A.E.M.); (J.D.M.); (T.R.C.)
| | - Matthew V. Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (J.M.T.); (A.E.M.); (J.D.M.); (T.R.C.)
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
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20
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Yang X, Wang B, Qiao C, Li Z, Li Y, Xu C, Li T. Molecular interactions in N-[(2-hydroxyl)-propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium] chitosan chloride-sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complexes. Food Hydrocoll 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2019.105400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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21
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Wu H, Ting JM, Tirrell MV. Mechanism of Dissociation Kinetics in Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Ting
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Matthew V. Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
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22
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Chirkov NS, Akentiev AV, Campbell RA, Lin SY, Timoshen KA, Vlasov PS, Noskov BA. Network Formation of DNA/Polyelectrolyte Fibrous Aggregates Adsorbed at the Water-Air Interface. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:13967-13976. [PMID: 31592674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is discovered that complexes of DNA and hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes form a rigid network of threadlike or fibrous aggregates at the liquid-gas interface whose morphology can dramatically affect the mechanical properties. While mixed solutions of DNA and poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) exhibit no notable surface activity, the complexes formed from DNA with poly(N,N-diallyl-N-butyl-N-methylammonium chloride) are surface-active, in contrast to either of the separate components. Further, complexes of DNA and poly(N,N-diallyl-N-hexyl-N-methylammonium chloride) (PDAHMAC) with its longer hydrophobic side chains exhibit pronounced surface activity with values of surface pressures up to 16 mN/m and dynamic surface elasticity up to 58 mN/m. If the PDAHMAC nitrogen to DNA phosphate molar ratio, N/P, is between 0.6 and 3, abrupt compression of the adsorption layer leads unexpectedly to a noticeable decrease of the surface elasticity. The application of imaging techniques reveals that this effect is a consequence of the destruction of a rigid network of threadlike DNA/polyelectrolyte aggregates at the interface. The toroidal aggregates, which are typical for the bulk phase of DNA/PDADMAC solutions in this range of N/P ratios, are not observed in the surface layer. The observed link between the mechanical properties and interfacial morphology of surface-active complexes formed from DNA with hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes indicates that tuning polyelectrolyte hydrophobicity in these systems may be a means to develop their use in applications ranging from nonviral gene-delivery vehicles to conductive nanowires.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Chirkov
- Institute of Chemistry , St. Petersburg State University , Universitetsky pr. 26 , 198504 St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - A V Akentiev
- Institute of Chemistry , St. Petersburg State University , Universitetsky pr. 26 , 198504 St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - R A Campbell
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health , University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PT , U.K
| | - S-Y Lin
- Chemical Engineering Department , National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , 43 Keelung Road, Section 4 , 106 Taipei , Taiwan
| | - K A Timoshen
- Institute of Chemistry , St. Petersburg State University , Universitetsky pr. 26 , 198504 St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - P S Vlasov
- Institute of Chemistry , St. Petersburg State University , Universitetsky pr. 26 , 198504 St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - B A Noskov
- Institute of Chemistry , St. Petersburg State University , Universitetsky pr. 26 , 198504 St. Petersburg , Russia
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23
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Sun Y, Deming TJ. Self-Healing Multiblock Copolypeptide Hydrogels via Polyion Complexation. ACS Macro Lett 2019; 8:553-557. [PMID: 35619374 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.9b00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diblock, triblock, and pentablock copolypeptides were designed and prepared for formation of polyion complex hydrogels in aqueous media. Increasing the number of block segments was found to allow formation of hydrogels with substantially enhanced stiffness at equivalent concentrations. Use of similar length ionic segments also allowed mixing of different block architectures to fine-tune hydrogel properties. The pentablock hydrogels possess a promising combination of high stiffness, rapid self-healing properties, and cell compatible surface chemistry that makes them promising candidates for applications requiring injectable or printable hydrogel scaffolds.
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24
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Abstract
The cytoskeleton is a collection of protein assemblies that dynamically impose spatial structure in cells and coordinate processes such as cell division and mechanical regulation. Biopolymer filaments, cross-linking proteins, and enzymatically active motor proteins collectively self-organize into various precise cytoskeletal assemblies critical for specific biological functions. An outstanding question is how the precise spatial organization arises from the component macromolecules. We develop a system to investigate simple physical mechanisms of self-organization in biological assemblies. Using a minimal set of purified proteins, we create droplets of cross-linked biopolymer filaments. Through the addition of enzymatically active motor proteins, we construct composite assemblies, evocative of cellular structures such as spindles, where the inherent anisotropy drives motor self-organization, droplet deformation, and division into two droplets. These results suggest that simple physical principles underlie self-organization in complex biological assemblies and inform bioinspired materials design.
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25
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Horn JM, Kapelner RA, Obermeyer AC. Macro- and Microphase Separated Protein-Polyelectrolyte Complexes: Design Parameters and Current Progress. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:E578. [PMID: 30960562 PMCID: PMC6523202 DOI: 10.3390/polym11040578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-containing polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are a diverse class of materials, composed of two or more oppositely charged polyelectrolytes that condense and phase separate near overall charge neutrality. Such phase-separation can take on a variety of morphologies from macrophase separated liquid condensates, to solid precipitates, to monodispersed spherical micelles. In this review, we present an overview of recent advances in protein-containing PECs, with an overall goal of defining relevant design parameters for macro- and microphase separated PECs. For both classes of PECs, the influence of protein characteristics, such as surface charge and patchiness, co-polyelectrolyte characteristics, such as charge density and structure, and overall solution characteristics, such as salt concentration and pH, are considered. After overall design features are established, potential applications in food processing, biosensing, drug delivery, and protein purification are discussed and recent characterization techniques for protein-containing PECs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Horn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Rachel A Kapelner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Allie C Obermeyer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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26
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Tabandeh S, Leon L. Engineering Peptide-Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes with Increased Hydrophobicity. Molecules 2019; 24:E868. [PMID: 30823653 PMCID: PMC6429441 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complexation is a versatile platform for the design of self-assembled materials. Here we use rational design to create ionic hydrophobically-patterned peptides that allow us to precisely explore the role of hydrophobicity on electrostatic self-assembly. Polycations and polyanions were designed and synthesized with an alternating sequence of d- and l-chiral patterns of lysine or glutamic acid with either glycine, alanine or leucine due to their increasing hydrophobicity index, respectively. Two motifs were considered for the oppositely charged patterned peptides; one with equal residues of charged and uncharged amino acids and the other with increased charge density. Mass spectroscopy, circular dichroism, H- and F-NMR spectroscopy were used to characterize the polypeptides. Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) formed using the sequences were characterized using turbidity measurements, optical microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Our results show that the critical salt concentration, a key measure of PEC stability, increased with both increasing charge density as well as hydrophobicity. Furthermore, by increasing the hydrophobicity, the amount of PEC formed increased with temperature, contrary to purely ionic PECs. Lastly, we assessed the encapsulation behavior of these materials using a hydrophobic dye. Concluding that encapsulation efficiency increased with hydrophobic content of the complexes providing insight for future work on the application of these materials for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tabandeh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Lorraine Leon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA.
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27
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Shah S, Leon L. Structural transitions and encapsulation selectivity of thermoresponsive polyelectrolyte complex micelles. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:6438-6448. [DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01194c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complex micelles containing thermoresponsive coronas can exhibit varying morphologies and encapsulate multivalently charged therapeutics for drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachit Shah
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- University of Central Florida
- Orlando
- USA
| | - Lorraine Leon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- University of Central Florida
- Orlando
- USA
- NanoScience Technology Center
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28
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Khan N, Brettmann B. Intermolecular Interactions in Polyelectrolyte and Surfactant Complexes in Solution. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 11:E51. [PMID: 30960035 PMCID: PMC6401804 DOI: 10.3390/polym11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyelectrolytes are an important class of polymeric materials and are increasingly used in complex industrial formulations. A core use of these materials is in mixtures with surfactants, where a combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions drives unique solution behavior and structure formation. In this review, we apply a molecular level perspective to the broad literature on polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes, discussing explicitly the hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction contributions to polyelectrolyte surfactant complexes (PESCs), as well as the interplay between the two molecular interaction types. These interactions are sensitive to a variety of solution conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, mixing procedure, charge density, etc. and these parameters can readily be used to control the concentration at which structures form as well as the type of structure in the bulk solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreen Khan
- Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Blair Brettmann
- Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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29
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Lueckheide M, Vieregg JR, Bologna AJ, Leon L, Tirrell MV. Structure-Property Relationships of Oligonucleotide Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles. NANO LETTERS 2018; 18:7111-7117. [PMID: 30339032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b03132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PCMs), nanoparticles formed by electrostatic self-assembly of charged polymers with charged-neutral hydrophilic block copolymers, offer a potential solution to the challenging problem of delivering therapeutic nucleic acids into cells and organisms. Promising results have been reported in vitro and in animal models but basic structure-property relationships are largely lacking, and some reports have suggested that double-stranded nucleic acids cannot form PCMs due to their high bending rigidity. This letter reports a study of PCMs formed by DNA oligonucleotides of varied length and hybridization state and poly(l)lysine-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers with varying block lengths. We employ a multimodal characterization strategy combining small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), multiangle light scattering (MALS), and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) to simultaneously probe the morphology and internal structure of the micelles. Over a wide range of parameters, we find that nanoparticle shape is controlled primarily by the hybridization state of the oligonucleotides with single-stranded oligonucleotides forming spheroidal micelles and double-stranded oligonucleotides forming wormlike micelles. The length of the charged block controls the radius of the nanoparticle, while oligonucleotide length appears to have little impact on either size or shape. At smaller length scales, we observe parallel packing of DNA helices inside the double-stranded nanoparticles, consistent with results from condensed genomic DNA. We also describe salt- and thermal-annealing protocols for preparing PCMs with high repeatability and low polydispersity. Together, these results provide a capability to rationally design PCMs with desired sizes and shapes that should greatly assist development of this promising delivery technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lueckheide
- Department of Chemistry , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Jeffrey R Vieregg
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Alex J Bologna
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Lorraine Leon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Central Florida , Orlando , Florida 32816 , United States
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Institute for Molecular Engineering , Argonne National Laboratory , Argonne , Illinois 60439 , United States
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30
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Abstract
The development of novel nanoparticles consisting of both diagnostic and therapeutic components has increased over the past decade. These "theranostic" nanoparticles have been tailored toward one or more types of imaging modalities and have been developed for optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, and nuclear imaging comprising both single-photon computed tomography and positron emission tomography. In this review, we focus on state-of-the-art theranostic nanoparticles that are capable of both delivering therapy and self-reporting/tracking disease through imaging. We discuss challenges and the opportunity to rapidly adjust treatment for individualized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zavaleta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dean Ho
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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31
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Li L, Srivastava S, Andreev M, Marciel AB, de Pablo JJ, Tirrell MV. Phase Behavior and Salt Partitioning in Polyelectrolyte Complex Coacervates. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.8b00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Samanvaya Srivastava
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Marat Andreev
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Amanda B. Marciel
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Juan J. de Pablo
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Matthew V. Tirrell
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
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32
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Marciel AB, Srivastava S, Tirrell MV. Structure and rheology of polyelectrolyte complex coacervates. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:2454-2464. [PMID: 29376531 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm02041d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Scattering investigations of the structure and chain conformations, and the rheological properties of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) comprising model polyelectrolytes are presented. The use of charged polypeptides - (poly)-lysine and (poly)-glutamic acid with identical backbones allowed for facile tuning of the system parameters, including chain length, side-chain functionality, and chirality. Systematic studies using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of liquid PEC coacervates revealed a physical description of these materials as strongly screened semidilute polyelectrolyte solutions comprising oppositely charged chains. At the same time, solid PECs were found to be composed of hydrogen-bonding driven stiff ladder-like structures. While the coacervates behaved akin to semidilute polyelectrolyte solutions upon addition of salt, the solids were largely unaffected by it. Rheology measurements of PEC coacervates revealed a terminal relaxation regime, with an unusual plateauing of the storage modulus at low oscillation frequencies. The plateau may be ascribed to a combination of instrumental limitations and the long-range electrostatic interactions contributing to weak energy storage modes. Excellent superposition of the dynamic moduli was achieved by a time-salt superposition. The shift factors, however, varied more strongly than previously reported with added salt concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Marciel
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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33
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Gómez-Mascaraque LG, Llavata-Cabrero B, Martínez-Sanz M, Fabra MJ, López-Rubio A. Self-assembled gelatin-ι-carrageenan encapsulation structures for intestinal-targeted release applications. J Colloid Interface Sci 2018; 517:113-123. [PMID: 29421671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.01.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this work, natural biopolymeric encapsulation structures were developed through the self-assembly of gelatin and ι-carrageenan in aqueous solutions. The interactions of this binary system and of a ternary system containing a polyphenol-rich extract were deeply explored for the development of intestinal delivery systems. The processing of the structures (extrusion vs. freeze-drying) greatly influenced release properties, explained by the specific interactions between gelatin and polyphenols, thus allowing for tuning the processing conditions depending on the desired target application. Release was further controlled by incorporating a divalent salt, giving raise to extract-loaded ι-carrageenan/gelatin capsules with adequate release profiles for intestinal targeted delivery. These results demonstrate the potential of exploiting biopolymer interactions for designing bioactive delivery systems using environmentally friendly processes which do not involve the use of toxic or harsh solvents or cross-linkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Gómez-Mascaraque
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, IATA-CSIC, Avda. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Llavata-Cabrero
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, IATA-CSIC, Avda. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez-Sanz
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, IATA-CSIC, Avda. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Fabra
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, IATA-CSIC, Avda. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo López-Rubio
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, IATA-CSIC, Avda. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
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34
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Cai H, Gabryelczyk B, Manimekalai MSS, Grüber G, Salentinig S, Miserez A. Self-coacervation of modular squid beak proteins - a comparative study. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:7740-7752. [PMID: 29043368 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm01352c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The beak of the Humboldt squid is a biocomposite material made solely of organic components - chitin and proteins - which exhibits 200-fold stiffness and hardness gradients from the soft base to the exceptionally hard tip (rostrum). The outstanding mechanical properties of the squid beak are achieved via controlled hydration and impregnation of the chitin-based scaffold by protein coacervates. Molecular-based understanding of these proteins is essential to mimic the natural beak material. Here, we present detailed studies of two histidine-rich beak proteins (HBP-1 and -2) that play central roles during beak bio-fabrication. We show that both proteins have the ability to self-coacervate, which is governed intrinsically by the sequence modularity of their C-terminus and extrinsically by pH and ionic strength. We demonstrate that HBPs possess dynamic structures in solution and achieve maximum folding in the coacervate state, and propose that their self-coacervation is driven by hydrophobic interactions following charge neutralization through salt-screening. Finally, we show that subtle differences in the modular repeats of HBPs result in significant changes in the rheological response of the coacervates. This knowledge may be exploited to design self-coacervating polypeptides for a wide range of engineering and biomedical applications, for example bio-inspired composite materials, smart hydrogels and adhesives, and biomedical implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Cai
- Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 637553.
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35
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Sun Y, Wollenberg AL, O’Shea TM, Cui Y, Zhou ZH, Sofroniew MV, Deming TJ. Conformation-Directed Formation of Self-Healing Diblock Copolypeptide Hydrogels via Polyion Complexation. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:15114-15121. [PMID: 28976744 PMCID: PMC6037417 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b08190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic diblock copolypeptides were designed to incorporate oppositely charged ionic segments that form β-sheet-structured hydrogel assemblies via polyion complexation when mixed in aqueous media. The observed chain conformation directed assembly was found to be required for efficient hydrogel formation and provided distinct and useful properties to these hydrogels, including self-healing after deformation, microporous architecture, and stability against dilution in aqueous media. While many promising self-assembled materials have been prepared using disordered or liquid coacervate polyion complex (PIC) assemblies, the use of ordered chain conformations in PIC assemblies to direct formation of new supramolecular morphologies is unprecedented. The promising attributes and unique features of the β-sheet-structured PIC hydrogels described here highlight the potential of harnessing conformational order derived from PIC assembly to create new supramolecular materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yintao Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Alexander L. Wollenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Timothy Mark O’Shea
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yanxiang Cui
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Z. Hong Zhou
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Michael V. Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Timothy J. Deming
- Department of Bioengineering, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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36
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Srivastava S, Andreev M, Levi AE, Goldfeld DJ, Mao J, Heller WT, Prabhu VM, de Pablo JJ, Tirrell MV. Gel phase formation in dilute triblock copolyelectrolyte complexes. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14131. [PMID: 28230046 PMCID: PMC5331217 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Assembly of oppositely charged triblock copolyelectrolytes into phase-separated gels at low polymer concentrations (<1% by mass) has been observed in scattering experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Here we show that in contrast to uncharged, amphiphilic block copolymers that form discrete micelles at low concentrations and enter a phase of strongly interacting micelles in a gradual manner with increasing concentration, the formation of a dilute phase of individual micelles is prevented in polyelectrolyte complexation-driven assembly of triblock copolyelectrolytes. Gel phases form and phase separate almost instantaneously on solvation of the copolymers. Furthermore, molecular models of self-assembly demonstrate the presence of oligo-chain aggregates in early stages of copolyelectrolyte assembly, at experimentally unobservable polymer concentrations. Our discoveries contribute to the fundamental understanding of the structure and pathways of complexation-driven assemblies, and raise intriguing prospects for gel formation at extraordinarily low concentrations, with applications in tissue engineering, agriculture, water purification and theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanvaya Srivastava
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - Marat Andreev
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Adam E. Levi
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - David J. Goldfeld
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Jun Mao
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - William T. Heller
- Biology & Soft Matter Division, Oak Ridge National laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
| | - Vivek M. Prabhu
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - Juan J. de Pablo
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - Matthew V. Tirrell
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
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