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Nonappa. Seeing the Supracolloidal Assemblies in 3D: Unraveling High-Resolution Structures Using Electron Tomography. ACS MATERIALS AU 2024; 4:238-257. [PMID: 38737122 PMCID: PMC11083119 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging has revolutionized modern materials science, nanotechnology, and structural biology. Its ability to provide information about materials' structure, composition, and properties at atomic-level resolution has enabled groundbreaking discoveries and the development of innovative materials with precision and accuracy. Electron tomography, single particle reconstruction, and microcrystal electron diffraction techniques have paved the way for the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of biological samples, synthetic materials, and hybrid nanostructures at near atomic-level resolution. TEM tomography using a series of two-dimensional (2D) projections has been used extensively in biological science, but in recent years it has become an important method in synthetic nanomaterials and soft matter research. TEM tomography offers unprecedented morphological details of 3D objects, internal structures, packing patterns, growth mechanisms, and self-assembly pathways of self-assembled colloidal systems. It complements other analytical tools, including small-angle X-ray scattering, and provides valuable data for computational simulations for predictive design and reverse engineering of nanomaterials with the desired structure and properties. In this perspective, I will discuss the importance of TEM tomography in the structural understanding and engineering of self-assembled nanostructures with specific emphasis on colloidal capsids, composite cages, biohybrid superlattices with complex geometries, polymer assemblies, and self-assembled protein-based superstructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonappa
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural
Sciences, Tampere University, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland
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2
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Borisova AS, Virkkala T, Pylkkänen R, Kellock M, Mohammadi P. Toughening brittle kraft lignin coating on mismatched substrate with spider Silk-Inspired protein as an interfacial modulator. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 655:789-799. [PMID: 37976752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Current production of functional coatings majorly relies on petrochemical formulations. While they have provided substantial benefits, their fabrication processes as well as their disposal created widespread ecological catastrophes. Thus, there is a pressing demand and calls for a radical transformation to develop sustainable solutions by using renewable building blocks. Herein, we report on a novel coating formulation by combining largely undervalued kraft lignin from the forest industry, with genetically engineered and recombinantly produced spider silk-inspired protein through the industrial biotechnology platform. Unmodified kraft lignin was used as the main bulk component in the coating given its abundance and low cost. The nanometer-thin spider silk-inspired protein (SSIP) was used as a primary layer exhibiting dual functionalities: (i) modulating the mechanical properties of inherently brittle kraft lignin, (ii) substantially increasing the interfacial binding of kraft lignin to the underlying rigid silica substrate with the mismatched physicochemical properties. Our findings demonstrate how synergistic interplay components could result in scalable and durable functional coatings which could potentially be used in various medical and industrial applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Borisova
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044 VTT, Finland.
| | - Tuuli Virkkala
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Robert Pylkkänen
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044 VTT, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Miriam Kellock
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044 VTT, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
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Bera D, Mukhopadhyay A, Nonappa, Goswami N. In Situ Depletion-Guided Engineering of Nanoshell-like Gold Nanocluster Assemblies with Enhanced Peroxidase-like Nanozyme Activity. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:7299-7305. [PMID: 37561008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01837] [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: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Functional superstructures constructed from metal nanoclusters (MNCs) hold great promise in providing highly tunable photoluminescence (PL), catalytic activity, photothermal stability, and biological functionality. However, their controlled synthesis with well-defined size, structure, and properties remains a significant challenge. Herein, we introduce a novel approach that combines depletion attraction and thermal activation to induce the in situ formation of spherical superclusters (AuSCs) from Au(I)-thiolate complexes within the assembly. Extensive characterization and electron tomographic reconstruction reveal that Au(I)-thiolate complexes can be sequentially transitioned into metallic Au0, resulting in hollow nanoshell-like structures with consistent size (∼110 nm) and diverse shell configurations. Our results demonstrate that AuSCs with thinner shells, containing a high concentration of Au(I)-thiolate complexes, exhibit the highest PL, while AuSCs with thicker shells, containing high concentrations of metallic gold atoms and low ligand density, show remarkable peroxidase-like nanozyme activity in the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debkumar Bera
- Materials Chemistry Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751013, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Arun Mukhopadhyay
- Materials Chemistry Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751013, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Nonappa
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu-3, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Nirmal Goswami
- Materials Chemistry Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751013, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201 002, India
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Ban E, Kim A. Coacervates: recent developments as nanostructure delivery platforms for therapeutic biomolecules. Int J Pharm 2022; 624:122058. [PMID: 35905931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Coacervation is a liquid-liquid phase separation that can occur in solutions of macromolecules through self-assembly or electrostatic interactions. Recently, coacervates composed of biocompatible macromolecules have been actively investigated as nanostructure platforms to encapsulate and deliver biomolecules such as proteins, RNAs, and DNAs. One particular advantage of coacervates is that they are derived from aqueous solutions, unlike other nanoparticle delivery systems that often require organic solvents. In addition, coacervates achieve high loading while maintaining the viability of the cargo material. Here, we review recent developments in the applications of coacervates and their limitations in the delivery of therapeutic biomolecules. Important factors for coacervation include molecular structures of the polyelectrolytes, mixing ratio, the concentration of polyelectrolytes, and reaction conditions such as ionic strength, pH, and temperature. Various compositions of coacervates have been shown to deliver biomolecules in vitro and in vivo with encouraging activities. However, major hurdles remain for the systemic route of administration other than topical or local delivery. The scale-up of manufacturing methods suitable for preclinical and clinical evaluations remains to be addressed. We conclude with a few research directions to overcome current challenges, which may lead to successful translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunmi Ban
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Aeri Kim
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea.
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Mohammadi P, Gandier JA, Wagermaier W, Miserez A, Penttilä M. Bioinspired Functionally Graded Composite Assembled Using Cellulose Nanocrystals and Genetically Engineered Proteins with Controlled Biomineralization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102658. [PMID: 34467572 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nature provides unique insights into design strategies evolved by living organisms to construct robust materials with a combination of mechanical properties that are challenging to replicate synthetically. Hereby, inspired by the impact-resistant dactyl club of the stomatopod, a mineralized biocomposite is rationally designed and produced in the complex shapes of dental implant crowns exhibiting high strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness. This material consists of an expanded helicoidal organization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) mixed with genetically engineered proteins that regulate both binding to CNCs and in situ growth of reinforcing apatite crystals. Critically, the structural properties emerge from controlled self-assembly across multiple length scales regulated by rational engineering and phase separation of the protein components. This work replicates multiscale biomanufacturing of a model biological material and also offers an innovative platform to synthesize multifunctional biocomposites whose properties can be finely regulated by colloidal self-assembly and engineering of its constitutive protein building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, VTT, Espoo, FI-02044, Finland
| | - Julie-Anne Gandier
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Espoo, FI-16100, Finland
| | - Wolfgang Wagermaier
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ali Miserez
- Centre for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, 60 Nanyang Drive, NTU, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Merja Penttilä
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, VTT, Espoo, FI-02044, Finland
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Balu R, Dutta NK, Dutta AK, Choudhury NR. Resilin-mimetics as a smart biomaterial platform for biomedical applications. Nat Commun 2021; 12:149. [PMID: 33420053 PMCID: PMC7794388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins have dramatically changed the structure-function paradigm of proteins in the 21st century. Resilin is a native elastic insect protein, which features intrinsically disordered structure, unusual multi-stimuli responsiveness and outstanding resilience. Advances in computational techniques, polypeptide synthesis methods and modular protein engineering routines have led to the development of novel resilin-like polypeptides (RLPs) including modular RLPs, expanding their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensors, catalysis and bioelectronics. However, how the responsive behaviour of RLPs is encoded in the amino acid sequence level remains elusive. This review summarises the milestones of RLPs, and discusses the development of modular RLP-based biomaterials, their current applications, challenges and future perspectives. A perspective of future research is that sequence and responsiveness profiling of RLPs can provide a new platform for the design and development of new modular RLP-based biomaterials with programmable structure, properties and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkamal Balu
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Naba K Dutta
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Ankit K Dutta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Namita Roy Choudhury
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
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Mohammadi P, Jonkergouw C, Beaune G, Engelhardt P, Kamada A, Timonen JVI, Knowles TPJ, Penttila M, Linder MB. Controllable coacervation of recombinantly produced spider silk protein using kosmotropic salts. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 560:149-160. [PMID: 31670097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments suggest that the phase transition of natural and synthetic biomacromolecules represents an important and ubiquitous mechanism underlying structural assemblies toward the fabrication of high-performance materials. Such a transition results in the formation of condensed liquid droplets, described as condensates or coacervates. Being able to effectively control the assembly of such entities is essential for tuning the quality and their functionality. Here we describe how self-coacervation of genetically engineered spidroin-inspired proteins can be preceded by a wide range of kosmotropic salts. We studied the kinetics and mechanisms of coacervation in different conditions, from direct observation of initial phase separation to the early stage of nucleation/growth and fusion into large fluid assemblies. We found that coacervation induced by kosmotropic salts follows the classical nucleation theory and critically relies on precursor clusters of few weak-interacting protein monomers. Depending on solution conditions and the strength of the supramolecular interaction as a function of time, coacervates with a continuum of physiochemical properties were observed. We observed similar characteristics in other protein-based coacervates, which include having a spherical-ellipsoid shape in solution, an interconnected bicontinuous network, surface adhesion, and wetting properties. Finally, we demonstrated the use of salt-induced self-coacervates of spidroin-inspired protein as a cellulosic binder in dried condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo FI-02044, Finland.
| | - Christopher Jonkergouw
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, FI-16100 Espoo, Finland
| | - Grégory Beaune
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Peter Engelhardt
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Ayaka Kamada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jaakko V I Timonen
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Merja Penttila
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo FI-02044, Finland
| | - Markus B Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, FI-16100 Espoo, Finland
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8
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Fan Y, Wang Y. Applications of small-angle X-ray scattering/small-angle neutron scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy to understand self-assembly of surfactants. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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