1
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Tran LH, Lowe LA, Deckel Y, Turner M, Luong J, Khamis OAA, Amos ML, Wang A. Measuring Vesicle Loading with Holographic Microscopy and Bulk Light Scattering. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2024; 4:400-407. [PMID: 39069977 PMCID: PMC11274288 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
We report efforts to quantify the loading of cell-sized lipid vesicles using in-line digital holographic microscopy. This method does not require fluorescent reporters, fluorescent tracers, or radioactive tracers. A single-color LED light source takes the place of conventional illumination to generate holograms rather than bright field images. By modeling the vesicle's scattering in a microscope with a Lorenz-Mie light scattering model and comparing the results to data holograms, we are able to measure the vesicle's refractive index and thus loading. Performing the same comparison for bulk light scattering measurements enables the retrieval of vesicle loading for nanoscale vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren A. Lowe
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Yaam Deckel
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Turner
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- School
of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - James Luong
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Megan L. Amos
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Wang
- School
of Chemistry, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- Australian
Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- ARC
Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
- RNA Institute, UNSW, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
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2
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Gao Z, Sun H, Yang S, Li M, Qi N, Cui J. Red Blood Cell-Like Poly(ethylene glycol) Particles: Influence of Particle Stiffness on Biological Behaviors. ACS Macro Lett 2024:966-971. [PMID: 39038183 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Cell-like particles represent a category of synthetic particles designed to emulate the structures or functions of natural cells. Herein, we present the assembly of cell-like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) particles with different stiffnesses and shapes via replication of animal cells and investigate the impact of particle stiffness on their biological behaviors. As a proof of concept, we fabricate red blood cell-like and spherical PEG particles with varying cross-linking densities. A systematic exploration of their properties, encompassing morphology, stiffness, deformability, and biodistribution, reveal the vital influence of particle stiffness on in vivo fate, elucidating its role in governing the traversal of capillaries and the dynamic interactions with phagocytic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Hongning Sun
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Na Qi
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Jiwei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Targeted Drug Delivery and Advanced Pharmaceutics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
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3
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Fielden SDP. Kinetically Controlled and Nonequilibrium Assembly of Block Copolymers in Solution. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:18781-18796. [PMID: 38967256 PMCID: PMC11258791 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Covalent polymers are versatile macromolecules that have found widespread use in society. Contemporary methods of polymerization have made it possible to construct sequence polymers, including block copolymers, with high precision. Such copolymers assemble in solution when the blocks have differing solubilities. This produces nano- and microparticles of various shapes and sizes. While it is straightforward to draw an analogy between such amphiphilic block copolymers and phospholipids, these two classes of molecules show quite different assembly characteristics. In particular, block copolymers often assemble under kinetic control, thus producing nonequilibrium structures. This leads to a rich variety of behaviors being observed in block copolymer assembly, such as pathway dependence (e.g., thermal history), nonergodicity and responsiveness. The dynamics of polymer assemblies can be readily controlled using changes in environmental conditions and/or integrating functional groups situated on polymers with external chemical reactions. This perspective highlights that kinetic control is both pervasive and a useful attribute in the mechanics of block copolymer assembly. Recent examples are highlighted in order to show that toggling between static and dynamic behavior can be used to generate, manipulate and dismantle nonequilibrium states. New methods to control the kinetics of block copolymer assembly will provide endless unanticipated applications in materials science, biomimicry and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. P. Fielden
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United
Kingdom
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4
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Brodszkij E, Städler B. Advances in block copolymer-phospholipid hybrid vesicles: from physical-chemical properties to applications. Chem Sci 2024; 15:10724-10744. [PMID: 39027291 PMCID: PMC11253165 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01444h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hybrid vesicles, made of lipids and amphiphilic block copolymers, have become increasingly popular thanks to their versatile properties that enable the construction of intricate membranes mimicking cellular structures. This tutorial review gives an overview over the different hybrid vesicle designs, and provides a detailed analysis of their properties, including their composition, membrane fluidity, membrane homogeneity, permeability, stability. The review puts emphasis on the application of these hybrid vesicles in bottom-up synthetic biology and aims to offer an overview of design guidelines, particularly focusing on composition, to eventually realize the intended applications of these hybrid vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edit Brodszkij
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) Aarhus University Gustave Wieds Vej 14 8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) Aarhus University Gustave Wieds Vej 14 8000 Aarhus C Denmark
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5
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Li J, Chen S, Xu B, He Z, Yuan Q, Gan W. Temperature-Modulated Evolution of Surface Structures Induces Significant Enhancement of Two-Photon Fluorescent Emission from a Dye Molecule. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:6400-6409. [PMID: 38914939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence is an essential property of molecules and materials that plays a pivotal role across various areas such as lighting, sensing, imaging, and other applications. For instance, temperature-sensitive fluorescence emission is widely utilized for chemo-/biosensing but usually decreases the intensity upon the increase in temperature. In this study, we observed a temperature-induced enhancement of up to ∼150 times in two-photon fluorescence (TPF) emission from a dye molecule, 4-(4-diethylaminostyry)-1-methylpyridinium iodide (D289), as it interacted with binary complex vesicles composed of two commonly applied surfactants: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). By employing second harmonic generation (SHG) and TPF techniques, we clearly revealed the temperature-dependent kinetic behavior of D289 on the surface of the vesicles and utilized it to interpret the origin of the significant TPF enhancement. Additionally, we also demonstrated a similar heating-induced enhancement of the TPF emission from D289 on the membrane of phospholipid vesicles, indicating the potential application of TPF in temperature sensing in the biology systems. The embedding of D289 in the tightly packed alkane chains was identified as the key factor in enhancing the TPF emission from D289. This finding may provide valuable information for synthesizing fluorescence materials with a high optical yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shujiao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Baomei Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zikai He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qunhui Yuan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Gan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
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6
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Chang L, Cui H, Li F, Job Zhang YHP, Zhang L. ATP regeneration by ATPases for in vitro biotransformation. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108377. [PMID: 38763231 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108377] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regeneration is a significant step in both living cells and in vitro biotransformation (ivBT). Rotary motor ATP synthases (ATPases), which regenerate ATP in living cells, have been widely assembled in biomimetic structures for in vitro ATP synthesis. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of ATPases, including the working principle, orientation and distribution density properties of ATPases, as well as the assembly strategies and applications of ATPase-based ATP regeneration modules. The original sources of ATPases for in vitro ATP regeneration include chromatophores, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and inverted Escherichia coli (E. coli) vesicles, which are readily accessible but unstable. Although significant advances have been made in the assembly methods for ATPase-artificial membranes in recent decades, it remains challenging to replicate the high density and orientation of ATPases observed in vivo using in vitro assembly methods. The use of bioproton pumps or chemicals for constructing proton motive forces (PMF) enables the versatility and potential of ATPase-based ATP regeneration modules. Additionally, overall robustness can be achieved via membrane component selection, such as polymers offering great mechanical stability, or by constructing a solid supporting matrix through layer-by-layer assembly techniques. Finally, the prospects of ATPase-based ATP regeneration modules can be expected with the technological development of ATPases and artificial membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; In vitro Synthetic Biology Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China
| | - Huijuan Cui
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; In vitro Synthetic Biology Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; In vitro Synthetic Biology Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China
| | - Yi-Heng P Job Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; In vitro Synthetic Biology Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; In vitro Synthetic Biology Center, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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7
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Kojima T, Noguchi Y, Terasaka K, Asakura K, Banno T. Engineering pH-Responsive, Self-Healing Vesicle-Type Artificial Tissues with Higher-Order Cooperative Functionalities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311255. [PMID: 38415816 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Multicellular organisms demonstrate a hierarchical organization where multiple cells collectively form tissues, thereby enabling higher-order cooperative functionalities beyond the capabilities of individual cells. Drawing inspiration from this biological organization, assemblies of multiple protocells are developed to create novel functional materials with emergent higher-order cooperative functionalities. This paper presents new artificial tissues derived from multiple vesicles, which serve as protocellular models. These tissues are formed and manipulated through non-covalent interactions triggered by a salt bridge. Exhibiting pH-sensitive reversible formation and destruction under neutral conditions, these artificial vesicle tissues demonstrate three distinct higher-order cooperative functionalities: transportation of large cargoes, photo-induced contractions, and enhanced survivability against external threats. The rapid assembly and disassembly of these artificial tissues in response to pH variations enable controlled mechanical task performance. Additionally, the self-healing property of these artificial tissues indicates robustness against external mechanical damage. The research suggests that these vesicles can detect specific pH environments and spontaneously assemble into artificial tissues with advanced functionalities. This leads to the possibility of developing intelligent materials with high environmental specificity, particularly for applications in soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kojima
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Yutaro Noguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Koichi Terasaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kouichi Asakura
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Taisuke Banno
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
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8
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Jiang W, Xu H, Gao Z, Wu Z, Zhao Z, Wang J, Wu Y, Ke H, Mao C, Wan M, Zhou M. Artificial Neutrophils Against Vascular Graft Infection. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402768. [PMID: 38874399 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Efficient neutrophil migration to infection sites plays a vital role in the body's defense against bacterial infections and natural immune responses. Neutrophils have a short lifespan and cannot be mass-cultured in vitro. Therefore, developing more stable artificial neutrophils (AN) in a controllable manner has become a research focus. However, existing AN lack chemotaxis, which is the ability to migrate toward high-signal-concentration positions in a dynamic blood- flow environment. Supplying AN with chemotaxis is key to designing AN that are more similar to natural neutrophils in terms of morphology and function. In this study, micrometer-sized, spherical, biocompatible AN are developed. These AN consist of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles encapsulating two enzymes, coacervate droplet frameworks, and outer phospholipid bilayers carrying enzymes. The AN exhibit responsiveness to elevated hydrogen peroxide levels at inflammation sites, actively chemotaxing toward these sites along concentration gradients. They also demonstrate effective combat against Staphylococcus aureus infections. The capabilities of the AN are further validated through in vitro experiments and in vivo evaluations using vascular graft infection models. This study replicates natural neutrophils in terms of chemical composition, functionality, and physiological impact. It introduces new ideas for advancing the development of advanced artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Huizi Xu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zichun Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yawen Wu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haifeng Ke
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
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9
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Brodszkij E, Ryberg C, Lyons JA, Juhl DW, Nielsen NC, Sigalas NI, Lyulin AV, Pedersen JS, Städler B. Poly(Sitosterol)-Based Hydrophobic Blocks in Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for the Assembly of Hybrid Vesicles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401934. [PMID: 38860565 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Amphiphilic block copolymer and lipids can be assembled into hybrid vesicles (HVs), which are an alternative to liposomes and polymersomes. Block copolymers that have either poly(sitostryl methacrylate) or statistical copolymers of sitosteryl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate as the hydrophobic part and a poly(carboxyethyl acrylate) hydrophilic segment are synthesized and characterized. These block copolymers assemble into small HVs with soybean L-α-phosphatidylcholine (soyPC), confirmed by electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. The membrane's hybrid nature is illustrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer between labeled building blocks. The membrane packing, derived from spectra when using Laurdan as an environmentally sensitive fluorescent probe, is comparable between small HVs and the corresponding liposomes with molecular sitosterol, although the former show indications of transmembrane asymmetry. Giant HVs with homogenous distribution of the block copolymers and soyPC in their membranes are assembled using the electroformation method. The lateral diffusion of both building blocks is slowed down in giant HVs with higher block copolymer content, but their permeability toward (6)-carboxy-X-rhodamine is higher compared to giant vesicles made of soyPC and molecular sitosterol. This fundamental effort contributes to the rapidly expanding understanding of the integration of natural membrane constituents with designed synthetic compounds to form hybrid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edit Brodszkij
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Ryberg
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Joseph A Lyons
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Dennis Wilkens Juhl
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Niels Chr Nielsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Nikolaos I Sigalas
- Soft Matter and Biological Physics Group, Department of Applied Physics, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Alexey V Lyulin
- Soft Matter and Biological Physics Group, Department of Applied Physics, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Skov Pedersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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10
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O'Callaghan JA, Kamat NP, Vargo KB, Chattaraj R, Lee D, Hammer DA. A microfluidic platform for the synthesis of polymer and polymer-protein-based protocells. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2024; 47:37. [PMID: 38829453 PMCID: PMC11147907 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-024-00428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of polymersomes, protein-blended polymersomes, and polymeric microcapsules using droplet microfluidics. Polymersomes with uniform, single bilayers and controlled diameters are assembled from water-in-oil-in-water double-emulsion droplets. This technique relies on adjusting the interfacial energies of the droplet to completely separate the polymer-stabilized inner core from the oil shell. Protein-blended polymersomes are prepared by dissolving protein in the inner and outer phases of polymer-stabilized droplets. Cell-sized polymeric microcapsules are assembled by size reduction in the inner core through osmosis followed by evaporation of the middle phase. All methods are developed and validated using the same glass-capillary microfluidic apparatus. This integrative approach not only demonstrates the versatility of our setup, but also holds significant promise for standardizing and customizing the production of polymer-based artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ann O'Callaghan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Department of Biongineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kevin B Vargo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rajarshi Chattaraj
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Daniel A Hammer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Biongineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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11
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Gómez-Márquez J. The Lithbea Domain. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300679. [PMID: 38386280 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300679] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The tree of life is the evolutionary metaphor for the past and present connections of all cellular organisms. Today, to speak of biodiversity is not only to speak of archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes, but they should also consider the "new biodiversity" that includes viruses and synthetic organisms, which represent the new forms of life created in laboratories. There is even a third group of artificial entities that, although not living systems, pretend to imitate the living. To embrace and organize all this new biodiversity, I propose the creation of a new domain, with the name Lithbea (from life-on-the-border entites) The criteria for inclusion as members of Lithbea are: i) the acellular nature of the living system, ii) its origin in laboratory manipulation, iii) showing new biological traits, iv) the presence of exogenous genetic elements, v) artificial or inorganic nature. Within Lithbea there are two subdomains: Virworld (from virus world) which includes all viruses, regarded as lifeless living systems, and classified according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), and ii) Humade (from human-made) which includes all synthetic organisms and artificial entities. The relationships of Lithbea members to the three classical woesian domains and their implications are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Gómez-Márquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, 15782, Spain
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12
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Westensee IN, Paffen LJMM, Pendlmayr S, De Dios Andres P, Ramos Docampo MA, Städler B. Artificial Cells and HepG2 Cells in 3D-Bioprinted Arrangements. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303699. [PMID: 38277695 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial cells are engineered units with cell-like functions for different purposes including acting as supportive elements for mammalian cells. Artificial cells with minimal liver-like function are made of alginate and equipped with metalloporphyrins that mimic the enzyme activity of a member of the cytochrome P450 family namely CYP1A2. The artificial cells are employed to enhance the dealkylation activity within 3D bioprinted structures composed of HepG2 cells and these artificial cells. This enhancement is monitored through the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether to resorufin. HepG2 cell aggregates are 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink, resulting in the successful proliferation of the HepG2 cells. The composite ink made of an alginate/gelatin liquid phase with an increasing amount of artificial cells is characterized. The CYP1A2-like activity of artificial cells is preserved over at least 35 days, where 6 nM resorufin is produced in 8 h. Composite inks made of artificial cells and HepG2 cell aggregates in a liquid phase are used for 3D bioprinting. The HepG2 cells proliferate over 35 days, and the structure has boosted CYP1A2 activity. The integration of artificial cells and their living counterparts into larger 3D semi-synthetic tissues is a step towards exploring bottom-up synthetic biology in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella N Westensee
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Lars J M M Paffen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Stefan Pendlmayr
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Paula De Dios Andres
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Miguel A Ramos Docampo
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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13
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Belluati A, Jimaja S, Chadwick RJ, Glynn C, Chami M, Happel D, Guo C, Kolmar H, Bruns N. Artificial cell synthesis using biocatalytic polymerization-induced self-assembly. Nat Chem 2024; 16:564-574. [PMID: 38049652 PMCID: PMC10997521 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01391-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Artificial cells are biomimetic microstructures that mimic functions of natural cells, can be applied as building blocks for molecular systems engineering, and host synthetic biology pathways. Here we report enzymatically synthesized polymer-based artificial cells with the ability to express proteins. Artificial cells were synthesized using biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly, in which myoglobin synthesizes amphiphilic block co-polymers that self-assemble into structures such as micelles, worm-like micelles, polymersomes and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). The GUVs encapsulate cargo during the polymerization, including enzymes, nanoparticles, microparticles, plasmids and cell lysate. The resulting artificial cells act as microreactors for enzymatic reactions and for osteoblast-inspired biomineralization. Moreover, they can express proteins such as a fluorescent protein and actin when fed with amino acids. Actin polymerizes in the vesicles and alters the artificial cells' internal structure by creating internal compartments. Thus, biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly-derived GUVs can mimic bacteria as they are composed of a microscopic reaction compartment that contains genetic information for protein expression upon induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Belluati
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, Glasgow, UK.
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Sètuhn Jimaja
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Robert J Chadwick
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Glynn
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Dominic Happel
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, Glasgow, UK
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, Glasgow, UK.
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
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14
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Zong W, Shao X, Li J, Cai Z, Zhang X. Towards a biomimetic cellular structure and physical morphology with liposome-encapsulated agarose sol systems. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130418. [PMID: 38412936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130418] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The cytoplasm, serving as the primary hub of cellular metabolism, stands as a pivotal cornerstone for the harmonious progression of life. The ideal artificial cell should not only have a biomembrane structure system similar to that of a cell and the function of carrying genetic information, but also should have an intracellular environment. In this pursuit, we employed a method involving the incorporation of glycerol into agarose, resulting in the formation of agarose-glycerol mixed sol (AGs). This dynamic sol exhibited fluidic properties at ambient temperature, closely mimicking the viscosity of authentic cytoplasm. Harnessing the electroformation technique, AGs was encapsulated within liposomes, enabling the efficient creation of artificial cells that closely resembled native cellular dimensions through meticulous parameter adjustments of the alternating current (AC) field. Subsequently, artificial cells harboring AGs were subjected to diverse electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions, enabling a comprehensive exploration of their deformation phenomena, encompassing both inward and outward budding. This study represents a significant stride forward in addressing one of the most fundamental challenges in the construction of artificial cytoplasm. It is our fervent aspiration that this work shall offer invaluable insights and guidance for future endeavors in the realm of artificial cell construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China; Heilongjiang Industrial Hemp Processing Technology Innovation Center, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China; Heilongjiang Industrial Hemp Processing Technology Innovation Center, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Zhenzhen Cai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China; Heilongjiang Industrial Hemp Processing Technology Innovation Center, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
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15
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Houghton MC, Kashanian SV, Derrien TL, Masuda K, Vollmer F. Whispering-Gallery Mode Optoplasmonic Microcavities: From Advanced Single-Molecule Sensors and Microlasers to Applications in Synthetic Biology. ACS PHOTONICS 2024; 11:892-903. [PMID: 38523742 PMCID: PMC10958601 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.3c01570] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Optical microcavities, specifically, whispering-gallery mode (WGM) microcavities, with their remarkable sensitivity to environmental changes, have been extensively employed as biosensors, enabling the detection of a wide range of biomolecules and nanoparticles. To push the limits of detection down to the most sensitive single-molecule level, plasmonic nanorods are strategically introduced to enhance the evanescent fields of WGM microcavities. This advancement of optoplasmonic WGM sensors allows for the detection of single molecules of a protein, conformational changes, and even atomic ions, marking significant contributions in single-molecule sensing. This Perspective discusses the exciting research prospects in optoplasmonic WGM sensing of single molecules, including the study of enzyme thermodynamics and kinetics, the emergence of thermo-optoplasmonic sensing, the ultrasensitive single-molecule sensing on WGM microlasers, and applications in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Houghton
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Exeter, Exeter
Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AX, United Kingdom
| | - Samir Vartabi Kashanian
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Exeter, Exeter
Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas L. Derrien
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Exeter, Exeter
Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - Koji Masuda
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Exeter, Exeter
Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Vollmer
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Exeter, Exeter
Devon EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
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16
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Ortega-Arzola E, Higgins PM, Cockell CS. The minimum energy required to build a cell. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5267. [PMID: 38438463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the energy requirements for cell synthesis accurately and comprehensively has been a longstanding challenge. We introduce a computational model that estimates the minimum energy necessary to build any cell from its constituent parts. This method combines omics and internal cell compositions from various sources to calculate the Gibbs Free Energy of biosynthesis independently of specific metabolic pathways. Our public tool, Synercell, can be used with other models for minumum species-specific energy estimations in any well-sequenced species. The energy for synthesising the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and lipid bilayer of four cell types: Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an average mammalian cell and JCVI-syn3A were estimated. Their modelled minimum synthesis energies at 298 K were 9.54 × 10 - 11 J/cell, 4.99 × 10 - 9 J/cell, 3.71 × 10 - 7 J/cell and 3.69 × 10 - 12 respectively. Gram-for-gram synthesis of lipid bilayers requires the most energy, followed by the proteome, genome, and transcriptome. The average per gram cost of biomass synthesis is in the 300s of J/g for all four cells. Implications for the generalisability of cell construction and applications to biogeosciences, cellular biology, biotechnology, and astrobiology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Ortega-Arzola
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Peter M Higgins
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Parvin T, Sadras SR. Advanced probiotics: bioengineering and their therapeutic application. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:361. [PMID: 38403783 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09309-8] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The role of gut bacteria in human health has long been acknowledged and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been correlated with a variety of disorders. Synthetic biology has rapidly grown over the past few years offering a variety of biological applications such as harnessing the relationship between bacteria and human health. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are thought to be appropriate chassis organisms for genetic modification with potential biomedical applications. A thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind their beneficial qualities is essential to assist the multifunctional medicinal sectors. Effective genome editing will aid in the creation of next-generation designer probiotics with enhanced resilience and specialized capabilities, furthering our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind the physiological impacts of probiotics and their interactions with the host and microbiota. The goal of this review is to provide a brief overview of the methods used to create modified probiotics with the scientific rationale behind gene editing technology, the mechanism of action of engineered probiotics along with their application to treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, bacterial infections, and various metabolic diseases. In addition, application concerns and future directions are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna Parvin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India.
| | - Sudha Rani Sadras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
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18
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Heili JM, Stokes K, Gaut NJ, Deich C, Sharon J, Hoog T, Gomez-Garcia J, Cash B, Pawlak MR, Engelhart AE, Adamala KP. Controlled exchange of protein and nucleic acid signals from and between synthetic minimal cells. Cell Syst 2024; 15:49-62.e4. [PMID: 38237551 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2023.12.008] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic minimal cells are a class of bioreactors that have some, but not all, functions of live cells. Here, we report a critical step toward the development of a bottom-up minimal cell: cellular export of functional protein and RNA products. We used cell-penetrating peptide tags to translocate payloads across a synthetic cell vesicle membrane. We demonstrated efficient transport of active enzymes and transport of nucleic acid payloads by RNA-binding proteins. We investigated influence of a concentration gradient alongside other factors on the efficiency of the translocation, and we show a method to increase product accumulation in one location. We demonstrate the use of this technology to engineer molecular communication between different populations of synthetic cells, to exchange protein and nucleic acid signals. The synthetic minimal cell production and export of proteins or nucleic acids allows experimental designs that approach the complexity and relevancy of natural biological systems. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Heili
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kaitlin Stokes
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Gaut
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher Deich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Judee Sharon
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Tanner Hoog
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jose Gomez-Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Brock Cash
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew R Pawlak
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aaron E Engelhart
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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19
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López GP, Gannon WL. Developing a Graduate Class on Synthetic Cells at a Minority Serving Institution: Lessons from the University of New Mexico. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3562-3566. [PMID: 37976421 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00275] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the development, methodology, enrollment, and outcomes of a graduate technical elective course on synthetic cells and organelles offered at the University of New Mexico, a minority-majority institution, in Fall 2022. The course had a significant ethics component and took advantage of readily available, low cost, and no-cost teaching materials that are available online. The course was effective in attracting a diverse enrollment of graduate students and senior undergraduates, some of whom participated in a survey of their backgrounds and motivations after the course was over. The article also provides results from this survey. Courses such as the one described have the potential to increase access and participation in emerging fields of research and technology such as synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel P López
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - William L Gannon
- Department of Biology and Graduate Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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20
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Wang X, Qiao X, Chen H, Wang L, Liu X, Huang X. Synthetic-Cell-Based Multi-Compartmentalized Hierarchical Systems. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201712. [PMID: 37069779 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In the extant lifeforms, the self-sustaining behaviors refer to various well-organized biochemical reactions in spatial confinement, which rely on compartmentalization to integrate and coordinate the molecularly crowded intracellular environment and complicated reaction networks in living/synthetic cells. Therefore, the biological phenomenon of compartmentalization has become an essential theme in the field of synthetic cell engineering. Recent progress in the state-of-the-art of synthetic cells has indicated that multi-compartmentalized synthetic cells should be developed to obtain more advanced structures and functions. Herein, two ways of developing multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems, namely interior compartmentalization of synthetic cells (organelles) and integration of synthetic cell communities (synthetic tissues), are summarized. Examples are provided for different construction strategies employed in the above-mentioned engineering ways, including spontaneous compartmentalization in vesicles, host-guest nesting, phase separation mediated multiphase, adhesion-mediated assembly, programmed arrays, and 3D printing. Apart from exhibiting advanced structures and functions, synthetic cells are also applied as biomimetic materials. Finally, key challenges and future directions regarding the development of multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems are summarized; these are expected to lay the foundation for the creation of a "living" synthetic cell as well as provide a larger platform for developing new biomimetic materials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qiao
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
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21
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Radhakrishnan S, Nair KS, Nandi S, Bajaj H. Engineering semi-permeable giant liposomes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:13863-13866. [PMID: 37930322 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04039a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) with a semi-permeable nature are prerequisites for constructing synthetic cells. Here we engineer semi-permeable GUVs by the inclusion of DOTAP lipid in vesicles. Diffusion of molecules of different charge and size across GUVs are reported. Control over size-selective permeability is demonstrated by modulating the DOTAP lipid composition in different lipid systems without reconstituting membrane proteins. Such semi-permeable GUVs have immense applications for constructing synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreelakshmi Radhakrishnan
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India.
| | - Karthika S Nair
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Samir Nandi
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India.
| | - Harsha Bajaj
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India
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22
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Chen Y, Wang X, Wang W. Langevin picture of subdiffusion in nonuniformly expanding medium. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2023; 33:113133. [PMID: 38029759 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Anomalous diffusion phenomena have been observed in many complex physical and biological systems. One significant advance recently is the physical extension of particle's motion in a static medium to a uniformly and even nonuniformly expanding medium. The dynamic mechanism of the anomalous diffusion in the nonuniformly expanding medium has only been investigated by the approach of continuous-time random walk. To study more physical observables and to supplement the physical models of the anomalous diffusion in the expanding mediums, we characterize the nonuniformly expanding medium with a spatiotemporal dependent scale factor a(x,t) and build the Langevin picture describing the particle's motion in the nonuniformly expanding medium. Besides the existing comoving and physical coordinates, by introducing a new coordinate and assuming that a(x,t) is separable at a long-time limit, we build the relation between the nonuniformly expanding medium and the uniformly expanding one and further obtain the moments of the comoving and physical coordinates. Different forms of the scale factor a(x,t) are considered to uncover the combined effects of the particle's intrinsic diffusion and the nonuniform expansion of medium. The theoretical analyses and simulations provide the foundation for studying more anomalous diffusion phenomena in the expanding mediums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanli Wang
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, People's Republic of China
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23
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Pi Y, Cui L, Luo W, Li H, Ma Y, Ta N, Wang X, Gao R, Wang D, Yang Q, Liu J. Design of Hollow Nanoreactors for Size- and Shape-Selective Catalytic Semihydrogenation Driven by Molecular Recognition. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307096. [PMID: 37394778 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307096] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Mimicking the structures and functions of cells to create artificial organelles has spurred the development of efficient strategies for production of hollow nanoreactors with biomimetic catalytic functions. However, such structure are challenging to fabricate and are thus rarely reported. We report the design of hollow nanoreactors with hollow multishelled structure (HoMS) and spatially loaded metal nanoparticles. Starting from a molecular-level design strategy, well-defined hollow multishelled structure phenolic resins (HoMS-PR) and carbon (HoMS-C) submicron particles were accurately constructed. HoMS-C serves as an excellent, versatile platform, owing to its tunable properties with tailored functional sites for achieving precise spatial location of metal nanoparticles, internally encapsulated (Pd@HoMS-C) or externally supported (Pd/HoMS-C). Impressively, the combination of the delicate nanoarchitecture and spatially loaded metal nanoparticles endow the pair of nanoreactors with size-shape-selective molecular recognition properties in catalytic semihydrogenation, including high activity and selectivity of Pd@HoMS-C for small aliphatic substrates and Pd/HoMS-C for large aromatic substrates. Theoretical calculations provide insight into the pair of nanoreactors with distinct behaviors due to the differences in energy barrier of substrate adsorption. This work provides guidance on the rational design and accurate construction of hollow nanoreactors with precisely located active sites and a finely modulated microenvironment by mimicking the functions of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Pi
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, 116023, Dalian, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Linxia Cui
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, 235 West University Street, 010021, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, 235 West University Street, 010021, Hohhot, China
| | - Haitao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Yanfu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Na Ta
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, 116023, Dalian, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Gao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, 235 West University Street, 010021, Hohhot, China
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Particle Materials, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- China University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Qihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, 116023, Dalian, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, 235 West University Street, 010021, Hohhot, China
- DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, GU2 7XH, Guildford, Surrey, UK
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24
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Yang H, Tel J. Engineering global and local signal generators for probing temporal and spatial cellular signaling dynamics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1239026. [PMID: 37790255 PMCID: PMC10543096 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1239026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells constantly encounter a wide range of environmental signals and rely on their signaling pathways to initiate reliable responses. Understanding the underlying signaling mechanisms and cellular behaviors requires signal generators capable of providing diverse input signals to deliver to cell systems. Current research efforts are primarily focused on exploring cellular responses to global or local signals, which enable us to understand cellular signaling and behavior in distinct dimensions. This review presents recent advancements in global and local signal generators, highlighting their applications in studying temporal and spatial signaling activity. Global signals can be generated using microfluidic or photochemical approaches. Local signal sources can be created using living or artificial cells in combination with different control methods. We also address the strengths and limitations of each signal generator type, discussing challenges and potential extensions for future research. These approaches are expected to continue to facilitate on-going research to discover novel and intriguing cellular signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Yang
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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Dixit S, Chotalia A, Shukla S, Roy T, Parmananda P. Pathway selection by an active droplet. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:6844-6850. [PMID: 37655779 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00610g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the movement of an active 1-pentanol drop within a closed Y-shaped channel subjected to geometrical and chemical asymmetry. A Y-shaped channel was configured with an angle of 120° between any two arms, which serves as the closed area of movement for the active drop. The arm where the 1-pentanol drop is introduced in the beginning is considered the source arm, and the center of the Y-shaped structure is the decision region. The drop always selects a specific route to move away from the decision region. The total probability of pathway selection excludes the possibility of the drop choosing the source channel. Remarkably, the active drop exhibits a strong sense of navigation for both geometrically and chemically asymmetric environments with accuracy rates of 80% and 100%, respectively. The pathway selection in a chemically asymmetric channel is a demonstration of the artificial negative chemotaxis, where the extra confined drop acts as a chemo-repellent. To develop a better understanding of our observations, a numerical model is constructed, wherein the particle is subjected to a net force which is a combined form of - (i) Yukawa-like repulsive interaction force (acting between the drop and the walls), (ii) a self-propulsion force, (iii) a drag, and (iv) a stochastic force. The numerics can capture all the experimental findings both qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, a statistical analysis validates conclusions derived from both experiments and numerics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Dixit
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 076, India.
| | - Aarsh Chotalia
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 076, India.
| | - Shantanu Shukla
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 076, India
| | - Tanushree Roy
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 076, India.
| | - P Parmananda
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 076, India.
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Allen ME, Hindley JW, O’Toole N, Cooke HS, Contini C, Law RV, Ces O, Elani Y. Biomimetic behaviors in hydrogel artificial cells through embedded organelles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307772120. [PMID: 37603747 PMCID: PMC10466294 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307772120] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial cells are biomimetic structures formed from molecular building blocks that replicate biological processes, behaviors, and architectures. Of these building blocks, hydrogels have emerged as ideal, yet underutilized candidates to provide a gel-like chassis in which to incorporate both biological and nonbiological componentry which enables the replication of cellular functionality. Here, we demonstrate a microfluidic strategy to assemble biocompatible cell-sized hydrogel-based artificial cells with a variety of different embedded functional subcompartments, which act as engineered synthetic organelles. The organelles enable the recreation of increasingly biomimetic behaviors, including stimulus-induced motility, content release through activation of membrane-associated proteins, and enzymatic communication with surrounding bioinspired compartments. In this way, we showcase a foundational strategy for the bottom-up construction of hydrogel-based artificial cell microsystems which replicate fundamental cellular behaviors, paving the way for the construction of next-generation biotechnological devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Allen
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - James W. Hindley
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - Nina O’Toole
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - Hannah S. Cooke
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - Claudia Contini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - Robert V. Law
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, LondonSW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, LondonW12 0BZ, UK
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Kumar R, Dzikonski D, Bekker E, Vornhusen R, Vitali V, Imbrock J, Denz C. Fabrication and mechanical characterization of hydrogel-based 3D cell-like structures. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:29174-29186. [PMID: 37710723 DOI: 10.1364/oe.496888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we demonstrate the fabrication of 3D cell-like structures using a femtosecond laser-based two-photon polymerization technique. By employing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate monomers as a precursor solution, we fabricate 3D hemispheres that resemble morphological and biomechanical characteristics of natural cells. We employ an optical tweezers-based microrheology technique to measure the viscoelastic properties of the precursor solutions inside and outside the structures. In addition, we demonstrate the interchangeability of the precursor solution within fabricated structures without impairing the microstructures. The combination of two-photon polymerization and microrheological measurements by optical tweezers demonstrated here represents a powerful toolbox for future investigations into cell mimic and artificial cell studies.
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Chang Y, Hummel SN, Watson MN, Jin G, Lian XL, Bao X. Engineered Artificial Human Neutrophils Exhibit Mature Functional Performance. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2262-2270. [PMID: 37523468 PMCID: PMC11070884 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils, a key innate immune component, are powerful effector leukocytes for mediating opposing effects on tumor progression and ameliorating pathogen infections. However, their short lifespan and complex purification process have limited neutrophil clinical applications. Here we combined genetic engineering technology with a nanodrug system to construct artificial neutrophils that display functions similar to those of native neutrophils. K562 and HL60 human leukemia cells were engineered to express the human G protein-coupled receptor hM4Di. Compared to the parental cells, engineered hM4Di-K562 and hM4Di-HL60 cells exhibited excellent chemotaxis ability towards clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) and superior bacteria phagocytic behavior, resembling native neutrophils. The antibacterial ability of the hM4Di-K562 cells was further enhanced by loading them with the glycopeptide vancomycin via mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Nano@Van). Our proposed artificial cell engineering platform provides a new avenue to investigate the physiological properties of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chang
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Sydney N. Hummel
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Monique N. Watson
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Gyuhyung Jin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Xiaojun Lance Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Xiaoping Bao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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Walczak M, Mancini L, Xu J, Raguseo F, Kotar J, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. A Synthetic Signaling Network Imitating the Action of Immune Cells in Response to Bacterial Metabolism. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301562. [PMID: 37156014 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
State-of-the-art bottom-up synthetic biology allows to replicate many basic biological functions in artificial-cell-like devices. To mimic more complex behaviors, however, artificial cells would need to perform many of these functions in a synergistic and coordinated fashion, which remains elusive. Here, a sophisticated biological response is considered, namely the capture and deactivation of pathogens by neutrophil immune cells, through the process of netosis. A consortium consisting of two synthetic agents is designed-responsive DNA-based particles and antibiotic-loaded lipid vesicles-whose coordinated action mimics the sought immune-like response when triggered by bacterial metabolism. The artificial netosis-like response emerges from a series of interlinked sensing and communication pathways between the live and synthetic agents, and translates into both physical and chemical antimicrobial actions, namely bacteria immobilization and exposure to antibiotics. The results demonstrate how advanced life-like responses can be prescribed with a relatively small number of synthetic molecular components, and outlines a new strategy for artificial-cell-based antimicrobial solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Leonardo Mancini
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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30
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Stano P, Gentili PL, Damiano L, Magarini M. A Role for Bottom-Up Synthetic Cells in the Internet of Bio-Nano Things? Molecules 2023; 28:5564. [PMID: 37513436 PMCID: PMC10385758 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential role of bottom-up Synthetic Cells (SCs) in the Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) is discussed. In particular, this perspective paper focuses on the growing interest in networks of biological and/or artificial objects at the micro- and nanoscale (cells and subcellular parts, microelectrodes, microvessels, etc.), whereby communication takes place in an unconventional manner, i.e., via chemical signaling. The resulting "molecular communication" (MC) scenario paves the way to the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to impact biotechnology, nanomedicine, and related fields. The scenario that relies on the interconnection of natural and artificial entities is briefly introduced, highlighting how Synthetic Biology (SB) plays a central role. SB allows the construction of various types of SCs that can be designed, tailored, and programmed according to specific predefined requirements. In particular, "bottom-up" SCs are briefly described by commenting on the principles of their design and fabrication and their features (in particular, the capacity to exchange chemicals with other SCs or with natural biological cells). Although bottom-up SCs still have low complexity and thus basic functionalities, here, we introduce their potential role in the IoBNT. This perspective paper aims to stimulate interest in and discussion on the presented topics. The article also includes commentaries on MC, semantic information, minimal cognition, wetware neuromorphic engineering, and chemical social robotics, with the specific potential they can bring to the IoBNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Gentili
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Damiano
- Department of Communication, Arts and Media, IULM University, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Magarini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Xu X, Guan W, Yu X, Xu G, Wang C. Non-interfacial self-assembly of synthetic protocells. Biomater Res 2023; 27:64. [PMID: 37400932 PMCID: PMC10318706 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00402-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protocell refers to the basic unit of life and synthetic molecular assembly with cell structure and function. The protocells have great applications in the field of biomedical technology. Simulating the morphology and function of cells is the key to the preparation of protocells. However, some organic solvents used in the preparation process of protocells would damage the function of the bioactive substance. Perfluorocarbon, which has no toxic effect on bioactive substances, is an ideal solvent for protocell preparation. However, perfluorocarbon cannot be emulsified with water because of its inertia. METHODS Spheroids can be formed in nature even without emulsification, since liquid can reshape the morphology of the solid phase through the scouring action, even if there is no stable interface between the two phases. Inspired by the formation of natural spheroids such as pebbles, we developed non-interfacial self-assembly (NISA) of microdroplets as a step toward synthetic protocells, in which the inert perfluorocarbon was utilized to reshape the hydrogel through the scouring action. RESULTS The synthetic protocells were successfully obtained by using NISA-based protocell techniques, with the morphology very similar to native cells. Then we simulated the cell transcription process in the synthetic protocell and used the protocell as an mRNA carrier to transfect 293T cells. The results showed that protocells delivered mRNAs, and successfully expressed proteins in 293T cells. Further, we used the NISA method to fabricate an artificial cell by extracting and reassembling the membrane, proteins, and genomes of ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that the recombination of tumor cells was successfully achieved with similar morphology as tumor cells. In addition, the synthetic protocell prepared by the NISA method was used to reverse cancer chemoresistance by restoring cellular calcium homeostasis, which verified the application value of the synthetic protocell as a drug carrier. CONCLUSION This synthetic protocell fabricated by the NISA method simulates the occurrence and development process of primitive life, which has great potential application value in mRNA vaccine, cancer immunotherapy, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P.R. China
| | - Wencai Guan
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolei Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P.R. China.
| | - Chenglong Wang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P.R. China.
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Willett E, Banta S. Synthetic NAD(P)(H) Cycle for ATP Regeneration. ACS Synth Biol 2023. [PMID: 37369039 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
ATP is the energy currency of the cell and new methods for ATP regeneration will benefit a range of emerging biotechnology applications including synthetic cells. We designed and assembled a membraneless ATP-regenerating enzymatic cascade by exploiting the substrate specificities of selected NAD(P)(H)-dependent oxidoreductases combined with substrate-specific kinases. The enzymes in the NAD(P)(H) cycle were selected to avoid cross-reactions, and the cascade was driven by irreversible fuel oxidation. As a proof-of-concept, formate oxidation was chosen as the fueling reaction. ATP regeneration was accomplished via the phosphorylation of NADH to NADPH and the subsequent transfer of the phosphate to ADP by a reversible NAD+ kinase. The cascade was able to regenerate ATP at a high rate (up to 0.74 mmol/L/h) for hours, and >90% conversion of ADP to ATP using monophosphate was also demonstrated. The cascade was used to regenerate ATP for use in cell free protein synthesis reactions, and the ATP production rate was further enhanced when powered by the multistep oxidation of methanol. The NAD(P)(H) cycle provides a simple cascade for the in vitro regeneration of ATP without the need for a pH-gradient or costly phosphate donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Willett
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Scott Banta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
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Ahn SH, Borden LK, Bentley WE, Raghavan SR. Cell-Like Capsules with "Smart" Compartments. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206693. [PMID: 36895073 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells have inner compartments (organelles), each with distinct properties and functions. One mimic of this architecture, based on biopolymers, is the multicompartment capsule (MCC). Here, MCCs in which the inner compartments are chemically unique and "smart," i.e., responsive to distinct stimuli in an orthogonal manner are created. Specifically, one compartment alone is induced to degrade when the MCC is contacted with an enzyme while other compartments remain unaffected. Similarly, just one compartment gets degraded upon contact with reactive oxygen species generated from hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). And thirdly, one compartment alone is degraded by an external, physical stimulus, namely, by irradiating the MCC with ultraviolet (UV) light. All these specific responses are achieved without resorting to complicated chemistry to create the compartments: the multivalent cation used to crosslink the biopolymer alginate (Alg) is simply altered. Compartments of Alg crosslinked by Ca2+ are shown to be sensitive to enzymes (alginate lyases) but not to H2 O2 or UV, whereas the reverse is the case with Alg/Fe3+ compartments. These results imply the ability to selectively burst open a compartment in an MCC "on-demand" (i.e., as and when needed) and using biologically relevant stimuli. The results are then extended to a sequential degradation, where compartments in an MCC are degraded one after another, leaving behind an empty MCC lumen. Collectively, this work advances the MCC as a platform that not only emulates key features of cellular architecture, but can also begin to capture rudimentary cell-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Leah K Borden
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Srinivasa R Raghavan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Fan S, Han H, Yan Z, Lu Y, He B, Zhang Q. Lipid-based nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapy. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:230-269. [PMID: 37789955 PMCID: PMC10542882 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
As the fourth most important cancer management strategy except surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cancer immunotherapy has been confirmed to elicit durable antitumor effects in the clinic by leveraging the patient's own immune system to eradicate the cancer cells. However, the limited population of patients who benefit from the current immunotherapies and the immune related adverse events hinder its development. The immunosuppressive microenvironment is the main cause of the failure, which leads to cancer immune evasion and immunity cycle blockade. Encouragingly, nanotechnology has been engineered to enhance the efficacy and reduce off-target toxicity of their therapeutic cargos by spatiotemporally controlling the biodistribution and release kinetics. Among them, lipid-based nanoparticles are the first nanomedicines to make clinical translation, which are now established platforms for diverse areas. In this perspective, we discuss the available lipid-based nanoparticles in research and market here, then describe their application in cancer immunotherapy, with special emphasis on the T cells-activated and macrophages-targeted delivery system. Through perpetuating each step of cancer immunity cycle, lipid-based nanoparticles can reduce immunosuppression and promote drug delivery to trigger robust antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huize Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
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35
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. DNA-Origami Line-Actants Control Domain Organization and Fission in Synthetic Membranes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:11265-11275. [PMID: 37163977 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cells can precisely program the shape and lateral organization of their membranes using protein machinery. Aiming to replicate a comparable degree of control, here we introduce DNA-origami line-actants (DOLAs) as synthetic analogues of membrane-sculpting proteins. DOLAs are designed to selectively accumulate at the line-interface between coexisting domains in phase-separated lipid membranes, modulating the tendency of the domains to coalesce. With experiments and coarse-grained simulations, we demonstrate that DOLAs can reversibly stabilize two-dimensional analogues of Pickering emulsions on synthetic giant liposomes, enabling dynamic programming of membrane lateral organization. The control afforded over membrane structure by DOLAs extends to three-dimensional morphology, as exemplified by a proof-of-concept synthetic pathway leading to vesicle fission. With DOLAs we lay the foundations for mimicking, in synthetic systems, some of the critical membrane-hosted functionalities of biological cells, including signaling, trafficking, sensing, and division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Campus Plaine, CP 231, Boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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Xu X, Moreno S, Boye S, Wang P, Voit B, Appelhans D. Artificial Organelles with Digesting Characteristics: Imitating Simplified Lysosome- and Macrophage-Like Functions by Trypsin-Loaded Polymersomes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2207214. [PMID: 37076948 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Defects in cellular protein/enzyme encoding or even in organelles are responsible for many diseases. For instance, dysfunctional lysosome or macrophage activity results in the unwanted accumulation of biomolecules and pathogens implicated in autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a medical treatment that replaces an enzyme that is deficient or absent in the body but suffers from short lifetime of the enzymes. Here, this work proposes the fabrication of two different pH-responsive and crosslinked trypsin-loaded polymersomes as protecting enzyme carriers mimicking artificial organelles (AOs). They allow the enzymatic degradation of biomolecules to mimic simplified lysosomal function at acidic pH and macrophage functions at physiological pH. For optimal working of digesting AOs in different environments, pH and salt composition are considered the key parameters, since they define the permeability of the membrane of the polymersomes and the access of model pathogens to the loaded trypsin. Thus, this work demonstrates environmentally controlled biomolecule digestion by trypsin-loaded polymersomes also under simulated physiological fluids, allowing a prolonged therapeutic window due to protection of the enzyme in the AOs. This enables the application of AOs in the fields of biomimetic therapeutics, specifically in ERT for dysfunctional lysosomal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Xu
- Deaprtment Bioactive and Responsive Polymers, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Silvia Moreno
- Deaprtment Bioactive and Responsive Polymers, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Boye
- Center Macromolecular Structure Analysis, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peng Wang
- Deaprtment Bioactive and Responsive Polymers, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Deaprtment Bioactive and Responsive Polymers, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Deaprtment Bioactive and Responsive Polymers, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
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Chen M, Liu G, Zhang M, Li Y, Hong X, Yang H. Programmatically Dynamic Microcompartmentation in Coacervate-in-Pickering Emulsion Protocell. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206437. [PMID: 36564366 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The desire for exploration of cellular functional mechanisms has substantially increased the rapid development of artificial cells. However, the construction of synthetic cells with high organizational complexity remains challenging due to the lack of facile approaches ensuring dynamic multi-compartments of cytoplasm and stability of membranes in protocells. Herein, a stable coacervate-in-Pickering emulsion protocell model comprising a membraneless coacervate phase formed by poly-l-lysine (PLys) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) encapsulated in Pickering emulsion is put forward only through simple one-step emulsification. The dynamic distribution of intracellular components (coacervates in this protocell model) can be manipulated by changes in temperature or pH. This coacervate-in-Pickering emulsion protocell system exhibits repeatable cycle stability in response to external stimuli (at least 24 cycles for temperature and 3 cycles for pH). By encapsulating antagonistic enzymes into coacervates, glucose oxidase (GOx) and urease as an example, the control of local enzyme concentration is achieved by introducing glucose and urea to adjust the pH value in Pickering emulsion droplets. This hybrid protocell model with programmatically dynamic microcompartmentation and sufficient stability is expected to be further studied and applied in cellular biology, facilitating the development of lifelike systems with potential in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Chen
- College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Guoliang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Xinlin Hong
- College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hengquan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
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38
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Yang B, Li S, Mu W, Wang Z, Han X. Light-Harvesting Artificial Cells Containing Cyanobacteria for CO 2 Fixation and Further Metabolism Mimicking. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2201305. [PMID: 35905491 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up constructed artificial cells help to understand the cell working mechanism and provide the evolution clues for organisms. The energy supply and metabolism mimicry are the key issues in the field of artificial cells. Herein, an artificial cell containing cyanobacteria capable of light harvesting and carbon dioxide fixation is demonstrated to produce glucose molecules by converting light energy into chemical energy. Two downstream "metabolic" pathways starting from glucose molecules are investigated. One involves enzyme cascade reaction to produce H2 O2 (assisted by glucose oxidase) first, followed by converting Amplex red to resorufin (assisted by horseradish peroxidase). The other pathway is more biologically relevant. Glucose molecules are dehydrogenated to transfer hydrogens to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) for the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH) molecules in the presence of glucose dehydrogenase. Further, NADH molecules are oxidized into NAD+ by pyruvate catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase, meanwhile, lactate is obtained. Therefore, the cascade cycling of NADH/NAD+ is built. The artificial cells built here pave the way for investigating more complicated energy-supplied metabolism inside artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shubin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
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39
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Park H, Wang W, Min SH, Ren Y, Shin K, Han X. Artificial organelles for sustainable chemical energy conversion and production in artificial cells: Artificial mitochondrion and chloroplasts. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011311. [PMID: 38510162 PMCID: PMC10903398 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Sustainable energy conversion modules are the main challenges for building complex reaction cascades in artificial cells. Recent advances in biotechnology have enabled this sustainable energy supply, especially the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), by mimicking the organelles, which are the core structures for energy conversion in living cells. Three components are mainly shared by the artificial organelles: the membrane compartment separating the inner and outer parts, membrane proteins for proton translocation, and the molecular rotary machine for ATP synthesis. Depending on the initiation factors, they are further categorized into artificial mitochondrion and artificial chloroplasts, which use chemical nutrients for oxidative phosphorylation and light for photosynthesis, respectively. In this review, we summarize the essential components needed for artificial organelles and then review the recent progress on two different artificial organelles. Recent strategies, purified and identified proteins, and working principles are discussed. With more study on the artificial mitochondrion and artificial chloroplasts, they are expected to be very powerful tools, allowing us to achieve complex cascading reactions in artificial cells, like the ones that happen in real cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Park
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, South Korea
| | - Weichen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Seo Hyeon Min
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, South Korea
| | - Yongshuo Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Kwanwoo Shin
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, South Korea
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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40
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Cash B, Gaut NJ, Deich C, Johnson LL, Engelhart AE, Adamala KP. Parasites, Infections, and Inoculation in Synthetic Minimal Cells. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:7045-7056. [PMID: 36844541 PMCID: PMC9948217 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic minimal cells provide a controllable and engineerable model for biological processes. While much simpler than any live natural cell, synthetic cells offer a chassis for investigating the chemical foundations of key biological processes. Herein, we show a synthetic cell system with host cells, interacting with parasites and undergoing infections of varying severity. We demonstrate how the host can be engineered to resist infection, we investigate the metabolic cost of carrying resistance, and we show an inoculation that immunizes the host against pathogens. Our work expands the synthetic cell engineering toolbox by demonstrating host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms for acquiring immunity. This brings synthetic cell systems one step closer to providing a comprehensive model of complex, natural life.
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41
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Wang X, Chen Y. Langevin picture of anomalous diffusion processes in expanding medium. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:024105. [PMID: 36932587 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.024105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The expanding medium is very common in many different fields, such as biology and cosmology. It brings a nonnegligible influence on particle's diffusion, which is quite different from the effect of an external force field. The dynamic mechanism of a particle's motion in an expanding medium has only been investigated in the framework of a continuous-time random walk. To focus on more diffusion processes and physical observables, we build the Langevin picture of anomalous diffusion in an expanding medium, and conduct detailed analyses in the framework of the Langevin equation. With the help of a subordinator, both subdiffusion process and superdiffusion process in the expanding medium are discussed. We find that the expanding medium with different changing rate (exponential form and power-law form) leads to quite different diffusion phenomena. The particle's intrinsic diffusion behavior also plays an important role. Our detailed theoretical analyses and simulations present a panoramic view of investigating anomalous diffusion in an expanding medium under the framework of the Langevin equation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
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42
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Ghellab SE, Zhang X, Yang Y, Wang S, Basharat M, Zhou X, Lei L, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Fang H, Gao Y. Cell-Mimic Directional Cargo Transportation in a Visible-Light-Activated Colloidal Motor/Lipid Tube System. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204260. [PMID: 36424173 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Active tether and transportation of cargoes on cytoskeletal highway enabled by molecular motors is key for accurate delivery of vesicles and organelles in the complex intracellular environment. Here, a hybrid system composed of colloidal motors and self-assembled lipid tubes is designed to mimic the subcellular traffic system in living cells. The colloidal motors, composed of gold-coated hematite, display light-activated self-propulsion tunable by the light intensity and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide fuel. Importantly, the motors show light-switchable binding with lipid cargoes and attachment to the lipid tubes, whereby the latter act as the motor highways. Upon assembly, the colloidal motor/lipid tube system demonstrates directional delivery of lipid vesicles, emulating intracellular transportation. The assembly and function of the hybrid system are rationalized by a cooperative action of light-triggered electrophoretic and hydrodynamic effects, supported by finite element analysis. A synthetic analog of the biological protein motor/cytoskeletal filament system is realized for the manipulation and delivery of different matter at the microscale, which is expected to be a promising platform for various applications in materials science, nanotechnology, microfluidics, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Eddine Ghellab
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Device and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yicheng Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Julong College, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Majid Basharat
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xuemao Zhou
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Lijie Lei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Device and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Nanophotonics Research Center, College of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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43
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Recent advances in genetic tools for engineering probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232386. [PMID: 36597861 PMCID: PMC9842951 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology has grown exponentially in the last few years, with a variety of biological applications. One of the emerging applications of synthetic biology is to exploit the link between microorganisms, biologics, and human health. To exploit this link, it is critical to select effective synthetic biology tools for use in appropriate microorganisms that would address unmet needs in human health through the development of new game-changing applications and by complementing existing technological capabilities. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered appropriate chassis organisms that can be genetically engineered for therapeutic and industrial applications. Here, we have reviewed comprehensively various synthetic biology techniques for engineering probiotic LAB strains, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 mediated genome editing, homologous recombination, and recombineering. In addition, we also discussed heterologous protein expression systems used in engineering probiotic LAB. By combining computational biology with genetic engineering, there is a lot of potential to develop next-generation synthetic LAB with capabilities to address bottlenecks in industrial scale-up and complex biologics production. Recently, we started working on Lactochassis project where we aim to develop next generation synthetic LAB for biomedical application.
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44
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Kim KJ, Lee SJ, Kim DM. The Use of Cell-free Protein Synthesis to Push the Boundaries of Synthetic Biology. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2023; 28:1-7. [PMID: 36687336 PMCID: PMC9840425 DOI: 10.1007/s12257-022-0279-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis is emerging as a powerful tool to accelerate the progress of synthetic biology. Notably, cell-free systems that harness extracted synthetic machinery of cells can address many of the issues associated with the complexity and variability of living systems. In particular, cell-free systems can be programmed with various configurations of genetic information, providing great flexibility and accessibility to the field of synthetic biology. Empowered by recent progress, cell-free systems are now evolving into artificial biological systems that can be tailored for various applications, including on-demand biomanufacturing, diagnostics, and new materials design. Here, we review the key developments related to cell-free protein synthesis systems, and discuss the future directions of these promising technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Jae Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Korea
| | - So-Jeong Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Korea
| | - Dong-Myung Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134 Korea
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45
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Zong W, Shao X, Li J, Chai Y, Hu X, Zhang X. Synthetic Intracellular Environments: From Basic Science to Applications. Anal Chem 2023; 95:535-549. [PMID: 36625127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Synthesis for Fine Chemicals, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Yunhe Chai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Devices (Wenzhou), College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou325035, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
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46
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Wang Y, Cans AS. Artificial Cells for Dissecting Exocytosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2565:261-279. [PMID: 36205900 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2671-9_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of vesicles and exocytosis release of neurotransmitters into the extracellular space for detection and chemical signal decoding by neighboring cells is the key process in neuronal communication. It is important to understand what regulates exocytosis because the amount of neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft has a direct impact on brain function such as cognition learning and memory as well as on brain malfunctions. Much success in molecular biology can be credited for the existence of simplified model systems. Therefore, for gaining deeper insights into the details of exocytosis and what controls vesicle-mediated neurotransmission, functional artificial cells for exocytosis have been developed that can be used for studying various biophysical aspects and roles of molecules affecting exocytosis, which is difficult to study in living cells. Here, we describe the design and fabrication of specific artificial cell models and how chemical measurements at these cells can be implemented for probing dynamics of the exocytosis fusion pore and its effect on the regulation of neurochemical release. We introduce bottom-up synthetic methods for constructing model cells using protein-free giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) as starting material, which allows further tuning of molecular complexity in a manner that is not possible in living cells and therefore can be used for dissecting the role of essential molecular components affecting the exocytosis process. The experimental setup uses microscopy video recording, micromanipulation and microelectroinjection techniques, and amperometry detection to study neurotransmitter release from these cells mimicking exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmo Wang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ann-Sofie Cans
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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47
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Artificial cell design: reconstructing biology for life science applications. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:619-627. [PMID: 36398710 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Artificial cells are developed to redesign novel biological functions in a programmable and tunable manner. Although it aims to reconstitute living cell features and address 'origin of life' related questions, rapid development over the years has transformed artificial cells into an engineering tool with huge potential in applied biotechnology. Although the application of artificial cells was introduced decades ago as drug carriers, applications in other sectors are relatively new and could become possible with the technological advancement that can modulate its designing principles. Artificial cells are non-living system that includes no prerequisite designing modules for their formation and therefore allow freedom of assembling desired biological machinery within a physical boundary devoid of complex contemporary living-cell counterparts. As stimuli-responsive biomimetic tools, artificial cells are programmed to sense the surrounding, recognise their target, activate its function and perform the defined task. With the advantage of their customised design, artificial cells are being studied in biosensing, drug delivery, anti-cancer therapeutics or artificial photosynthesis type fields. This mini-review highlights those advanced fields where artificial cells with a minimalistic setup are developed as user-defined custom-made microreactors, targeting to reshape our future 'life'.
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48
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Damiati LA, El-Yaagoubi M, Damiati SA, Kodzius R, Sefat F, Damiati S. Role of Polymers in Microfluidic Devices. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:5132. [PMID: 36501526 PMCID: PMC9738615 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymers are sustainable and renewable materials that are in high demand due to their excellent properties. Natural and synthetic polymers with high flexibility, good biocompatibility, good degradation rate, and stiffness are widely used for various applications, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and microfluidic chip fabrication. Indeed, recent advances in microfluidic technology allow the fabrication of polymeric matrix to construct microfluidic scaffolds for tissue engineering and to set up a well-controlled microenvironment for manipulating fluids and particles. In this review, polymers as materials for the fabrication of microfluidic chips have been highlighted. Successful models exploiting polymers in microfluidic devices to generate uniform particles as drug vehicles or artificial cells have been also discussed. Additionally, using polymers as bioink for 3D printing or as a matrix to functionalize the sensing surface in microfluidic devices has also been mentioned. The rapid progress made in the combination of polymers and microfluidics presents a low-cost, reproducible, and scalable approach for a promising future in the manufacturing of biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila A. Damiati
- Department of Biology, Collage of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23890, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa El-Yaagoubi
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Safa A. Damiati
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rimantas Kodzius
- Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), 80539 Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Farshid Sefat
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Polymer Science & Technology (Polymer IRC), University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
- Department of Biomedical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Samar Damiati
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Ahn SH, Karlsson AJ, Bentley WE, Raghavan SR. Capsules with bacteria and fungi in distinct compartments: A platform for studying microbes from different kingdoms and their cross-communication. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277132. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have created ‘artificial cells’ with an architecture mimicking that of typical eukaryotic cells. Our design uses common biopolymers like alginate and chitosan to create multi-compartment capsules (MCCs) via oil-free microfluidics. MCCs (~ 500 μm in diameter) can be engineered with multiple inner compartments, each with a distinct payload. This mimics the distinct organelles in eukaryotic cells, each of which has unique properties. In this study, we encapsulate microbial cells from two distinct kingdoms — Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacteria) and Candida albicans (fungi) — in the inner compartments of MCCs. The two microbes are commonly found in biofilms at sites of infection in humans. We first demonstrate that the MCC can serve as a simple platform to observe the comparative growth of the cells in real time. Unlike typical co-culture in solution or on agar plates, the cells can grow in their own compartments without direct physical contact. Moreover, the hydrogel matrix in the compartments mimics the three-dimensional (3-D) environment that cells naturally encounter during their growth. Small molecules added to the solution are shown to permeate through the capsule walls and affect cell growth: for example, cationic surfactants inhibit the fungi but not the bacteria. Conversely, low pH and kanamycin inhibit the bacteria but not the fungi. Also, when the bacteria are present in adjacent compartments, the fungal cells mostly stay in a yeast morphology, meaning as spheroidal cells. In contrast, in the absence of the bacteria, the fungi transition into hyphae, i.e., long multicellular filaments. The inhibition of this morphological switch in fungal cells is shown to be induced by signaling molecules (specifically, the quorum sensing autoinducer-1 or AI-1) secreted by the bacteria. Thus, the MCC platform can also be used to detect cross-kingdom signaling between the compartmentalized microbes.
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Herianto S, Chien PJ, Ho JAA, Tu HL. Liposome-based artificial cells: From gene expression to reconstitution of cellular functions and phenotypes. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 142:213156. [PMID: 36302330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bottom-up approaches in creating artificial cells that can mimic natural cells have significant implications for both basic research and translational application. Among various artificial cell models, liposome is one of the most sophisticated systems. By encapsulating proteins and associated biomolecules, they can functionally reconstitute foundational features of biological cells, such as the ability to divide, communicate, and undergo shape deformation. Yet constructing liposome artificial cells from the genetic level, which is central to generate self-sustained systems remains highly challenging. Indeed, many studies have successfully established the expression of gene-coded proteins inside liposomes. Further, recent endeavors to build a direct integration of gene-expressed proteins for reconstituting molecular functions and phenotypes in liposomes have also significantly increased. Thus, this review presents the development of liposome-based artificial cells to demonstrate the process of gene-expressed proteins and their reconstitution to perform desired molecular and cell-like functions. The molecular and cellular phenotypes discussed here include the self-production of membrane phospholipids, division, shape deformation, self-DNA/RNA replication, fusion, and intercellular communication. Together, this review gives a comprehensive overview of gene-expressing liposomes that can stimulate further research of this technology and achieve artificial cells with superior properties in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Herianto
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jen Chien
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ja-An Annie Ho
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; BioAnalytical Chemistry and Nanobiomedicine Laboratory, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiung-Lin Tu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
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