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Mendes GG, Faulk B, Kaparthi B, Irion AR, Fong BL, Bayless K, Bondos SE. Genetic Functionalization of Protein-Based Biomaterials via Protein Fusions. Biomacromolecules 2024. [PMID: 39074364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Proteins implement many useful functions, including binding ligands with unparalleled affinity and specificity, catalyzing stereospecific chemical reactions, and directing cell behavior. Incorporating proteins into materials has the potential to imbue devices with these desirable traits. This review highlights recent advances in creating active materials by genetically fusing a self-assembling protein to a functional protein. These fusion proteins form materials while retaining the function of interest. Key advantages of this approach include elimination of a separate functionalization step during materials synthesis, uniform and dense coverage of the material by the functional protein, and stabilization of the functional protein. This review focuses on macroscale materials and discusses (i) multiple strategies for successful protein fusion design, (ii) successes and limitations of the protein fusion approach, (iii) engineering solutions to bypass any limitations, (iv) applications of protein fusion materials, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, enzyme immobilization, electronics, and biosensing, and (v) opportunities to further develop this useful technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807-3260, United States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech University, Roanoke, Virginia 24016, United States
| | - Britt Faulk
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Bhavika Kaparthi
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Andrew R Irion
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Brandon Look Fong
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Kayla Bayless
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807-3260, United States
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807-3260, United States
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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2
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Dixit A, Mahajan A, Saxena R, Chakraborty S, Katti DS. Engineering sulfated polysaccharides and silk fibroin based injectable IPN hydrogels with stiffening and growth factor presentation abilities for cartilage tissue engineering. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2067-2085. [PMID: 38470831 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01466e] [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: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) presents a framework for various biological cues and regulates homeostasis during both developing and mature stages of tissues. During development of cartilage, the ECM plays a critical role in endowing both biophysical and biochemical cues to the progenitor cells. Hence, designing microenvironments that recapitulate these biological cues as provided by the ECM during development may facilitate the engineering of cartilage tissue. In the present study, we fabricated an injectable interpenetrating hydrogel (IPN) system which serves as an artificial ECM and provides chondro-inductive niches for the differentiation of stem cells to chondrocytes. The hydrogel was designed to replicate the gradual stiffening (as a biophysical cue) and the presentation of growth factors (as a biochemical cue) as provided by the natural ECM of the tissue, thus exemplifying a biomimetic approach. This dynamic stiffening was achieved by incorporating silk fibroin, while the growth factor presentation was accomplished using sulfated-carboxymethyl cellulose. Silk fibroin and sulfated-carboxymethyl cellulose (s-CMC) were combined with tyraminated-carboxymethyl cellulose (t-CMC) and crosslinked using HRP/H2O2 to fabricate s-CMC/t-CMC/silk IPN hydrogels. Initially, the fabricated hydrogel imparted a soft microenvironment to promote chondrogenic differentiation, and with time it gradually stiffened to offer mechanical support to the joint. Additionally, the presence of s-CMC conferred the hydrogel with the property of sequestering cationic growth factors such as TGF-β and allowing their prolonged presentation to the cells. More importantly, TGF-β loaded in the developed hydrogel system remained active and induced chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells, resulting in the deposition of cartilage ECM components which was comparable to the hydrogels that were treated with TGF-β provided through media. Overall, the developed hydrogel system acts as a reservoir of the necessary biological cues for cartilage regeneration and simultaneously provides mechanical support for load-bearing tissues such as cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha Dixit
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aman Mahajan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rakshita Saxena
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saptomee Chakraborty
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dhirendra S Katti
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Miserez A, Yu J, Mohammadi P. Protein-Based Biological Materials: Molecular Design and Artificial Production. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2049-2111. [PMID: 36692900 PMCID: PMC9999432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric materials produced from fossil fuels have been intimately linked to the development of industrial activities in the 20th century and, consequently, to the transformation of our way of living. While this has brought many benefits, the fabrication and disposal of these materials is bringing enormous sustainable challenges. Thus, materials that are produced in a more sustainable fashion and whose degradation products are harmless to the environment are urgently needed. Natural biopolymers─which can compete with and sometimes surpass the performance of synthetic polymers─provide a great source of inspiration. They are made of natural chemicals, under benign environmental conditions, and their degradation products are harmless. Before these materials can be synthetically replicated, it is essential to elucidate their chemical design and biofabrication. For protein-based materials, this means obtaining the complete sequences of the proteinaceous building blocks, a task that historically took decades of research. Thus, we start this review with a historical perspective on early efforts to obtain the primary sequences of load-bearing proteins, followed by the latest developments in sequencing and proteomic technologies that have greatly accelerated sequencing of extracellular proteins. Next, four main classes of protein materials are presented, namely fibrous materials, bioelastomers exhibiting high reversible deformability, hard bulk materials, and biological adhesives. In each class, we focus on the design at the primary and secondary structure levels and discuss their interplays with the mechanical response. We finally discuss earlier and the latest research to artificially produce protein-based materials using biotechnology and synthetic biology, including current developments by start-up companies to scale-up the production of proteinaceous materials in an economically viable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Miserez
- Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore637553.,School of Biological Sciences, NTU, Singapore637551
| | - Jing Yu
- Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore637553.,Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), NTU, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore637553
| | - Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, UusimaaFI-02044, Finland
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4
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Pizzi A, Sori L, Pigliacelli C, Gautieri A, Andolina C, Bergamaschi G, Gori A, Panine P, Grande AM, Linder MB, Baldelli Bombelli F, Soncini M, Metrangolo P. Emergence of Elastic Properties in a Minimalist Resilin-Derived Heptapeptide upon Bromination. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200807. [PMID: 35723172 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bromination is herein exploited to promote the emergence of elastic behavior in a short peptide-SDSYGAP-derived from resilin, a rubber-like protein exerting its role in the jumping and flight systems of insects. Elastic and resilient hydrogels are obtained, which also show self-healing behavior, thanks to the promoted non-covalent interactions that limit deformations and contribute to the structural recovery of the peptide-based hydrogel. In particular, halogen bonds may stabilize the β-sheet organization working as non-covalent cross-links between nearby peptide strands. Importantly, the unmodified peptide (i.e., wild type) does not show such properties. Thus, SDSY(3,5-Br)GAP is a novel minimalist peptide elastomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pizzi
- Laboratory of Supramolecular and Bio-Nanomaterials (SupraBioNanoLab)Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Luigi Mancinelli 7, Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sori
- Laboratory of Supramolecular and Bio-Nanomaterials (SupraBioNanoLab)Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Luigi Mancinelli 7, Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Claudia Pigliacelli
- Laboratory of Supramolecular and Bio-Nanomaterials (SupraBioNanoLab)Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Luigi Mancinelli 7, Milan, 20131, Italy
- Hyber Center of Excellence, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Puumiehenkuja2, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Alfonso Gautieri
- Biomolecular Engineering Lab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Clara Andolina
- Laboratory of Supramolecular and Bio-Nanomaterials (SupraBioNanoLab)Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Luigi Mancinelli 7, Milan, 20131, Italy
- Hyber Center of Excellence, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Puumiehenkuja2, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Greta Bergamaschi
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche - National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche - National Research Council of Italy (SCITEC-CNR), Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Pierre Panine
- Xenocs SAS, 1-3 Allée du Nanomètre, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Antonio Mattia Grande
- Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Politecnico di Milano, via La Masa 34, Milano, 20156, Italy
| | - Markus B Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Francesca Baldelli Bombelli
- Laboratory of Supramolecular and Bio-Nanomaterials (SupraBioNanoLab)Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Luigi Mancinelli 7, Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Monica Soncini
- Biomolecular Engineering Lab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20131, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Metrangolo
- Laboratory of Supramolecular and Bio-Nanomaterials (SupraBioNanoLab)Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Luigi Mancinelli 7, Milan, 20131, Italy
- Hyber Center of Excellence, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Puumiehenkuja2, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
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5
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Dixon AR, Vondra I. Biting Innovations of Mosquito-Based Biomaterials and Medical Devices. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15134587. [PMID: 35806714 PMCID: PMC9267633 DOI: 10.3390/ma15134587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are commonly viewed as pests and deadly predators by humans. Despite this perception, investigations of their survival-based behaviors, select anatomical features, and biological composition have led to the creation of several beneficial technologies for medical applications. In this review, we briefly explore these mosquito-based innovations by discussing how unique characteristics and behaviors of mosquitoes drive the development of select biomaterials and medical devices. Mosquito-inspired microneedles have been fabricated from a variety of materials, including biocompatible metals and polymers, to mimic of the mouthparts that some mosquitoes use to bite a host with minimal injury during blood collection. The salivary components that these mosquitoes use to reduce the clotting of blood extracted during the biting process provide a rich source of anticoagulants that could potentially be integrated into blood-contacting biomaterials or administered in therapeutics to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Mosquito movement, vision, and olfaction are other behaviors that also have the potential for inspiring the development of medically relevant technologies. For instance, viscoelastic proteins that facilitate mosquito movement are being investigated for use in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Even the non-wetting nanostructure of a mosquito eye has inspired the creation of a robust superhydrophobic surface coating that shows promise for biomaterial and drug delivery applications. Additionally, biosensors incorporating mosquito olfactory receptors have been built to detect disease-specific volatile organic compounds. Advanced technologies derived from mosquitoes, and insects in general, form a research area that is ripe for exploration and can uncover potential in further dissecting mosquito features for the continued development of novel medical innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Dixon
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Isabelle Vondra
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA;
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6
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian R. James
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Tian KK, Huang SC, Xia XX, Qian ZG. Fibrous Structure and Stiffness of Designer Protein Hydrogels Synergize to Regulate Endothelial Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:1777-1788. [PMID: 35312276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Matrix stiffness and fibrous structure provided by the native extracellular matrix have been increasingly appreciated as important cues in regulating cell behaviors. Recapitulating these physical cues for cell fate regulation remains a challenge due to the inherent difficulties in making mimetic hydrogels with well-defined compositions, tunable stiffness, and structures. Here, we present two series of fibrous and porous hydrogels with tunable stiffness based on genetically engineered resilin-silk-like and resilin-like protein polymers. Using these hydrogels as substrates, the mechanoresponses of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to stiffness and fibrous structure were systematically studied. For both hydrogel series, increasing compression modulus from 8.5 to 14.5 and 23 kPa consistently promoted cell proliferation and differentiation. Nonetheless, the promoting effects were more pronounced on the fibrous gels than their porous counterparts at all three stiffness levels. More interestingly, even the softest fibrous gel (8.5 kPa) allowed the stem cells to exhibit higher endothelial differentiation capability than the toughest porous gel (23 kPa). The predominant role of fibrous structure on the synergistic regulation of endothelial differentiation was further explored. It was found that the stiffness signal activated Yes-associated protein (YAP), the main regulator of endothelial differentiation, via spreading of focal adhesions, whereas fibrous structure reinforced YAP activation by promoting the maturation of focal adhesions and associated F-actin alignment. Therefore, our results shed light on the interplay of physical cues in regulating stem cells and may guide the fabrication of designer proteinaceous matrices toward regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Kai Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Chen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xia Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Gang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
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8
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Guo P, Du P, Zhao P, Chen X, Liu C, Du Y, Li J, Tang X, Yang F, Lv G. Regulating the mechanics of silk fibroin scaffolds promotes wound vascularization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 574:78-84. [PMID: 34438350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Functional blood vessels are crucial to wound healing, and faster vascularization means faster tissue repair to some extent. Increasing numbers of pro-vascularization wound coverings are being developed and studied. Moreover, mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix can guide the behaviour of related cells to some degree. Studies have shown that the mechanical range of 1-7 kPa contributes to the differentiation of stem cells into endothelial cells and thus to the process of wound vascularization. Unfortunately, the regulatory mechanics of vascularizing wound coverings have been poorly studied. Silk fibroin (SF) has attracted much attention because of its good biocompatibility, degradability and adjustable mechanical properties. In this paper, silk scaffolds with mechanical properties of 2 kPa and 5.9 kPa were prepared by adjusting the mechanics of silk scaffolds in terms of freezing temperature and aligned structure. The mechanical properties of the 5.9 kPa aligned silk scaffold (ASS) showed good vascularization ability. By adjusting the intermediate conformation and physical structure of Silk fibroin (SF), the mechanical strength of the silk scaffold could be increased, enabling us to better understand the mechanical regulation mode. At the same time, the aligned structure of the aligned silk scaffold (ASS) promoted the migration and proliferation of cells related to wound repair to a certain extent. By adjusting the mechanical properties and physical structure of the material, an aligned silk scaffold with vascularization function was constructed, providing more possibilities for faster wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Guo
- The University of Nantong, NanTong City, Jiangsu, 226000, China
| | - Pan Du
- The University of Jiangnan, WuXi City, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Xue Chen
- The University of Jiangnan, WuXi City, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yong Du
- The University of Nantong, NanTong City, Jiangsu, 226000, China
| | - Jiadai Li
- The University of Nantong, NanTong City, Jiangsu, 226000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tang
- The University of Nantong, NanTong City, Jiangsu, 226000, China
| | - Fengbo Yang
- The University of Nantong, NanTong City, Jiangsu, 226000, China
| | - Guozhong Lv
- The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, 214000, China.
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9
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Chemical syntheses of bioinspired and biomimetic polymers toward biobased materials. Nat Rev Chem 2021; 5:753-772. [DOI: 10.1038/s41570-021-00325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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10
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Chang MP, Huang W, Mai DJ. Monomer‐scale design of functional protein polymers using consensus repeat sequences. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina P. Chang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - Winnie Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - Danielle J. Mai
- Department of Chemical Engineering Stanford University Stanford California USA
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11
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Wang B, Patkar SS, Kiick KL. Application of Thermoresponsive Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymers in Nanostructured and Microstructured Materials. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100129. [PMID: 34145967 PMCID: PMC8449816 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of inter- and intramolecular interactions between bioinspired designer molecules can be harnessed for developing functional structures that mimic the complex hierarchical organization of multicomponent assemblies observed in nature. Furthermore, such multistimuli-responsive molecules offer orthogonal tunability for generating versatile multifunctional platforms via independent biochemical and biophysical cues. In this review, the remarkable physicochemical and mechanical properties of genetically engineered protein polymers derived from intrinsically disordered proteins, specifically elastin and resilin, are discussed. This review highlights emerging technologies which use them as building blocks in the fabrication of highly programmable structured biomaterials for applications in delivery of biotherapeutic cargo and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Sai S Patkar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, 161 Colburn Laboratory, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE, 19713, USA
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12
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Garcia Garcia C, Patkar SS, Jovic N, Mittal J, Kiick KL. Alteration of Microstructure in Biopolymeric Hydrogels via Compositional Modification of Resilin-Like Polypeptides. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4244-4257. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Garcia Garcia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Sai S. Patkar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Nina Jovic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Kristi L. Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19176, United States
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13
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Balu R, Dutta NK, Dutta AK, Choudhury NR. Resilin-mimetics as a smart biomaterial platform for biomedical applications. Nat Commun 2021; 12:149. [PMID: 33420053 PMCID: PMC7794388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins have dramatically changed the structure-function paradigm of proteins in the 21st century. Resilin is a native elastic insect protein, which features intrinsically disordered structure, unusual multi-stimuli responsiveness and outstanding resilience. Advances in computational techniques, polypeptide synthesis methods and modular protein engineering routines have led to the development of novel resilin-like polypeptides (RLPs) including modular RLPs, expanding their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensors, catalysis and bioelectronics. However, how the responsive behaviour of RLPs is encoded in the amino acid sequence level remains elusive. This review summarises the milestones of RLPs, and discusses the development of modular RLP-based biomaterials, their current applications, challenges and future perspectives. A perspective of future research is that sequence and responsiveness profiling of RLPs can provide a new platform for the design and development of new modular RLP-based biomaterials with programmable structure, properties and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkamal Balu
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Naba K Dutta
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Ankit K Dutta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Namita Roy Choudhury
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
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14
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Moiseev DV, James BR. Syntheses and rearrangements of tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine and tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salts. PHOSPHORUS SULFUR 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10426507.2020.1764957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian R. James
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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15
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Lei K, Li Z, Zhu D, Sun C, Sun Y, Yang C, Zheng Z, Wang X. Polysaccharide-based recoverable double-network hydrogel with high strength and self-healing properties. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:794-802. [PMID: 31904754 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01679a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharide-based hydrogels (PSBHs) have received significant attention for numerous bio-applications due to their biocompatibility and non-immunogenic performance. However, the construction of PSBH with superior mechanical properties by a simple method is rarely adequately researched. This study focuses on the construction of a novel PSBH with superior mechanical and recoverable properties by integrating the synergistic and complementary interactions of covalent bond-associated oxidized sodium alginate (SA-CHO) gel and hydrogen bond-associated agarose (Aga) gel. With the synergy and complementarity of the SA-CHO and Aga networks, the hydrogel exhibited 17 and 15 times (20 and 9 times) greater compressive stress and modulus, respectively, compared with the SA-CHO gel (Aga gel). The hydrogel also displayed excellent fatigue resistance, recurrent shapeability, acid resistance and recovery ability, as well as self-healing ability. This study provides a unique perspective for enhancing the mechanical properties of PSBH through the synergy and complementarity of different kinds of polysaccharides without sacrificing the functionality of the PSBH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Lei
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Zhao Li
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Chengyuan Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yunlong Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Chongchong Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Zhen Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Xinling Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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16
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Su RSC, Galas RJ, Lin CY, Liu JC. Redox-Responsive Resilin-Like Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Applications. Macromol Biosci 2019; 19:e1900122. [PMID: 31222972 PMCID: PMC6776424 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Resilin, a protein found in insect cuticles, is renowned for its outstanding elastomeric properties. The authors' laboratory previously developed a recombinant protein, which consisted of consensus resilin-like repeats from Anopheles gambiae, and demonstrated its potential in cartilage and vascular engineering. To broaden the versatility of the resilin-like protein, this study utilizes a cleavable crosslinker, which contains a disulfide bond, to develop smart resilin-like hydrogels that are redox-responsive. The hydrogels exhibit a porous structure and a stable storage modulus (G') of ≈3 kPa. NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cultured on hydrogels for 24 h have a high viability (>95%). In addition, the redox-responsive hydrogels show significant degradation in a reducing environment (10 mm glutathione (GSH)). The release profiles of fluorescently labeled dextrans encapsulated within the hydrogels are assessed in vitro. For dextran that is estimated to be larger than the mesh size of the gel, faster release is observed in the presence of reducing agents due to degradation of the hydrogel networks. These studies thus demonstrate the potential of using these smart hydrogels in a variety of applications ranging from scaffolds for tissue engineering to drug delivery systems that target the intracellular reductive environments of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renay S-C Su
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2100, USA
| | - Richard J Galas
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2100, USA
| | - Charng-Yu Lin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2100, USA
| | - Julie C Liu
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2100, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2032, USA
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17
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Ding Z, Zhou M, Zhou Z, Zhang W, Jiang X, Lu X, Zuo B, Lu Q, Kaplan DL. Injectable Silk Nanofiber Hydrogels for Sustained Release of Small-Molecule Drugs and Vascularization. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4077-4088. [PMID: 33448809 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to control neovascularization in damaged tissues remain a key issue in regenerative medicine. Unlike most reported desferrioxamine (DFO)-loaded systems where DFO demonstrates a burst release, here we attain zero-order release behavior above 40 days. This outcome was achieved by blending DFO with silk nanofibers with special hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties. The special silk nanofibers showed strong physical binding capacity with DFO, avoiding chemical cross-linking. Using these new biomaterials in vivo in a rat wound model suggested that the DFO-loaded silk nanofiber hydrogel systems stimulated angiogenesis by the sustained release of DFO, but also facilitated cell migration and tissue ingrowth. These features resulted in faster formation of a blood vessel network in the wounds, as well improved healing when compared to the free DFO system. The DFO-loaded systems are also suitable for the regeneration of other tissues, such as nerve and bone, suggesting universality in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mingliang Zhou
- Department of Prosthodontics, Oral Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | | | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Oral Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xinquan Jiang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Oral Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | | | | | | | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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18
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Su RSC, Gill EE, Kim Y, Liu JC. Characterization of resilin-like proteins with tunable mechanical properties. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 91:68-75. [PMID: 30544024 PMCID: PMC6774346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Resilin is an elastomeric protein abundant in insect cuticle. Its exceptional properties, which include high resilience and efficient energy storage, motivate its potential use in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Our lab has previously developed recombinant proteins based on the resilin-like sequence derived from Anopheles gambiae and demonstrated their promise as a scaffold for cartilage and vascular engineering. In this work, we describe a more thorough investigation of the physical properties of crosslinked resilin-like hydrogels. The resilin-like proteins rapidly form crosslinked hydrogels in physiological conditions. We also show that the mechanical properties of these resilin-like hydrogels can be modulated simply by varying the protein concentration or the stoichiometric ratio of crosslinker to crosslinking sites. Crosslinked resilin-like hydrogels were hydrophilic and had a high water content when swollen. In addition, these hydrogels exhibited moderate resilience values, which were comparable to those of common synthetic rubbers. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy showed that the crosslinked resilin-like hydrogels at 16 wt% featured a honeycomb-like structure. These studies thus demonstrate the potential to use recombinant resilin-like proteins in a wide variety of applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery due to their tunable physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renay S-C Su
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100, United States
| | - Emily E Gill
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032, United States
| | - Yeji Kim
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100, United States
| | - Julie C Liu
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100, United States; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032, United States.
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19
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Garcia Garcia C, Kiick KL. Methods for producing microstructured hydrogels for targeted applications in biology. Acta Biomater 2019; 84:34-48. [PMID: 30465923 PMCID: PMC6326863 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels have been broadly studied for applications in clinically motivated fields such as tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and wound healing, as well as in a wide variety of consumer and industry uses. While the control of mechanical properties and network structures are important in all of these applications, for regenerative medicine applications in particular, matching the chemical, topographical and mechanical properties for the target use/tissue is critical. There have been multiple alternatives developed for fabricating materials with microstructures with goals of controlling the spatial location, phenotypic evolution, and signaling of cells. The commonly employed polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polypeptides, and polysaccharides (as well as others) can be processed by various methods in order to control material heterogeneity and microscale structures. We review here the more commonly used polymers, chemistries, and methods for generating microstructures in biomaterials, highlighting the range of possible morphologies that can be produced, and the limitations of each method. With a focus in liquid-liquid phase separation, methods and chemistries well suited for stabilizing the interface and arresting the phase separation are covered. As the microstructures can affect cell behavior, examples of such effects are reviewed as well. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Heterogeneous hydrogels with enhanced matrix complexity have been studied for a variety of biomimetic materials. A range of materials based on poly(ethylene glycol), polypeptides, proteins, and/or polysaccharides, have been employed in the studies of materials that by virtue of their microstructure, can control the behaviors of cells. Methods including microfluidics, photolithography, gelation in the presence of porogens, and liquid-liquid phase separation, are presented as possible strategies for producing materials, and their relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed. We also describe in more detail the various processes involved in LLPS, and how they can be manipulated to alter the kinetics of phase separation and to yield different microstructured materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Garcia Garcia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA; Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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20
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Lu G, Ding Z, Wei Y, Lu X, Lu Q, Kaplan DL. Anisotropic Biomimetic Silk Scaffolds for Improved Cell Migration and Healing of Skin Wounds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:44314-44323. [PMID: 30507148 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Improved and more rapid healing of full-thickness skin wounds remains a major clinical need. Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein biomaterial that has been used in skin repair. However, there has been little effort aimed at improving skin healing through tuning the hierarchical microstructure of SF-based matrices and introducing multiple physical cues. Recently, enhanced vascularization was achieved with SF scaffolds with nanofibrous structures and tunable secondary conformation of the matrices. We hypothesized that anisotropic features in nanofibrous SF scaffolds would promote cell migration, neovascularization, and tissue regeneration in wounds. To address this hypothesis, SF nanofibers were aligned in an electric field to form anisotropic porous scaffolds after lyophilization. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated good cytocompatibility, and improved cell migration and vascularization than nanofibrous scaffolds without these anisotropic features. These improvements resulted in more rapid wound closure, tissue ingrowth, and the formation of new epidermis, as well as higher collagen deposition with a structure similar to the surrounding native tissue. The new epidermal layers and neovascularization were achieved by day 7, with wound healing complete by day 28. It was concluded that anisotropic SF scaffolds alone, without a need for growth factors and cells, promoted significant cell migration, vascularization, and skin regeneration and may have the potential to effectively treat dermal wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozhong Lu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University , Wuxi 214041 , People's Republic of China
| | - ZhaoZhao Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- Department of Maternity and Child Care Hospital , Lanzhou 730050 , Gansu Province , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Soochow University , Suzhou 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts 02155 , United States
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21
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Biocatalysis by Transglutaminases: A Review of Biotechnological Applications. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:mi9110562. [PMID: 30715061 PMCID: PMC6265872 DOI: 10.3390/mi9110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The biocatalytic activity of transglutaminases (TGs) leads to the synthesis of new covalent isopeptide bonds (crosslinks) between peptide-bound glutamine and lysine residues, but also the transamidation of primary amines to glutamine residues, which ultimately can result into protein polymerisation. Operating with a cysteine/histidine/aspartic acid (Cys/His/Asp) catalytic triad, TGs induce the post-translational modification of proteins at both physiological and pathological conditions (e.g., accumulation of matrices in tissue fibrosis). Because of the disparate biotechnological applications, this large family of protein-remodelling enzymes have stimulated an escalation of interest. In the past 50 years, both mammalian and microbial TGs polymerising activity has been exploited in the food industry for the improvement of aliments' quality, texture, and nutritive value, other than to enhance the food appearance and increased marketability. At the same time, the ability of TGs to crosslink extracellular matrix proteins, like collagen, as well as synthetic biopolymers, has led to multiple applications in biomedicine, such as the production of biocompatible scaffolds and hydrogels for tissue engineering and drug delivery, or DNA-protein bio-conjugation and antibody functionalisation. Here, we summarise the most recent advances in the field, focusing on the utilisation of TGs-mediated protein multimerisation in biotechnological and bioengineering applications.
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22
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Abascal NC, Regan L. The past, present and future of protein-based materials. Open Biol 2018; 8:180113. [PMID: 30381364 PMCID: PMC6223211 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-based materials are finding new uses and applications after millennia of impacting the daily life of humans. Some of the earliest uses of protein-based materials are still evident in silk and wool textiles and leather goods. Today, even as silks, wools and leathers are still be used in traditional ways, these proteins are now seen as promising materials for biomaterials, vehicles of drug delivery and components of high-tech fabrics. With the advent of biosynthetic methods and streamlined means of protein purification, protein-based materials-recombinant and otherwise-are being used in a host of applications at the cutting edge of medicine, electronics, materials science and even fashion. This commentary aims to discuss a handful of these applications while taking a critical look at where protein-based materials may be used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia C Abascal
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lynne Regan
- Department of Interdisciplinary Science, Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Institute for Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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23
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Li L, Stiadle JM, Levendoski EE, Lau HK, Thibeault SL, Kiick KL. Biocompatibility of injectable resilin-based hydrogels. J Biomed Mater Res A 2018; 106:2229-2242. [PMID: 29611890 PMCID: PMC6030450 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Vocal folds are connective tissues housed in the larynx, which can be subjected to various injuries and traumatic stimuli that lead to aberrant tissue structural alterations and fibrotic-induced biomechanical stiffening observed in patients with voice disorders. Much effort has been devoted to generate soft biomaterials that are injectable directly to sites of injury. To date, materials applied toward these applications have been largely focused on natural extracellular matrix-derived materials such as collagen, fibrin or hyaluronic acid; these approaches have suffered from the fact that materials are not sufficiently robust mechanically nor offer sufficient flexibility to modulate material properties for targeted injection. We have recently developed multiple resilin-inspired elastomeric hydrogels that possess similar mechanical properties as those reported for vocal fold tissues, and that also show promising in vitro cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility. Here we report studies that test the delivery of resilin-based hydrogels through injection to the subcutaneous tissue in a wild-type mice model; histological and genetic expression outcomes were monitored. The rapid kinetics of crosslinking enabled facile injection and ensured the rapid transition of the viscous resilin precursor solution to a solid-like hydrogel in the subcutaneous space in vivo; the materials exhibited storage shear moduli in the range of 1000-2000 Pa when characterized through oscillatory rheology. Histological staining and gene expression profiles suggested minimal inflammatory profiles three weeks after injection, thereby demonstrating the potential suitability for site-specific in vivo injection of these elastomeric materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2229-2242, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jeanna M. Stiadle
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5136 WIMR, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Levendoski
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5136 WIMR, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Hang K. Lau
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Susan L. Thibeault
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5136 WIMR, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Kristi L. Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE, 19711, USA
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24
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Rattan S, Li L, Lau HK, Crosby AJ, Kiick KL. Micromechanical characterization of soft, biopolymeric hydrogels: stiffness, resilience, and failure. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:3478-3489. [PMID: 29700541 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00501j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Detailed understanding of the local structure-property relationships in soft biopolymeric hydrogels can be instrumental for applications in regenerative tissue engineering. Resilin-like polypeptide (RLP) hydrogels have been previously demonstrated as useful biomaterials with a unique combination of low elastic moduli, excellent resilience, and cell-adhesive properties. However, comprehensive mechanical characterization of RLP hydrogels under both low-strain and high-strain conditions has not yet been conducted, despite the unique information such measurements can provide about the local structure and macromolecular behavior underpinning mechanical properties. In this study, mechanical properties (elastic modulus, resilience, and fracture initiation toughness) of equilibrium swollen resilin-based hydrogels were characterized via oscillatory shear rheology, small-strain microindentation, and large-strain puncture tests as a function of polypeptide concentration. These methods allowed characterization, for the first time, of the resilience and failure in hydrogels with low polypeptide concentrations (<20 wt%), as the employed methods obviate the handling difficulties inherent in the characterization of such soft materials via standard mechanical techniques, allowing characterization without any special sample preparation and requiring minimal volumes (as low as 50 μL). Elastic moduli measured from small-strain microindentation showed good correlation with elastic storage moduli obtained from oscillatory shear rheology at a comparable applied strain rate, and evaluation of multiple loading-unloading cycles revealed decreased resilience values at lower hydrogel concentrations. In addition, large-strain indentation-to-failure (or puncture) tests were performed to measure large-strain mechanical response and fracture toughness on length scales similar to biological cells (∼10-50 μm) at various polypeptide concentrations, indicating very high fracture initiation toughness for high-concentration hydrogels. Our results establish the utility of employing microscale mechanical methods for the characterization of the local mechanical properties of biopolymeric hydrogels of low concentrations (<20 wt%), and show how the combination of small and large-strain measurements can provide unique insight into structure-property relationships for biopolymeric elastomers. Overall, this study provides new insight into the effects on local mechanical properties of polypeptide concentration near the overlap polymer concentration c* for resilin-based hydrogels, confirming their unique elastomeric features for applications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Rattan
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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25
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TirgarBahnamiri P, Bagheri-Khoulenjani S. Biodegradable microrobots for targeting cell delivery. Med Hypotheses 2017; 102:56-60. [PMID: 28478832 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
These days, cell delivery is considered a potential method for treatment of many genetic diseases or tissue regeneration applications. In conventional cell delivery methods, cells are encapsulated in or cultured on biocompatible polymers. However, the main problem with these carriers is their lack of targeting ability. For tissue regeneration or many cell treatments, it is needed to deliver cells to a specific site of action. Magnetic microrobots based on industrial photoresists have been studied in literature for magnetically controllable carriers. However, there are some issues about biodegradation and removal of these microrobots from the body. In this paper, we hypothesis fabrication of new generation of biodegradable magnetic microrobots based on additive manufacturing methods to overcome this problem and to bring this evolving field to a new level.
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26
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Bu Y, Shen H, Yang F, Yang Y, Wang X, Wu D. Construction of Tough, in Situ Forming Double-Network Hydrogels with Good Biocompatibility. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:2205-2212. [PMID: 28029238 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b15364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are required to have high mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and an easy fabrication process for biomedical applications. Double-network hydrogels, although strong, are limited because of the complicated preparation steps and toxic materials involved. In this study, we report a simple method to prepare tough, in situ forming polyethylene glycol (PEG)-agarose double-network (PEG-agarose DN) hydrogels with good biocompatibility. The hydrogels display excellent mechanical strength. Because of the easily in situ forming method, the resulting hydrogels can be molded into any form as needed. In vitro and in vivo experiments illustrate that the hydrogels exhibit satisfactory biocompatibility, and cells can attach and spread on the hydrogels. Furthermore, the residual amino groups in the network can also be functionalized for various biomedical applications in tissue engineering and cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhong Bu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Hong Shen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yanyu Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Decheng Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, PR China
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