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Deming TJ. Sulfur Switches for Responsive Peptide Materials. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:661-669. [PMID: 38373227 PMCID: PMC10918826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00626] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
There is considerable recent interest in the synthesis and development of peptide-based materials as mimics of natural biological assemblies that utilize proteins and peptides to form organized structures and develop beneficial properties. Due to their potential compatibility with living organisms, synthetic peptide materials are also being developed for applications such as cell grafting, therapeutic delivery, and implantable diagnostic devices. One desirable feature for such applications is the ability to design materials that can respond to stimuli by changes in their structure or properties under biologically relevant conditions. Peptide and protein assemblies can respond to stimuli, such as changes in temperature, solution pH, ions present in media, or interactions with other biomacromolecules. An exciting area of emerging research is focused on how biology uses the chemistry of sulfur-containing amino acids as a means to regulate biological processes. These concepts have been utilized and expanded in recent years to enable the development of peptide materials with readily switchable properties.The incorporation of sulfur atoms in polypeptides, peptides, and proteins provides unique sites that can be used to alter the physical and biological properties of these materials. Sulfur-containing amino acid residues, most often cysteine and methionine, are able to undergo a variety of selective chemical and enzyme-mediated reactions, which can be broadly characterized as redox or alkylation processes. These reactions often proceed under physiologically relevant conditions, can be reversible, and are significant in that they can alter residue polarity as well as conformations of peptide chains. These sulfur-based reactions are able to switch molecular and macromolecular properties of peptides and proteins in living systems and recently have been applied to synthetic peptide materials. Naturally occurring "sulfur switches" can be reversible or irreversible and are often triggered by enzymatic activity. Sulfur switches in peptide materials can also be triggered in vitro using oxidation/reduction and alkylation as well as photochemical reactions. The application of sulfur switches to peptide materials has greatly expanded the scope of these switches due to the ability to readily incorporate a wide variety of noncanonical sulfur-containing synthetic amino acids.Sulfur switches have been shown to provide considerable potential to reversibly alter peptide material properties under mild physiologically relevant conditions. An important molecular feature of sulfur-containing amino acid residues was found to be the location of sulfur atoms in the side chains. The variation of sulfur atom positions from the backbone by single bond lengths was found to significantly affect polypeptide chain conformations upon oxidation-reduction or alkylation/dealkylation reactions. With the successful adaptation of sulfur switches to peptide materials, future studies can explore how these switches affect how these materials interact with biological systems. This Account provides an overview of the different types of sulfur switch reactions found in biology and their properties and the elaboration of these switches in synthetic systems with a focus on recent developments and applications of reversible sulfur switches in peptide materials.
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Liang Y, Ogawa S, Inaba H, Matsuura K. Dramatic morphological changes in liposomes induced by peptide nanofibers reversibly polymerized and depolymerized by the photoisomerization of spiropyran. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1137885. [PMID: 37065452 PMCID: PMC10101338 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1137885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeletons such as microtubules and actin filaments are natural protein assemblies, which dynamically control cellular morphology by reversible polymerization/depolymerization. Recently, the control of polymerization/depolymerization of fibrous protein/peptide assemblies by external stimuli has attracted significant attention. However, as far as we know, the creation of an “artificial cytoskeleton” that reversibly controls the polymerization/depolymerization of peptide nanofiber in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) has not been reported. Here, we developed peptide nanofiber self-assembled from spiropyran (SP)-modified β-sheet-forming peptides, which can be reversibly polymerized/depolymerized by light. The reversible photoisomerization of the SP-modified peptide (FKFECSPKFE) to the merocyanine-peptide (FKFECMCKFE) by ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy with thioflavin T staining and transmission electron microscopy of the peptides showed that the SP-peptide formed β-sheet nanofibers, whereas the photoisomerization to the merocyanine-peptide almost completely dissociated the nanofibers. The merocyanine peptide was encapsulated in spherical GUVs comprising of phospholipids as artificial cell models. Interestingly, the morphology of GUV encapsulating the merocyanine-peptide dramatically changed into worm-like vesicles by the photoisomerization to the SP-modified peptide, and then reversibly changed into spherical GUV by the photoisomerization to the MC-modified peptide. These dynamic morphological changes in GUVs by light can be applied as components of a molecular robot with artificially controlled cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbing Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, Japan
| | - Shigesaburo Ogawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inaba
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering Tottori University Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry Tottori University Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazunori Matsuura,
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Checkerboard arranged G4 nanostructure-supported electrochemical platform and its application to unique bio-enzymes examination. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 149:108282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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V D, P J S, Rajeev N, S AL, Chandran A, G B G, Sadanandan S. Recent Advances in Peptides-Based Stimuli-Responsive Materials for Biomedical and Therapeutic Applications: A Review. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1999-2021. [PMID: 35730605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Smart materials are engineered materials that have one or more properties that are introduced in a controlled fashion by surrounding stimuli. Engineering of biomacromolecules like proteins into a smart material call for meticulous artistry. Peptides have grabbed notable attention as a preferred source for smart materials in the medicinal field, promoted by their versatile chemical and biophysical attributes of biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Recent advances in the synthesis of multifunctional peptides have proliferated their application in diverse domains: agriculture, nanotechnology, medicines, biosensors, therapeutics, and soft robotics. Stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, metal ions, and enzymes have vitalized physicochemical properties of peptides by augmented sensitivity, stability, and selectivity. This review elucidates recent (2018-2021) advances in the design and synthesis of smart materials, from stimuli-responsive peptides followed by their biomedical and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika V
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
| | - Sreelekshmi P J
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
| | - Niranjana Rajeev
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
| | - Aiswarya Lakshmi S
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
| | - Amrutha Chandran
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
| | - Gouthami G B
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
| | - Sandhya Sadanandan
- Department of Chemistry, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India
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Li Y, Chang R, Chen YX. Recent advances in post-polymerization modifications on polypeptides: synthesis and applications. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200318. [PMID: 35576055 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polypeptides, a kind of very promising biomaterial, have shown a wide range of applications due to their excellent biocompatibility, easy accessibility, and structural variability. To synthesize polypeptides with desired functions, post-polymerization modification (PPM) plays an important role in introducing novel chemical structure on their side-chains. The key of PPM strategy is to develop highly selective and efficient reactions that can couple the additional functional moieties with pre-installed side-chain functionalities on polypeptides. In this minireview, classic PPM reactions and especially their recent progresses are summarized, including different modification approaches for unsaturated alkyl group, oxygen-containing functional group, nitrogen-containing functional group, sulfur-containing functional group and other special functional group on side chains. In addition, this review also highlights the applications of structure-diversified polypeptides generated via PPM strategy in the field of biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Tsinghua University Department of Chemistry, Chemistry, CHINA
| | - Rong Chang
- Tsinghua University Department of Chemistry, Chemistry, CHINA
| | - Yong-Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, 100084, China, 100084, Beiing, CHINA
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Ge C, Zhu J, Wu G, Ye H, Lu H, Yin L. ROS-Responsive Selenopolypeptide Micelles: Preparation, Characterization, and Controlled Drug Release. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2647-2654. [PMID: 35549178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur-containing polypeptides, capable of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive structural change, are one of the most important building blocks for the construction of polypeptide-based drug delivery systems. However, the relatively low ROS sensitivity of side-chain thioethers limits the biomedical applications of these polypeptides because they usually require a high concentration of ROS beyond the pathological ROS level in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a selenium-containing polypeptide, which undergoes random coil-to-extended helix and hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic transitions in the presence of 0.1% H2O2, a concentration that is much lower than the ROS requirement for thioether. ROS-responsive micelles were thus prepared from the amphiphilic copolymer consisting of the hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segment and hydrophobic selenopolypeptide segment and were used to encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX). The micelles could be sensitively dissociated inside tumor cells in consequence of ROS-triggered oxidation of side-chain selenoether and structural change of the micelles, thereby efficiently and selectively releasing the encapsulated DOX to kill cancer cells. This work provides an alternative design of ROS-responsive polypeptides with higher sensitivity than that of the existing sulfur-containing polypeptides, which may expand the biomedical applications of polypeptide materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Ge
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Junliang Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guangqi Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huan Ye
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hua Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lichen Yin
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Zhang C, Lu H. Helical Nonfouling Polypeptides for Biomedical Applications. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-022-2688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Luo C, Huang M, Sun X, Wei N, Shi H, Li H, Lin M, Sun J. Super-Strong, Nonswellable, and Biocompatible Hydrogels Inspired by Human Tendons. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:2638-2649. [PMID: 35045604 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fabricating artificial materials that mimic the structures and properties of tendons is of great significance. Possessing a tensile stress of approximately 10.0 MPa and a water content of around 60%, human tendons exhibit excellent mechanical properties to support daily functions. In contrast to tendons, most synthetic hydrogels with similar water content typically exclude qualified strength, swelling resistance, and biocompatibility. Herein, a facile strategy based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and tannic acid (TA) is demonstrated to tackle this problem via a combination of sequential steps including freezing-thawing PVA aqueous solutions to form crystalline regions, prestretching and air drying in confined conditions to induce anisotropic structures, soaking in TA solutions to form multiple hydrogen bondings between PVA and TA, and finally dialyzing against water for the removal of residual TA molecules and the rearrangements and homogenization of multiple hydrogen bonds. The obtained PVA hydrogels possess hierarchically anisotropic structures, where the alignment of PVA bundles promotes high modulus, while the hydrogen bonding between PVA and TA endows them with an energy dissipation mechanism. Benefitting from the synergy of material composition and structural engineering, the obtained hydrogel displays super-strong mechanics (a tensile stress of 19.3 MPa and a toughness of 32.1 MJ/m3), outperforming most tough hydrogels. Remarkably, this hydrogel demonstrates excellent swelling resistance. It barely expands after immersion in deionized water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and SBF aqueous solutions for 7 days with the strength and volume nearly the same as their initial values. All of the features, combined with excellent cytocompatibility, make it an ideal material for biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Solar Chemical Conversion Technology, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, P. R. China
| | - Min Huang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
| | - Ning Wei
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
| | - Huan Shi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, P. R. China
| | - Min Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
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