1
|
Nawaz T, Gu L, Gibbons J, Hu Z, Zhou R. Bridging Nature and Engineering: Protein-Derived Materials for Bio-Inspired Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:373. [PMID: 38921253 PMCID: PMC11201842 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9060373] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The sophisticated, elegant protein-polymers designed by nature can serve as inspiration to redesign and biomanufacture protein-based materials using synthetic biology. Historically, petro-based polymeric materials have dominated industrial activities, consequently transforming our way of living. While this benefits humans, the fabrication and disposal of these materials causes environmental sustainability challenges. Fortunately, protein-based biopolymers can compete with and potentially surpass the performance of petro-based polymers because they can be biologically produced and degraded in an environmentally friendly fashion. This paper reviews four groups of protein-based polymers, including fibrous proteins (collagen, silk fibroin, fibrillin, and keratin), elastomeric proteins (elastin, resilin, and wheat glutenin), adhesive/matrix proteins (spongin and conchiolin), and cyanophycin. We discuss the connection between protein sequence, structure, function, and biomimetic applications. Protein engineering techniques, such as directed evolution and rational design, can be used to improve the functionality of natural protein-based materials. For example, the inclusion of specific protein domains, particularly those observed in structural proteins, such as silk and collagen, enables the creation of novel biomimetic materials with exceptional mechanical properties and adaptability. This review also discusses recent advancements in the production and application of new protein-based materials through the approach of synthetic biology combined biomimetics, providing insight for future research and development of cutting-edge bio-inspired products. Protein-based polymers that utilize nature's designs as a base, then modified by advancements at the intersection of biology and engineering, may provide mankind with more sustainable products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taufiq Nawaz
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Liping Gu
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | | | - Zhong Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Ruanbao Zhou
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kwiatos N, Atila D, Puchalski M, Kumaravel V, Steinbüchel A. Cyanophycin modifications for applications in tissue scaffolding. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:264. [PMID: 38489042 PMCID: PMC10943155 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13088-4] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cyanophycin (CGP) is a polypeptide consisting of amino acids-aspartic acid in the backbone and arginine in the side chain. Owing to its resemblance to cell adhesive motifs in the body, it can be considered suitable for use in biomedical applications as a novel component to facilitate cell attachment and tissue regeneration. Although it has vast potential applications, starting with nutrition, through drug delivery and tissue engineering to the production of value-added chemicals and biomaterials, CGP has not been brought to the industry yet. To develop scaffolds using CGP powder produced by bacteria, its properties (e.g., biocompatibility, morphology, biodegradability, and mechanical strength) should be tailored in terms of the requirements of the targeted tissue. Crosslinking commonly stands for a primary modification method for renovating biomaterial features to these extents. Herein, we aimed to crosslink CGP for the first time and present a comparative study of different methods of CGP crosslinking including chemical, physical, and enzymatic methods by utilizing glutaraldehyde (GTA), UV exposure, genipin, 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS), and monoamine oxidase (MAO). Crosslinking efficacy varied among the samples crosslinked via the different crosslinking methods. All crosslinked CGP were non-cytotoxic to L929 cells, except for the groups with higher GTA concentrations. We conclude that CGP is a promising candidate for scaffolding purposes to be used as part of a composite with other biomaterials to maintain the integrity of scaffolds. The initiative study demonstrated the unknown characteristics of crosslinked CGP, even though its feasibility for biomedical applications should be confirmed by further examinations. KEY POINTS: • Cyanophycin was crosslinked by 5 different methods • Crosslinked cyanophycin is non-cytotoxic to L929 cells • Crosslinked cyanophycin is a promising new material for scaffolding purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kwiatos
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Deniz Atila
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland
| | - Michał Puchalski
- Institute of Material Science of Textile and Polymer Composites, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, Łódź, Poland
| | - Vignesh Kumaravel
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Alexander Steinbüchel
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials-International Research Agenda (ICRI-BioM), Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, Łódź, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tseng WC, Fang TY. Recombinant Multi-l-Arginyl-Poly-l-Aspartate (Cyanophycin) as an Emerging Biomaterial. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300170. [PMID: 37235756 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300170] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Multi-l-arginyl-poly-l-aspartate (MAPA) is a non-ribosomal polypeptide which synthesis is directed by cyanophycin synthetase, and its production can be achieved using recombinant microorganisms carrying the cphA gene. Along its poly-aspartate backbone, arginine or lysine links to each aspartate via an isopeptide bond. MAPA is a zwitterionic polyelectrolyte full of charged carboxylic, amine, and guanidino groups. In aqueous solution, MAPA exhibits dual thermal and pH responses similar to those stimuli-responsive polymers. Being biocompatible, the films containing MAPA can support cell proliferation and elicits minimal immune response in macrophages. Dipeptides from MAPA after enzymatic treatments can provide nutritional benefits. In light of the increasing interest in MAPA, this article focuses on the recent discovery of the function of cyanophycin synthetase and the potentials of MAPA as a biomaterial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chi Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yun Fang
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Beining Rd., Keelung, 202, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Swain K, Sharon I, Blackson W, Parrish S, Tekel S, Schmeing TM, Nielsen DR, Nannenga BL. Soluble and stable cyanophycin synthetase expression enhances heterologous cyanophycin production in Escherichia coli. Biochem Eng J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2023.108916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
|
5
|
Trentin G, Piazza F, Carletti M, Zorin B, Khozin-Goldberg I, Bertucco A, Sforza E. Fixing N2 into cyanophycin: continuous cultivation of Nostoc sp. PCC 7120. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 107:97-110. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Two diazotrophic cyanobacteria (Anabaena cylindrica PCC 7122 and Nostoc sp. PCC 7120) were cultivated to produce cyanophycin, a nitrogen reserve compound, under nitrogen fixing conditions. In preliminary continuous experiments, Nostoc sp. was shown to be more efficient, accumulating a higher amount of cyanophycin and showing a greater capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the biomass (67 mgN d−1 of fixed nitrogen per liter of culture). The operating conditions were then optimized to maximize the cyanophycin productivity: the effect of incident light intensity, residence time and nitrogen availability were investigated. Nitrogen availability and/or pH played a major role with respect to biomass production, whereas phosphorus limitation was the main variable to maximize cyanophycin accumulation. In this way, it was possible to achieve a stable and continuous production of cyanophycin (CGP) under diazotrophic conditions, obtaining a maximum cyanophycin productivity of 15 mgCGP L−1 d−1.
Key points
• Diazotrophic cyanobacteria produce stable amount of cyanophycin in continuous PBR.
• Nostoc sp. proved to be more efficient in producing cyanophycin than Anabaena sp.
• P deprivation is the major variable to increase cyanophycin productivity in continuous.
Collapse
|
6
|
Using the design of dynamic experiments to optimize photosynthetic cyanophycin production by Synechocystis sp. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
7
|
Lin YC, Fang TY, Kao HY, Tseng WC. Nanoassembly of UCST polypeptide for NIR-modulated drug release. Biochem Eng J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
8
|
Kwiatos N, Steinbüchel A. Cyanophycin Modifications-Widening the Application Potential. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:763804. [PMID: 34738009 PMCID: PMC8560796 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.763804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A circular bioeconomy approach is essential to slowing down the fearsome ongoing climate change. Replacing polymers derived from fossil fuels with biodegradable biobased polymers is one crucial part of this strategy. Cyanophycin is a polymer consisting of amino acids produced by cyanobacteria with many potential applications. It consists mainly of aspartic acid and arginine, however, its composition may be changed at the production stage depending on the conditions of the polymerization reaction, as well as the characteristics of the enzyme cyanophycin synthetase, which is the key enzyme of catalysis. Cyanophycin synthetases from many sources were expressed heterologously in bacteria, yeast and plants aiming at high yields of the polymer or at introducing different amino acids into the structure. Furthermore, cyanophycin can be modified at the post-production level by chemical and enzymatic methods. In addition, cyanophycin can be combined with other compounds to yield hybrid materials. Although cyanophycin is an attractive polymer for industry, its usage as a sole material remains so far limited. Finding new variants of cyanophycin may bring this polymer closer to real-world applications. This short review summarizes all modifications of cyanophycin and its variants that have been reported within the literature until now, additionally addressing their potential applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kwiatos
- International Center for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials (ICRI-BioM)-International Research Agenda, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alexander Steinbüchel
- International Center for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials (ICRI-BioM)-International Research Agenda, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Norena-Caro DA, Zuniga C, Pete AJ, Saemundsson SA, Donaldson MR, Adams AJ, Dooley KM, Zengler K, Benton MG. Analysis of the cyanobacterial amino acid metabolism with a precise genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of Anabaena sp. UTEX 2576. Biochem Eng J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
10
|
Elbahloul Y, Steinbüchel A. Characterization of an efficient extracellular cyanophycinase and its encoding cphE Strept. gene from Streptomyces pratensis strain YSM. J Biotechnol 2020; 319:15-24. [PMID: 32473189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.05.010] [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: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Until now, no enzymes were described that hydrolyze cyanophycin granular protein (CGP) from a species of the genus Streptomyces. An isolate able to hydrolyze CGP was identified as Streptomyces pratensis strain YSM. The CGPase from S. pratensis strain YSM had an optimum activity at 42 °C and pH 8.5, and was able to degrade CGP at a rate of 12 ± 0.3 μg/mL min. Additionally, this CGPase hydrolyzes water-soluble CGP significantly faster than water-insoluble CGP. The molecular mass of CGPase subunits from S. pratensis strain YSM as determined by SDS-PAGE was about 43 kDa, and the enzyme was entirely inhibited by serine-protease inhibitors. The CGPase coding gene (cphEStrept.) was amplified from genomic DNA using primers designed form consensus sequence of putative CGPase sequences. The cphEStrept. was 1427 bp encoding a CGPase of 420 amino acids that showed about 44% and 22% similarities to CGPase from Pseudomonas anguilliseptica BI and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, respectively. The catalytic triad and serine-protease residues (GXSXG) were identified in the CphEStrept. sequence. Dipeptides and tetrapeptides were identified as hydrolysis products. Biotechnological exploitation of S. pratensis strain YSM for CGPase production might have an advantage due to the reduction of separation costs and its ability to degrade CGP in phosphate buffer saline using actively growing or resting cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Elbahloul
- Biology Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia; Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, 21511, Alexandria, Egypt; Institut Für Molekulare Mikrobiologie Und Biotechnologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Corrensstraße 3, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Alexander Steinbüchel
- Institut Für Molekulare Mikrobiologie Und Biotechnologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Corrensstraße 3, 48149, Münster, Germany; Environmental Science Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Microbial production of cyanophycin: From enzymes to biopolymers. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107400. [PMID: 31095967 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyanophycin is an attractive biopolymer with chemical and material properties that are suitable for industrial applications in the fields of food, medicine, cosmetics, nutrition, and agriculture. For efficient production of cyanophycin, considerable efforts have been exerted to characterize cyanophycin synthetases (CphAs) and optimize fermentations and downstream processes. In this paper, we review the characteristics of diverse CphAs from cyanobacteria and non-cyanobacteria. Furthermore, strategies for cyanophycin production in microbial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Ralstonia eutropha, Rhizopus oryzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, heterologously expressing different cphA genes are reviewed. Additionally, chemical and material properties of cyanophycin and its derivatives produced through biological or chemical modifications are reviewed in the context of their industrial applications. Finally, future perspectives on microbial production of cyanophycin are provided to improve its cost-effectiveness.
Collapse
|
12
|
Jyoti J, Khattar J, Gulati A, Singh D. Optimization of conditions and partial characterization of cyanophycin synthetase from a thermophilic cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
13
|
Noreña-Caro D, Benton MG. Cyanobacteria as photoautotrophic biofactories of high-value chemicals. J CO2 UTIL 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
14
|
Tseng WC, Fang TY, Lin YC, Huang SJ, Huang YH. Reversible Self-Assembly Nanovesicle of UCST Response Prepared with Multi-l-arginyl-poly-l-aspartate Conjugated with Polyethylene Glycol. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:4585-4592. [PMID: 30395453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multi-L-arginyl-poly-L-aspartate (MAPA), also known as cyanophycin, containing a backbone of polyaspartate with arginine and lysine as side chains, was prepared with recombinant Escherichia coli. The insoluble part (iMAPA) was conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) at two different levels, high (iMAPA(PEG)h) and low (iMAPA(PEG)l). Both levels of conjugation exhibited UCST (upper critical solution temperature)-type responses in the pH range of 3-10 at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. The cloud-point temperature of each conjugate also showed a positive correlation with concentration in PBS, falling between 20 to 58 °C at a concentration from 0.1 to 3 mg/mL. Hysteresis was observed to follow approximate paths under the same condition during repeated heating and cooling. Notably, the reversible formation of core-shell vesicles appeared at room temperature in PBS with a size of around 25 to 60 nm, as measured by DLS and observed under TEM. The reversibility was further employed to encapsulate doxorubicin (Dox) at different weight ratios of Dox to iMAPA(PEG)h. An encapsulation efficiency could reach as high as 70% with an equivalent loading capacity of 1.5 mg Dox/mg iMAPA(PEG)h. The Dox-loaded vesicles stayed stable at 4 °C for up to 4 weeks, with a minimal leakage below 2% and a slightly dilated morphology. Temperature-triggered release of Dox from the vesicles could be achieved by a step change of 5 °C successively from 37 to 62 °C in an effort to induce an initial 10% release at 37 °C gradually to complete release at 62 °C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chi Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering , National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , No.43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd. , Taipei 106 , Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yun Fang
- Department of Food Science , National Taiwan Ocean University , No. 2, Beining Rd. , Keelung 106 , Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering , National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , No.43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd. , Taipei 106 , Taiwan
| | - Shing-Jong Huang
- Instrumentation Center , Taiwan University , University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd. , Taipei 106 , Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering , National Taiwan University of Science and Technology , No.43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd. , Taipei 106 , Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|