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Scheuer K, Helbing C, Firkowska-Boden I, Jandt KD. Self-assembled fibrinogen–fibronectin hybrid protein nanofibers with medium-sensitive stability. RSC Adv 2021; 11:14113-14120. [PMID: 35423936 PMCID: PMC8697752 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra10749b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybrid protein nanofibers (hPNFs) have been identified as promising nano building blocks for numerous applications in nanomedicine and tissue engineering. We have recently reported a nature-inspired, self-assembly route to create hPNFs from human plasma proteins, i.e., albumin and hemoglobin. However, it is still unclear whether the same route can be applied to other plasma proteins and whether it is possible to control the composition of the resulting fibers. In this context, to further understand the hPNFs self-assembly mechanism and to optimize their properties, we report herein on ethanol-induced self-assembly of two different plasma proteins, i.e., fibrinogen (FG) and fibronectin (FN). We show that by varying initial protein ratios, the composition and thus the properties of the resulting hPNFs can be fine-tuned. Specifically, atomic force microscopy, hydrodynamic diameter, and zeta potential data together revealed a strong correlation of the hPNFs dimensions and surface charge to their initial protein mixing ratio. The composition-independent prompt dissolution of hPNFs in ultrapure water, in contrast to their stability in PBS, indicates that the molecular arrangement of FN and FG in hPNFs is mainly based on electrostatic interactions. Supported by experimental data we introduce a feasible mechanism that explains the interactions between FN and FG and their self-assembly to hPNFs. These findings contribute to the understanding of dual protein interactions, which can be beneficial in designing innovative biomaterials with multifaceted biological and physical characteristics. Hybrid protein nanofibers (hPNFs) have been identified as promising nano building blocks for numerous applications in nanomedicine and tissue engineering.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Scheuer
- Chair of Materials Science
- Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Germany
| | - Christian Helbing
- Chair of Materials Science
- Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Germany
| | - Izabela Firkowska-Boden
- Chair of Materials Science
- Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Germany
| | - Klaus D. Jandt
- Chair of Materials Science
- Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter
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2
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Werten MWT, Eggink G, Cohen Stuart MA, de Wolf FA. Production of protein-based polymers in Pichia pastoris. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:642-666. [PMID: 30902728 PMCID: PMC6624476 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Materials science and genetic engineering have joined forces over the last three decades in the development of so-called protein-based polymers. These are proteins, typically with repetitive amino acid sequences, that have such physical properties that they can be used as functional materials. Well-known natural examples are collagen, silk, and elastin, but also artificial sequences have been devised. These proteins can be produced in a suitable host via recombinant DNA technology, and it is this inherent control over monomer sequence and molecular size that renders this class of polymers of particular interest to the fields of nanomaterials and biomedical research. Traditionally, Escherichia coli has been the main workhorse for the production of these polymers, but the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is finding increased use in view of the often high yields and potential bioprocessing benefits. We here provide an overview of protein-based polymers produced in P. pastoris. We summarize their physicochemical properties, briefly note possible applications, and detail their biosynthesis. Some challenges that may be faced when using P. pastoris for polymer production are identified: (i) low yields and poor process control in shake flask cultures; i.e., the need for bioreactors, (ii) proteolytic degradation, and (iii) self-assembly in vivo. Strategies to overcome these challenges are discussed, which we anticipate will be of interest also to readers involved in protein expression in P. pastoris in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc W T Werten
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, NL-6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerrit Eggink
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, NL-6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research, NL-6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien A Cohen Stuart
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, NL-6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frits A de Wolf
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, NL-6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Helbing C, Deckert-Gaudig T, Firkowska-Boden I, Wei G, Deckert V, Jandt KD. Protein Handshake on the Nanoscale: How Albumin and Hemoglobin Self-Assemble into Nanohybrid Fibers. ACS NANO 2018; 12:1211-1219. [PMID: 29298383 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b07196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Creating and establishing proof of hybrid protein nanofibers (hPNFs), i.e., PNFs that contain more than one protein, is a currently unsolved challenge in bioinspired materials science. Such hPNFs could serve as universal building blocks for the bottom-up preparation of functional materials with bespoke properties. Here, inspired by the protein assemblies occurring in nature, we introduce hPNFs created via a facile self-assembly route and composed of human serum albumin (HSA) and human hemoglobin (HGB) proteins. Our circular dichroism results shed light on the mechanism of the proteins' self-assembly into hybrid nanofibers, which is driven by electrostatic/hydrophobic interactions between similar amino acid sequences (protein handshake) exposed to ethanol-triggered protein denaturation. Based on nanoscale characterization with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and immunogold labeling, our results demonstrate the existence and heterogenic nature of the hPNFs and reveal the high HSA/HGB composition ratio, which is attributed to the fast self-assembling kinetics of HSA. The self-assembled hPNFs with a high aspect ratio of over 100 can potentially serve as biocompatible units to create larger bioactive structures, devices, and sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Helbing
- Chair of Materials Science (CMS), Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research, Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Löbdergraben 32, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Tanja Deckert-Gaudig
- Leibnitz Institute of Photonic Technology IPHT , Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Izabela Firkowska-Boden
- Chair of Materials Science (CMS), Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research, Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Löbdergraben 32, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gang Wei
- Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen , Am Fallturm 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Volker Deckert
- Leibnitz Institute of Photonic Technology IPHT , Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute for Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Klaus D Jandt
- Chair of Materials Science (CMS), Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research, Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Löbdergraben 32, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC), Friedrich Schiller University , 07743 Jena, Germany
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4
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Rodygin KS, Werner I, Ananikov VP. A Green and Sustainable Route to Carbohydrate Vinyl Ethers for Accessing Bioinspired Materials with a Unique Microspherical Morphology. CHEMSUSCHEM 2018; 11:292-298. [PMID: 28898575 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201701489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthesizing chemicals and materials from renewable sources is one of the main aims of modern science. Carbohydrates represent excellent renewable natural raw materials that are ecofriendly, inexpensive, and biologically compatible. A green procedure has been developed for the vinylation of carbohydrates by using readily available calcium carbide. Various carbohydrates were utilized as starting materials, resulting in mono-, di-, and tetravinyl ethers in high to excellent yields (81-92 %). The synthesized biobased vinyl ethers were utilized as monomers in free radical and cationic polymerizations. A unique combination of a smooth surface and intrinsic microcompartments was achieved in the synthesized materials. Two types of biobased materials were prepared involving microspheres and intrinsic hollow compartments in polymers. Scanning electron microscopy with built-in ion beam cutting was applied to reveal the spatial hierarchical structures in 3D space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin S Rodygin
- Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskii prospect, 26, Petergof, Russia
| | - Irina Werner
- Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskii prospect, 26, Petergof, Russia
| | - Valentine P Ananikov
- Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskii prospect, 26, Petergof, Russia
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 47, Moscow, Russia
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Borkner CB, Elsner MB, Scheibel T. Coatings and films made of silk proteins. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:15611-15625. [PMID: 25004395 DOI: 10.1021/am5008479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Silks are a class of proteinaceous materials produced by arthropods for various purposes. Spider dragline silk is known for its outstanding mechanical properties, and it shows high biocompatibility, good biodegradability, and a lack of immunogenicity and allergenicity. The silk produced by the mulberry silkworm B. mori has been used as a textile fiber and in medical devices for a long time. Here, recent progress in the processing of different silk materials into highly tailored isotropic and anisotropic coatings for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, cell adhesion, and implant coatings as well as for optics and biosensors is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian B Borkner
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, ‡Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen (BZKG), §Institut für Bio-Makromoleküle (bio-mac), ∥Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften (BZMB), and ⊥Bayreuther Materialzentrum (BayMAT), Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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Wang Q, Xia X, Huang W, Lin Y, Xu Q, Kaplan DL. High Throughput Screening of Dynamic Silk-Elastin-Like Protein Biomaterials. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2014; 24:4303-4310. [PMID: 25505375 PMCID: PMC4258412 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201304106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The need for dynamic, elastomeric polymeric biomaterials remains high, with few options with tunable control of mechanical properties, and environmental responses. Yet the diversity of these types of protein polymers pursued for biomaterials-related needs remains limited. Robust high-throughput synthesis and characterization methods will address the need to expand options for protein-polymers for a range of applications. To address this need, a combinatorial library approach with high throughput screening is used to select specific examples of dynamic protein silk-elastin-like polypeptides (SELPs) with unique stimuli responsive features, including tensile strength, and adhesion. Using this approach 64 different SELPs with different sequences and molecular weights are selected out of over 2,000 recombinant E. coli colonies. New understanding of sequence-function relationships with this family of proteins is gained through this combinatorial-screening approach and can provide a guide to future library designs. Further, this approach yields new families of SELPs to match specific material functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
| | - Xiaoxia Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wenwen Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
| | - Yinan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
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7
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Pillai CKS. Challenges for Natural Monomers and Polymers: Novel Design Strategies and Engineering to Develop Advanced Polymers. Des Monomers Polym 2012. [DOI: 10.1163/138577210x12634696333190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C. K. S. Pillai
- a Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, Regional Research Laboratory (Now NIIST), Thiruvanananthapuram-695 019, India
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8
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Rodríguez-Ropero F, Zanuy D, Assfeld X, Alemán C. Modeling an electronic conductor based on natural peptide sequences. Biomacromolecules 2009; 10:2338-43. [PMID: 19603792 DOI: 10.1021/bm900524v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work we used quantum mechanical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and QM/MM methods to examine the formation of a pi-stacking ladder and the existence of charge transfer processes in a tubular nanostructure constructed using protein building blocks. Initially, the conformational properties of beta-3-thienylalanine, a synthetic amino acid with an aromatic side group, were studied using quantum mechanical calculations. Next, this amino acid was used to substitute the natural residues at selected positions of the nanotube. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that a rational design of the targeted replacements enhances the stability of the tubular nanostructure and forms a pi-stacking ladder in the inner core of the tube. Finally, QM/MM calculations on the oxidized nanotube evidenced the delocalization of the pi-electron deficiency between the thienyl side groups of the different synthetic residues. The overall results reflected that the system under study is a potential candidate to be used as a nanowire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Rodríguez-Ropero
- Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, ETS d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona E-08028, Spain.
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9
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Börner HG. Strategies exploiting functions and self-assembly properties of bioconjugates for polymer and materials sciences. Prog Polym Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2009.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Viruses: incredible nanomachines. New advances with filamentous phages. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2009; 39:541-50. [PMID: 19680644 PMCID: PMC2841255 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-009-0523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During recent decades, bacteriophages have been at the cutting edge of new developments in molecular biology, biophysics, and, more recently, bionanotechnology. In particular filamentous viruses, for example bacteriophage M13, have a virion architecture that enables precision building of ordered and defect-free two and three-dimensional structures on a nanometre scale. This could not have been possible without detailed knowledge of coat protein structure and dynamics during the virus reproduction cycle. The results of the spectroscopic studies conducted in our group compellingly demonstrate a critical role of membrane embedment of the protein both during infectious entry of the virus into the host cell and during assembly of the new virion in the host membrane. The protein is effectively embedded in the membrane by a strong C-terminal interfacial anchor, which together with a simple tilt mechanism and a subtle structural adjustment of the extreme end of its N terminus provides favourable thermodynamical association of the protein in the lipid bilayer. This basic physicochemical rule cannot be violated and any new bionanotechnology that will emerge from bacteriophage M13 should take this into account.
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Salwiczek M, Samsonov S, Vagt T, Nyakatura E, Fleige E, Numata J, Cölfen H, Pisabarro M, Koksch B. Position-Dependent Effects of Fluorinated Amino Acids on the Hydrophobic Core Formation of a Heterodimeric Coiled Coil. Chemistry 2009; 15:7628-36. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.200802136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Does domain swapping improve the stability of RNase A? Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 382:114-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.02.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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13
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Mackintosh SH, Meade SJ, Healy JP, Sutton KH, Larsen NG, Squires AM, Gerrard JA. Wheat glutenin proteins assemble into a nanostructure with unusual structural features. J Cereal Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Werten MWT, Moers APHA, Vong T, Zuilhof H, van Hest JCM, de Wolf FA. Biosynthesis of an amphiphilic silk-like polymer. Biomacromolecules 2008; 9:1705-11. [PMID: 18517247 DOI: 10.1021/bm701111z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An amphiphilic silk-like protein polymer was efficiently produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The secreted product was fully intact and was purified by solubilization in formic acid and subsequent precipitation of denatured host proteins upon dilution with water. In aqueous alkaline solution, the negatively charged acidic polymer assumed extended helical (silk III-like) and unordered conformations. Upon subsequent drying, it assumed a conformation rich in beta-turns. In water at low pH, the uncharged polymer aggregated and the solution became turbid. Concentrated solutions in 70% (v/v) formic acid slowly formed gels. Replacement of the formic acid-water mixture with methanol and subsequent drying resulted in beta-sheets, which stacked into fibril-like structures. The novel polymer instantaneously lowered the air-water interfacial tension under neutral to alkaline conditions and reversed the polarity of hydrophobic and hydrophilic solid surfaces upon adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc W T Werten
- Agrotechnology & Food Innovations BV, Wageningen UR, Bornsesteeg 59, NL-6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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15
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van Beilen JB, Poirier Y. Production of renewable polymers from crop plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 54:684-701. [PMID: 18476872 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2008.03431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plants produce a range of biopolymers for purposes such as maintenance of structural integrity, carbon storage, and defense against pathogens and desiccation. Several of these natural polymers are used by humans as food and materials, and increasingly as an energy carrier. In this review, we focus on plant biopolymers that are used as materials in bulk applications, such as plastics and elastomers, in the context of depleting resources and climate change, and consider technical and scientific bottlenecks in the production of novel or improved materials in transgenic or alternative crop plants. The biopolymers discussed are natural rubber and several polymers that are not naturally produced in plants, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, fibrous proteins and poly-amino acids. In addition, monomers or precursors for the chemical synthesis of biopolymers, such as 4-hydroxybenzoate, itaconic acid, fructose and sorbitol, are discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan B van Beilen
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire Végétale, Université de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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16
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Ghosh S, Verma S. Templated Growth of Hybrid Structures at the Peptide–Peptide Interface. Chemistry 2008; 14:1415-9. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.200701736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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17
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Donor-Strand Exchange in Chaperone-Assisted Pilus Assembly Revealed in Atomic Detail by Molecular Dynamics. J Mol Biol 2008; 375:908-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.10.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Revised: 10/21/2007] [Accepted: 10/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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van Beilen JB, Poirier Y. Prospects for biopolymer production in plants. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2007; 107:133-51. [PMID: 17522824 DOI: 10.1007/10_2007_056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
It is likely that during this century polymers based on renewable materials will gradually replace industrial polymers based on petrochemicals. This chapter gives an overview of the current status of research on plant biopolymers that are used as a material in non-food applications. We cover technical and scientific bottlenecks in the production of novel or improved materials, and the potential of using transgenic or alternative crops in overcoming these bottlenecks. Four classes of biopolymers will be discussed: starch, proteins, natural rubber, and poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoates. Renewable polymers produced by chemical polymerization of monomers derived from sugars, vegetable oil, or proteins, are not considered here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan B van Beilen
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire Végétale, Université de Lausanne, Bâtiment Biophore, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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19
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Tsai CJ, Zheng J, Alemán C, Nussinov R. Structure by design: from single proteins and their building blocks to nanostructures. Trends Biotechnol 2006; 24:449-54. [PMID: 16935374 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2006.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2006] [Revised: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 08/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology realizes the advantages of naturally occurring biological macromolecules and their building-block nature for design. Frequently, assembly starts with the choice of a "good" molecule that is synthetically optimized towards the desired shape. By contrast, we propose starting with a pre-specified nanostructure shape, selecting candidate protein building blocks from a library and mapping them onto the shape and, finally, testing the stability of the construct. Such a shape-based, part-assembly strategy is conceptually similar to protein design through the combinatorial assembly of building blocks. If the conformational preferences of the building blocks are retained and their interactions are favorable, the nanostructure will be stable. The richness of the conformations, shapes and chemistries of the protein building blocks suggests a broad range of potential applications; at the same time, it also highlights their complexity. In this Opinion article, we focus on the first step: validating such a strategy against experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Jung Tsai
- Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Kumar M, Sanford KJ, Cuevas WA, Cuevas WP, Du M, Collier KD, Chow N. Designer Protein-Based Performance Materials. Biomacromolecules 2006; 7:2543-51. [PMID: 16961316 DOI: 10.1021/bm060464a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Repeat sequence protein polymer (RSPP) technology provides a platform to design and make protein-based performance polymers and represents the best nature has to offer. We report here that the RSPP platform is a novel approach to produce functional protein polymers that have both biomechanical and biofunctional blocks built into one molecule by design, using peptide motifs. We have shown that protein-based designer biopolymers can be made using recombinant DNA technology and fermentation and offer the ability to screen for desired properties utilizing the tremendous potential diversity of amino acid combinations. The technology also allows for large-scale manufacturing with a favorable fermentative cost-structure to deliver commercially viable performance polymers. Using three diverse examples with antimicrobial, textile targeting, and UV-protective agent, we have introduced functional attributes into structural protein polymers and shown, for example, that the functionalized RSPPs have possible applications in biodefense, industrial biotechnology, and personal care areas. This new class of biobased materials will simulate natural biomaterials that can be modified for desired function and have many advantages over conventional petroleum-based polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- Genencor International, Danisco Company, 925 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
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21
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22
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Chen C, Daniel MC, Quinkert ZT, De M, Stein B, Bowman VD, Chipman PR, Rotello VM, Kao CC, Dragnea B. Nanoparticle-templated assembly of viral protein cages. NANO LETTERS 2006; 6:611-5. [PMID: 16608253 DOI: 10.1021/nl0600878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of regular protein surfaces around nanoparticle templates provides a new class of hybrid biomaterials with potential applications in medical imaging and in bioanalytical sensing. We report here the first example of efficiently self-assembled virus-like particles (VLPs) having a brome mosaic virus protein coat and a functionalized gold core. The present study indicates that functionalized gold particles can initiate VLP assembly by mimicking the electrostatic behavior of the nucleic acid component of the native virus. These VLP constructs are symmetric, with the protein stoichiometry and packaging properties indicating similarity to the icosahedral packing of the capsid. Moreover, a pH-induced swelling transition of the VLPs is observed, in direct analogy to the native virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
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