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Hazegh Nikroo A, Altenburg WJ, van Veldhuisen TW, Brunsveld L, van Hest JCM. Spatiotemporal Control Over Protein Release from Artificial Cells via a Light-Activatable Protease. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2400353. [PMID: 39334525 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400353] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
The regulation of protein uptake and secretion by cells is paramount for intercellular signaling and complex multicellular behavior. Mimicking protein-mediated communication in artificial cells holds great promise to elucidate the underlying working principles, but remains challenging without the stimulus-responsive regulatory machinery of living cells. Therefore, systems to precisely control when and where protein release occurs should be incorporated in artificial cells. Here, a light-activatable TEV protease (LaTEV) is presented that enables spatiotemporal control over protein release from a coacervate-based artificial cell platform. Due to the presence of Ni2+-nitrilotriacetic acid moieties within the coacervates, His-tagged proteins are effectively sequestered into the coacervates. LaTEV is first photocaged, effectively blocking its activity. Upon activation by irradiation with 365 nm light, LaTEV cleaves the His-tags from sequestered cargo proteins, resulting in their release. The successful blocking and activation of LaTEV provides control over protein release rate and triggerable protein release from specific coacervates via selective irradiation. Furthermore, light-activated directional transfer of proteins between two artificial cell populations is demonstrated. Overall, this system opens up avenues to engineer light-responsive protein-mediated communication in artificial cell context, which can advance the probing of intercellular signaling and the development of protein delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Hazegh Nikroo
- Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Wiggert J Altenburg
- Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs W van Veldhuisen
- Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600 MB, The Netherlands
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2
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Shin J, Saha B, Chung H, Jang Y. Architecting Multicompartmentalized, Giant Vesicles with Recombinant Fusion Proteins. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:6127-6134. [PMID: 39105695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
We present a straightforward strategy for constructing giant, multicompartmentalized vesicles using recombinant fusion proteins. Our method leverages the self-assembly of globule-zipper-elastin-like polypeptide fusion protein complexes in aqueous conditions, eliminating the need for organic solvents and chemical conjugation. By employing the thin-film rehydration method, we have successfully encapsulated a diverse range of bioactive macromolecules and engineered organelle-like compartments─ranging from soluble proteins and coacervate droplets to vesicles─within these protein-assembled giant vesicles. This approach also facilitates the integration of water-soluble block copolymers, enhancing the structural stability and functional versatility of the vesicles. Our results suggest that these multicompartment giant protein vesicles not only mimic the complex architecture of living cells but also support biochemically distinct reactions regulated by functionally folded proteins, providing a robust model for studying cellular processes and designing microreactor systems. This work highlights the transformative potential of self-assembling recombinant fusion proteins in artificial cell design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyong Shin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Biswajit Saha
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Hoyong Chung
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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3
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Song S, Ivanov T, Yuan D, Wang J, da Silva LC, Xie J, Cao S. Peptide-Based Biomimetic Condensates via Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation as Biomedical Delivery Vehicles. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5468-5488. [PMID: 39178343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are dynamic liquid droplets through intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation that function as membraneless organelles, which are highly involved in various complex cellular processes and functions. Artificial analogs formed via similar pathways that can be integrated with biological complexity and advanced functions have received tremendous research interest in the field of synthetic biology. The coacervate droplet-based compartments can partition and concentrate a wide range of solutes, which are regarded as attractive candidates for mimicking phase-separation behaviors and biophysical features of biomolecular condensates. The use of peptide-based materials as phase-separating components has advantages such as the diversity of amino acid residues and customized sequence design, which allows for programming their phase-separation behaviors and the physicochemical properties of the resulting compartments. In this Perspective, we highlight the recent advancements in the design and construction of biomimicry condensates from synthetic peptides relevant to intracellular phase-separating protein, with specific reference to their molecular design, self-assembly via phase separation, and biorelated applications, to envisage the use of peptide-based droplets as emerging biomedical delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Song
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | | | - Dandan Yuan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jianqiang Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | | | - Jing Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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4
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Le NTK, Park E, Kim H, Park J, Kang K. Viscosity Regulation of Chemically Simple Condensates. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5959-5967. [PMID: 39166772 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the viscosity and liquid-solid transition behavior of biomolecular condensates formed by polyarginine chains (Rx) of varying lengths and citric acid (CA) derivatives. By condensing Rx chains of various lengths with CA derivatives, we showed that the shorter Rx chains attenuate the high aggregation tendency of the longer chains when condensed with CA. A mixture of different Rx lengths exhibited uniform intracondensate distribution, while its mobility largely depended on the ratio of the longer Rx chain. Our findings demonstrate a simple method to modulate condensate properties by adjusting the composition of scaffold molecules, shedding light on the role of molecular composition in controlling condensate viscosity and transition dynamics. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of biomolecular condensation processes and offers insights into potential strategies for manipulating condensate properties for various applications, including in the fields of synthetic biology and disease therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghia T K Le
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbin Park
- Department of Chemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmin Park
- Department of Chemistry, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
- Multidimensional Genomics Research Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Molecular Science and Fusion Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungtae Kang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi 17104, Republic of Korea
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5
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Palivan CG, Heuberger L, Gaitzsch J, Voit B, Appelhans D, Borges Fernandes B, Battaglia G, Du J, Abdelmohsen L, van Hest JCM, Hu J, Liu S, Zhong Z, Sun H, Mutschler A, Lecommandoux S. Advancing Artificial Cells with Functional Compartmentalized Polymeric Systems - In Honor of Wolfgang Meier. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5454-5467. [PMID: 39196319 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The fundamental building block of living organisms is the cell, which is the universal biological base of all living entities. This micrometric mass of cytoplasm and the membrane border have fascinated scientists due to the highly complex and multicompartmentalized structure. This specific organization enables numerous metabolic reactions to occur simultaneously and in segregated spaces, without disturbing each other, but with a promotion of inter- and intracellular communication of biomolecules. At present, artificial nano- and microcompartments, whether as single components or self-organized in multicompartment architectures, hold significant value in the study of life development and advanced functional materials and in the fabrication of molecular devices for medical applications. These artificial compartments also possess the properties to encapsulate, protect, and control the release of bio(macro)molecules through selective transport processes, and they are capable of embedding or being connected with other types of compartments. The self-assembly mechanism of specific synthetic compartments and thus the fabrication of a simulated organelle membrane are some of the major aspects to gain insight. Considerable efforts have now been devoted to design various nano- and microcompartments and understand their functionality for precise control over properties. Of particular interest is the use of polymeric vesicles for communication in synthetic cells and colloidal systems to reinitiate chemical and biological communication and thus close the gap toward biological functions. Multicompartment systems can now be effectively created with a high level of hierarchical control. In this way, these structures can not only be explored to deepen our understanding of the functional organization of living cells, but also pave the way for many more exciting developments in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Barbara Borges Fernandes
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai 201804, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Loai Abdelmohsen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jinming Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine and Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China
| | - Shiyong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine and Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Huanli Sun
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Angela Mutschler
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600 Pessac, France
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6
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Yim W, Jin Z, Chang YC, Brambila C, Creyer MN, Ling C, He T, Li Y, Retout M, Penny WF, Zhou J, Jokerst JV. Polyphenol-stabilized coacervates for enzyme-triggered drug delivery. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7295. [PMID: 39181884 PMCID: PMC11344779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51218-8] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Stability issues in membrane-free coacervates have been addressed with coating strategies, but these approaches often compromise the permeability of the coacervate. Here we report a facile approach to maintain both stability and permeability using tannic acid and then demonstrate the value of this approach in enzyme-triggered drug release. First, we develop size-tunable coacervates via self-assembly of heparin glycosaminoglycan with tyrosine and arginine-based peptides. A thrombin-recognition site within the peptide building block results in heparin release upon thrombin proteolysis. Notably, polyphenols are integrated within the nano-coacervates to improve stability in biofluids. Phenolic crosslinking at the liquid-liquid interface enables nano-coacervates to maintain exceptional structural integrity across various environments. We discover a pivotal polyphenol threshold for preserving enzymatic activity alongside enhanced stability. The disassembly rate of the nano-coacervates increases as a function of thrombin activity, thus preventing a coagulation cascade. This polyphenol-based approach not only improves stability but also opens the way for applications in biomedicine, protease sensing, and bio-responsive drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjun Yim
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhicheng Jin
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yu-Ci Chang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Brambila
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matthew N Creyer
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chuxuan Ling
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tengyu He
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maurice Retout
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - William F Penny
- Division of Cardiology, VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jiajing Zhou
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jesse V Jokerst
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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7
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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; 13:966-971. [PMID: 39038183 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00330] [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: 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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8
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Kumawat A, Saini B, Ghoroi C. Nanodroplets Engineered with Folate Carbon Dots for Enhanced Cancer Cell Uptake toward Theranostic Application. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:5483-5495. [PMID: 39046462 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00633] [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: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The research in nanotherapeutics is rapidly advancing, particularly in the realm of nanoconstructs for drug delivery. This study introduces folate-based carbon dot-decorated nanodroplets (f-Dnm), synthesized from a binary mixture of negatively charged folic acid carbon dots (f-CDs) and cationic-branched polyethylenimine (PEI). The uniformly spherical nanodroplets with an average diameter of 115 ± 15 nm exhibit notable photoluminescence. Surface potential analysis reveals a significant change upon coacervation, attributed to strong electrostatic interactions between f-CD and PEI. The engineered nanodroplets show excellent colloidal and photostability even after 6 months of storage at room temperature. The pH-dependent self-assembly and disassembly properties of f-Dnm are explored for drug loading and release studies using doxorubicin (DOX) as a model anticancer drug. Moreover, the f-Dnm nanocarrier demonstrates significantly higher drug loading capabilities (∼90%). In vitro release studies of doxorubicin-loaded f-Dnm [f-Dnm(DOX)] reveal 5 times higher drug release at lysosomal pH 5.4 compared to that at physiological blood pH 7.4. Cytocompatibility assessments using the MTT assay on HeLa, A549, and NIH-3T3 cells confirm the nontoxic nature of f-Dnm, even at high concentrations. Additionally, f-Dnm(DOX) exhibits higher cytotoxicity in HeLa cells compared to f-CD(DOX) at similar DOX concentrations. Cellular uptake studies show an increased uptake of f-Dnm in folate receptor-positive HeLa and MDA-MB 231 cells. Hemolysis assay validated the biocompatibility of the developed formulation. Overall, these engineered nanodroplets represent a class of nontoxic nanocarriers that offer promising potential as nanotherapeutics for folate receptor-positive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshant Kumawat
- DryProTech Lab., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382055, India
| | - Bhawna Saini
- DryProTech Lab., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382055, India
| | - Chinmay Ghoroi
- DryProTech Lab., Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382055, India
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9
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Zhou Y, Zhang K, Moreno S, Temme A, Voit B, Appelhans D. Continuous Transformation from Membrane-Less Coacervates to Membranized Coacervates and Giant Vesicles: Toward Multicompartmental Protocells with Complex (Membrane) Architectures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202407472. [PMID: 38847278 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202407472] [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: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The membranization of membrane-less coacervates paves the way for the exploitation of complex protocells with regard to structural and cell-like functional behaviors. However, the controlled transformation from membranized coacervates to vesicles remains a challenge. This can provide stable (multi)phase and (multi)compartmental architectures through the reconfiguration of coacervate droplets in the presence of (bioactive) polymers, bio(macro)molecules and/or nanoobjects. Herein, we present a continuous protocell transformation from membrane-less coacervates to membranized coacervates and, ultimately, to giant hybrid vesicles. This transformation process is orchestrated by altering the balance of non-covalent interactions through varying concentrations of an anionic terpolymer, leading to dynamic processes such as spontaneous membranization of terpolymer nanoparticles at the coacervate surface, disassembly of the coacervate phase mediated by the excess anionic charge, and the redistribution of coacervate components in membrane. The diverse protocells during the transformation course provide distinct structural features and molecular permeability. Notably, the introduction of multiphase coacervates in this continuous transformation process signifies advancements toward the creation of synthetic cells with different diffusible compartments. Our findings emphasize the highly controlled continuous structural reorganization of coacervate protocells and represents a novel step toward the development of advanced and sophisticated synthetic protocells with more precise compositions and complex (membrane) structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden, 01069, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, 01062, Germany
| | - Kehu Zhang
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden, 01069, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, 01062, Germany
| | - Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden, 01069, Germany
| | - Achim Temme
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery/Tumor Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, 01307, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden, 01069, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, 01062, Germany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, Dresden, 01069, Germany
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10
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Tian Y, Hu Q, Sun Z, Yu Y, Li X, Tian T, Bi X, Li Y, Niu B, Zhang Z. Colon Targeting pH-Responsive Coacervate Microdroplets for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311890. [PMID: 38577919 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311890] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC), an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease, drastically impacts patients' quality of life and increases their risk of colorectal cancer worldwide. However, effective oral targeted delivery and retention of drugs in colonic lesions are still great challenges in the treatment of UC. Coacervate microdroplets, formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, are recently explored in drug delivery as the simplicity in fabrication, spontaneous enrichment on small molecules and biological macromolecules, and high drug loading capacity. Herein, in this study, a biocompatible diethylaminoethyl-dextran hydrochloride/sodium polyphenylene sulfonate coacervates, coated with eudragit S100 to improve the stability and colon targeting ability, named EU-Coac, is developed. Emodin, an active ingredient in traditional Chinese herbs proven to alleviate UC symptoms, is loaded in EU-Coac (EMO@EU-Coac) showing good stability in gastric acid and pepsin and pH-responsive release behavior. After oral administration, EMO@EU-Coac can effectively target and retain in the colon, displaying good therapeutic effects on UC treatment through attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress response, repairing colonic epithelia, as well as regulating intestinal flora balance. In short, this study provides a novel and facile coacervate microdroplet delivery system for UC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinmei Tian
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhengjun Sun
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yulin Yu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tianyi Tian
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinying Bi
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yang Li
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Boning Niu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Centre for Novel Drug Delivery System, Wuhan, 430030, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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11
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Wang C, Yang X, Wang Q, Zhang L, Shang L. Glucose Responsive Coacervate Protocells from Microfluidics for Diabetic Wound Healing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400712. [PMID: 38768125 PMCID: PMC11267285 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400712] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The hyperglycemic pathophysiological environment in diabetic wounds is a major obstacle that impedes the healing process. Glucose-responsive wound healing materials are a promising approach to address this challenge. In this study, complex coacervate-based protocells are introduced for diabetic wound healing. By employing a microfluidic chip with an external mechanical vibrator, uniform coacervate microdroplets are generated via electrostatic interactions between diethylaminoethyl-dextran and double-stranded DNA. The spontaneous assembly of a phospholipid membrane on the droplet surface enhances its biocompatibility. Glucose oxidase and copper peroxide nanodots are integrated into microdroplets, enabling a glucose-responsive cascade that produces hydroxyl radicals as antibacterial agents. These features contribute to efficient antibacterial activity and wound healing in diabetic mice. The present protocells facilitate intelligent wound management, and the design of cascade catalytic coacervates can contribute to the development of various smart vehicles for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospitaland the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospitaland the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Qiao Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospitaland the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Linyi Zhang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospitaland the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospitaland the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200030China
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12
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Gong X, Li R, Zhang J, Zhang P, Jiang Z, Hu L, Liu X, Wang Y, Wang F. Scaling up of a Self-Confined Catalytic Hybridization Circuit for Robust microRNA Imaging. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400517. [PMID: 38613838 PMCID: PMC11165520 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400517] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The precise regulation of cellular behaviors within a confined, crowded intracellular environment is highly amenable in diagnostics and therapeutics. While synthetic circuitry system through a concatenated chemical reaction network has rarely been reported to mimic dynamic self-assembly system. Herein, a catalytic self-defined circuit (CSC) for the hierarchically concatenated assembly of DNA domino nanostructures is engineered. By incorporating pre-sealed symmetrical fragments into the preying hairpin reactants, the CSC system allows the hierarchical DNA self-assembly via a microRNA (miRNA)-powered self-sorting catalytic hybridization reaction. With minimal strand complexity, this self-sustainable CSC system streamlined the circuit component and achieved localization-intensified cascaded signal amplification. Profiting from the self-adaptively concatenated hybridization reaction, a reliable and robust method has been achieved for discriminating carcinoma tissues from the corresponding para-carcinoma tissues. The CSC-sustained self-assembly strategy provides a comprehensive and smart toolbox for organizing various hierarchical DNA nanostructures, which may facilitate more insights for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Gong
- Department of GastroenterologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityCollege of Chemistry and Molecular SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430072P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology of Active Substances (Ministry of Education)Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis Materials and TechnologyCollege of ChemistryChongqing Normal UniversityChongqing401331P. R. China
| | - Ruomeng Li
- Department of GastroenterologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityCollege of Chemistry and Molecular SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430072P. R. China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology of Active Substances (Ministry of Education)Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis Materials and TechnologyCollege of ChemistryChongqing Normal UniversityChongqing401331P. R. China
| | - Pu Zhang
- College of PharmacyChongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016P. R. China
| | - Zhongwei Jiang
- Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology of Active Substances (Ministry of Education)Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis Materials and TechnologyCollege of ChemistryChongqing Normal UniversityChongqing401331P. R. China
| | - Lianzhe Hu
- Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology of Active Substances (Ministry of Education)Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis Materials and TechnologyCollege of ChemistryChongqing Normal UniversityChongqing401331P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityCollege of Chemistry and Molecular SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430072P. R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology of Active Substances (Ministry of Education)Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis Materials and TechnologyCollege of ChemistryChongqing Normal UniversityChongqing401331P. R. China
| | - Fuan Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityCollege of Chemistry and Molecular SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhan430072P. R. China
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13
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Liu W, Deng J, Song S, Sethi S, Walther A. A facile DNA coacervate platform for engineering wetting, engulfment, fusion and transient behavior. Commun Chem 2024; 7:100. [PMID: 38693272 PMCID: PMC11063173 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01185-4] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular coacervates are emerging models to understand biological systems and important building blocks for designer applications. DNA can be used to build up programmable coacervates, but often the processes and building blocks to make those are only available to specialists. Here, we report a simple approach for the formation of dynamic, multivalency-driven coacervates using long single-stranded DNA homopolymer in combination with a series of palindromic binders to serve as a synthetic coacervate droplet. We reveal details on how the length and sequence of the multivalent binders influence coacervate formation, how to introduce switching and autonomous behavior in reaction circuits, as well as how to engineer wetting, engulfment and fusion in multi-coacervate system. Our simple-to-use model DNA coacervates enhance the understanding of coacervate dynamics, fusion, phase transition mechanisms, and wetting behavior between coacervates, forming a solid foundation for the development of innovative synthetic and programmable coacervates for fundamental studies and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jie Deng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Siyu Song
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Soumya Sethi
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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14
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Jia L, Gao S, Qiao Y. Optical Control over Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301724. [PMID: 38530063 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is responsible for the emergence of intracellular membrane-less organelles and the development of coacervate protocells. Benefitting from the advantages of simplicity, precision, programmability, and noninvasiveness, light has become an effective tool to regulate the assembly dynamics of LLPS, and mediate various biochemical processes associated with LLPS. In this review, recent advances in optically controlling membrane-less organelles within living organisms are summarized, thereby modulating a series of biological processes including irreversible protein aggregation pathologies, transcription activation, metabolic flux, genomic rearrangements, and enzymatic reactions. Among these, the intracellular systems (i.e., optoDroplet, Corelet, PixELL, CasDrop, and other optogenetic systems) that enable the photo-mediated control over biomolecular condensation are highlighted. The design of photoactive complex coacervate protocells in laboratory settings by utilizing photochromic molecules such as azobenzene and diarylethene is further discussed. This review is expected to provide in-depth insights into phase separation-associated biochemical processes, bio-metabolism, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Orthopedic, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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15
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Kubota R, Hamachi I. Cell-Like Synthetic Supramolecular Soft Materials Realized in Multicomponent, Non-/Out-of-Equilibrium Dynamic Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306830. [PMID: 38018341 PMCID: PMC10885657 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Living cells are complex, nonequilibrium supramolecular systems capable of independently and/or cooperatively integrating multiple bio-supramolecules to execute intricate physiological functions that cannot be accomplished by individual biomolecules. These biological design strategies offer valuable insights for the development of synthetic supramolecular systems with spatially controlled hierarchical structures, which, importantly, exhibit cell-like responses and functions. The next grand challenge in supramolecular chemistry is to control the organization of multiple types of supramolecules in a single system, thus integrating the functions of these supramolecules in an orthogonal and/or cooperative manner. In this perspective, the recent progress in constructing multicomponent supramolecular soft materials through the hybridization of supramolecules, such as self-assembled nanofibers/gels and coacervates, with other functional molecules, including polymer gels and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, results show that these materials exhibit bioinspired responses to stimuli, such as bidirectional rheological responses of supramolecular double-network hydrogels, temporal stimulus pattern-dependent responses of synthetic coacervates, and 3D hydrogel patterning in response to reaction-diffusion processes are presented. Autonomous active soft materials with cell-like responses and spatially controlled structures hold promise for diverse applications, including soft robotics with directional motion, point-of-care disease diagnosis, and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, 615-8530, Japan
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16
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The intersection of bottom-up synthetic cell engineering and nanobiotechnology. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:131. [PMID: 38365900 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
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17
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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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18
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Cook AB, Gonzalez BD, van Hest JCM. Tuning of Cationic Polymer Functionality in Complex Coacervate Artificial Cells for Optimized Enzyme Activity. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:425-435. [PMID: 38064593 PMCID: PMC10777345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Complex coacervates are a versatile platform to mimic the structure of living cells. In both living systems and artificial cells, a macromolecularly crowded condensate phase has been shown to be able to modulate enzyme activity. Yet, how enzyme activity is affected by interactions (particularly with cationic charges) inside coacervates is not well studied. Here, we synthesized a series of amino-functional polymers to investigate the effect of the type of amine and charge density on coacervate formation, stability, protein partitioning, and enzyme function. The polymers were prepared by RAFT polymerization using as monomers aminoethyl methacrylate (AEAM), 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), imidazolepropyl methacrylamide (IPMAm), and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (TMAEMA). Membranized complex coacervate artificial cells were formed with these polycations and an anionic amylose derivative. Results show that polycations with reduced charge density result in higher protein mobility in the condensates and also higher enzyme activity. Insights described here could help guide the use of coacervate artificial cells in applications such as sensing, catalysis, and therapeutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B Cook
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, Netherlands
| | - Bruno Delgado Gonzalez
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica, Centro Singular de Investigación
en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, Netherlands
- Biomedical
Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, Netherlands
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19
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Cao S, Ivanov T, Heuer J, Ferguson CTJ, Landfester K, Caire da Silva L. Dipeptide coacervates as artificial membraneless organelles for bioorthogonal catalysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:39. [PMID: 38169470 PMCID: PMC10761997 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44278-9] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial organelles can manipulate cellular functions and introduce non-biological processes into cells. Coacervate droplets have emerged as a close analog of membraneless cellular organelles. Their biomimetic properties, such as molecular crowding and selective partitioning, make them promising components for designing cell-like materials. However, their use as artificial organelles has been limited by their complex molecular structure, limited control over internal microenvironment properties, and inherent colloidal instability. Here we report the design of dipeptide coacervates that exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and a hydrophobic microenvironment. The hydrophobic character facilitates the encapsulation of hydrophobic species, including transition metal-based catalysts, enhancing their efficiency in aqueous environments. Dipeptide coacervates carrying a metal-based catalyst are incorporated as active artificial organelles in cells and trigger an internal non-biological chemical reaction. The development of coacervates with a hydrophobic microenvironment opens an alternative avenue in the field of biomimetic materials with applications in catalysis and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julian Heuer
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Calum T J Ferguson
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0B8, Canada.
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20
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Tao F, Han Q, Yang P. Interface-mediated protein aggregation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14093-14109. [PMID: 37955330 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04311h] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of proteins at interfaces has significant roles and can also lead to dysfunction of different physiological processes. The interfacial effects on the assembly and aggregation of biopolymers are not only crucial for a comprehensive understanding of protein biological functions, but also hold great potential for advancing the state-of-the-art applications of biopolymer materials. Recently, there has been remarkable progress in a collaborative context, as we strive to gain control over complex interfacial assembly structures of biopolymers. These biopolymer structures range from the nanoscale to mesoscale and even macroscale, and are attained through the rational design of interactions between biological building blocks and surfaces/interfaces. This review spotlights the recent advancements in interface-mediated assembly and properties of biopolymer materials. Initially, we introduce the solid-liquid interface (SIL)-mediated biopolymer assembly that includes the inorganic crystalline template effect and protein self-adoptive deposition through phase transition. Next, we display the advancement of biopolymer assembly instigated by the air-water interface (AWI) that acts as an energy conversion station. Lastly, we discuss succinctly the assembly of biopolymers at the liquid-liquid interface (LLI) along with their applications. It is our hope that this overview will stimulate the integration and progression of the science of interfacial assembled biopolymer materials and surfaces/interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tao
- Key laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Key laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Peng Yang
- Key laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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21
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Wang Y, Douglas T. Tuning Multistep Biocatalysis through Enzyme and Cofactor Colocalization in Charged Porous Protein Macromolecular Frameworks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:43621-43632. [PMID: 37695852 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Spatial organization of biocatalytic activities is crucial to organisms to efficiently process complex metabolism. Inspired by this mechanism, artificial scaffold structures are designed to harbor functionally coupled biocatalysts, resulting in acellular materials that can complete multistep reactions at high efficiency and low cost. Substrate channeling is an approach for efficiency enhancement of multistep reactions, but fast diffusion of small molecule intermediates poses a major challenge to achieve channeling in vitro. Here, we explore how multistep biocatalysis is affected, and can be modulated, by cofactor-enzyme colocalization within a synthetic bioinspired material. In this material, a heterogeneous protein macromolecular framework (PMF) acts as a porous host matrix for colocalization of two coupled enzymes and their small molecule cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). After formation of the PMF from a higher order assembly of P22 virus-like particles (VLPs), the enzymes were partitioned into the PMF by covalent attachment and presentation on the VLP exterior. Using a collective property of the PMF (i.e., high density of negative charges in the PMF), NAD molecules were partitioned into the framework via electrostatic interactions after being conjugated to a polycationic species. This effectively controlled the localization and diffusion of NAD, resulting in substrate channeling between the enzymes. Changing ionic strength modulates the PMF-NAD interactions, tuning two properties that impact the multistep efficiency oppositely in response to ionic strength: cofactor partitioning (colocalization with the enzymes) and cofactor mobility (translocation between the enzymes). Within the range tested, we observed a maximum of 5-fold increase or 75% decrease in multistep efficiency as compared to free enzymes in solution, which suggest both the colocalization and the mobility are critical for the multistep efficiency. This work demonstrates utility of collective behaviors, exhibited by hierarchical bioassemblies, in the construction of functional materials for enzyme cascades, which possess properties such as tunable multistep biocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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22
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Kubota R, Hiroi T, Ikuta Y, Liu Y, Hamachi I. Visualizing Formation and Dynamics of a Three-Dimensional Sponge-like Network of a Coacervate in Real Time. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18316-18328. [PMID: 37562059 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Coacervates, which are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, have been extensively explored as models for synthetic cells and membraneless organelles, so their in-depth structural analysis is crucial. However, both the inner structure dynamics and formation mechanism of coacervates remain elusive. Herein, we demonstrate real-time confocal observation of a three-dimensional sponge-like network in a dipeptide-based coacervate. In situ generation of the dipeptide allowed us to capture the emergence of the sponge-like network via unprecedented membrane folding of vesicle-shaped intermediates. We also visualized dynamic fluctuation of the network, including reversible engagement/disengagement of cross-links and a stochastic network kissing event. Photoinduced transient formation of a multiphase coacervate was achieved with a thermally responsive phase transition. Our findings expand the fundamental understanding of synthetic coacervates and provide opportunities to manipulate their physicochemical properties by engineering the inner network for potential applications in development of artificial cells and life-like material fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Taro Hiroi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yuriki Ikuta
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yuchong Liu
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura 615-8530, Japan
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23
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Budkov YA, Brandyshev PE, Kalikin NN. Theory of self-coacervation in semi-dilute and concentrated zwitterionic polymer solutions. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3281-3289. [PMID: 37089119 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00140g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Based on the random phase approximation, we develop a molecular theory of self-coacervation in zwitterionic polymer solutions. We show that the interplay between the volume interactions of the monomeric units and electrostatic correlations of charged groups on a polymer backbone can result in liquid-liquid phase separation (self-coacervation). We analyse the behavior of the coacervate phase polymer concentration depending on the electrostatic interaction strength - the ratio of the Bjerrum length to the bond length of the chain. We establish that in a wide range of polymer concentration values - from a semi-dilute to a rather concentrated solution - the chain connectivity and excluded volume interaction of the monomeric units have an extremely weak effect on the contribution of the electrostatic interactions of the dipolar monomeric units to the total free energy. We show that for rather weak electrostatic interactions, the electrostatic correlations manifest themselves as Keesom interactions of point-like freely rotating dipoles (Keesom regime), while in the region of strong electrostatic interactions the electrostatic free energy is described by the Debye-Hückel limiting law (Debye regime). We show that for real zwitterionic coacervates the Keesom regime is realized only for sufficiently small polymer concentrations of the coacervate phase, while the Debye regime is approximately realized for rather dense coacervates. Using the mean-field variant of the density functional theory, we calculate the surface tension (surface free energy) of the "coacervate-solvent" interface as a function of the bulk polymer concentration. Obtained results can be used to estimate the parameters of the polymer chains needed for practical applications such as drug encapsulation and delivery, as well as the design of adhesive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury A Budkov
- School of Applied Mathematics, HSE University, Tallinskaya st. 34, 123458 Moscow, Russia.
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademicheskaya st. 1, Ivanovo, 153045, Russia
| | - Petr E Brandyshev
- School of Applied Mathematics, HSE University, Tallinskaya st. 34, 123458 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Nikolai N Kalikin
- School of Applied Mathematics, HSE University, Tallinskaya st. 34, 123458 Moscow, Russia.
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademicheskaya st. 1, Ivanovo, 153045, Russia
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