1
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Yang X, Yang J, Wei L, Zhang Y, Yang J, Ni M, Dong Y. Formation of a planar biomimetic membrane with a novel zwitterionic polymer for nanopore sequencing. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:8189-8199. [PMID: 39082061 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01007h] [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
Biological membranes containing transmembrane channels play a crucial role in numerous cellular processes, and mimicking of cell membranes has garnered significant interest in various biomedical applications, particularly nanopore sequencing technology, where remarkable progress has been made with nanopore membranes. Considering the fragility of biomimetic membranes formed by artificial lipids and the limited mimicry of those formed by common block copolymers, this study developed a novel amphiphilic polymer by covalently linking hydrophilic heads of phospholipids to the ends of hydrophobic poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) chains. The absence of hydrophilic blocks allowed for good control over the polydispersity of this polymer within a narrow range. The high flexibility of PDMS chains, combined with relatively uniform molecular weights, would confer enhanced stability and robustness to polymeric membranes. Dynamic light scattering measurements and microdroplet formation tests demonstrated good amphipathic properties of these novel polymers when maintaining an appropriate hydrophilic-hydrophobic ratio. Moreover, the high similarity between the hydrophilic heads and natural phospholipids makes this polymer more compatible with biomolecules. A successful protein insertion experiment confirmed both the stability of this polymeric membrane and its compatibility with membrane proteins. As a result, this novel amphiphilic polymer exhibits great potential for biomembrane mimicking and paves a new path for material design in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lai Wei
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | | | | | - Ming Ni
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China.
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2
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Effenberg C, Gaitzsch J. Stretched or wrinkled? Looking into the polymer conformation within polymersome membranes. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4127-4135. [PMID: 38726767 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00239c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic block-copolymers into polymersomes is a well-established concept. In this membrane, the hydrophilic part is considered to be loosely assembled towards the solvent, and the hydrophobic part on the inside of the membrane is considered to be more densely packed. Within the membrane, this hydrophobic part could now have a stretched conformation or be a random coil, depending on the available space and also on the chemical nature of the polymer. We now analysed the literature for works on polymersomes that determined the membrane thickness via cryo-TEM and analysed the hydrophobic part of their polymers for their conformation. Over all available block-copolymers, a variety of trends became obvious: the longer a hydrophobic block, the more coiled the conformation and the bulkier the side chains, the more stretched the polymer became. Polymers with less conformational freedom like semi-crystalline ones were present in a more stretched conformation. Both trends could be exemplified on various occasions in this cross-literature meta-study. This overview hence provides additional insight into the physical chemistry of block-copolymer membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Germany.
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3
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Heuberger L, Messmer D, dos Santos EC, Scherrer D, Lörtscher E, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Microfluidic Giant Polymer Vesicles Equipped with Biopores for High-Throughput Screening of Bacteria. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307103. [PMID: 38158637 PMCID: PMC10953582 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance is critical for the development of new therapeutics. Traditional methods for testing bacteria are often limited in their efficiency and reusability. Single bacterial cells can be studied at high throughput using double emulsions, although the lack of control over the oil shell permeability and limited access to the droplet interior present serious drawbacks. Here, a straightforward strategy for studying bacteria-encapsulating double emulsion-templated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) is introduced. This microfluidic approach serves to simultaneously load bacteria inside synthetic GUVs and to permeabilize their membrane with the pore-forming peptide melittin. This enables antibiotic delivery or the influx of fresh medium into the GUV lumen for highly parallel cultivation and antimicrobial efficacy testing. Polymer-based GUVs proved to be efficient culture and analysis microvessels, as microfluidics allow easy selection and encapsulation of bacteria and rapid modification of culture conditions for antibiotic development. Further, a method for in situ profiling of biofilms within GUVs for high-throughput screening is demonstrated. Conceivably, synthetic GUVs equipped with biopores can serve as a foundation for the high-throughput screening of bacterial colony interactions during biofilm formation and for investigating the effect of antibiotics on biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Daniel Messmer
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Elena C. dos Santos
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Dominik Scherrer
- IBM Research Europe–ZürichSäumerstrasse 4Rüschlikon8803Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Lörtscher
- IBM Research Europe–ZürichSäumerstrasse 4Rüschlikon8803Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095Basel4058Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095Basel4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)University of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82Basel4056Switzerland
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4
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Muthwill MS, Bina M, Paracini N, Coats JP, Merget S, Yorulmaz Avsar S, Messmer D, Tiefenbacher K, Palivan CG. Planar Polymer Membranes Accommodate Functional Self-Assembly of Inserted Resorcinarene Nanocapsules. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38422470 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Solid-supported polymer membranes (SSPMs) offer great potential in material and life sciences due to their increased mechanical stability and robustness compared to solid-supported lipid membranes. However, there is still a need for expanding the functionality of SSPMs by combining them with synthetic molecular assemblies. In this study, SSPMs served as a flexible matrix for the insertion of resorcinarene monomers and their self-assembly into functional hexameric resorcinarene capsules. Resorcinarene capsules provide a large cavity with affinity specifically for cationic and polyhydroxylated molecules. While the capsules are stable in apolar organic solvents, they disassemble when placed in polar solvents, which limits their application. Here, a solvent-assisted approach was used for copolymer membrane deposition on solid support and simultaneous insertion of the resorcinarene monomers. By investigation of the molecular factors and conditions supporting the codeposition of the copolymer and resorcinarene monomers, a stable hybrid membrane was formed. The hydrophobic domain of the membrane played a crucial role by providing a sufficiently thick and apolar layer, allowing for the self-assembly of the capsules. The capsules were functional inside the membranes by encapsulating cationic guests from the aqueous environment. The amount of resorcinarene capsules in the hybrid membranes was quantified by a combination of quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, while the membrane topography and layer composition were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and neutron reflectometry. Functional resorcinarene capsules inside SSPMs can serve as dynamic sensors and potentially as cross-membrane transporters, thus holding great promise for the development of smart surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz S Muthwill
- Biointerfacing Nanomaterials Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maryame Bina
- Biointerfacing Nanomaterials Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò Paracini
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - John Peter Coats
- Biointerfacing Nanomaterials Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Severin Merget
- NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saziye Yorulmaz Avsar
- Biointerfacing Nanomaterials Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Messmer
- Biointerfacing Nanomaterials Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Tiefenbacher
- NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Biointerfacing Nanomaterials Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 22, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Otrin N, Otrin L, Bednarz C, Träger TK, Hamdi F, Kastritis PL, Ivanov I, Sundmacher K. Protein-Rich Rafts in Hybrid Polymer/Lipid Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:778-791. [PMID: 38190609 PMCID: PMC10865357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00972] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Considerable attention has been dedicated to lipid rafts due to their importance in numerous cell functions such as membrane trafficking, polarization, and signaling. Next to studies in living cells, artificial micrometer-sized vesicles with a minimal set of components are established as a major tool to understand the phase separation dynamics and their intimate interplay with membrane proteins. In parallel, mixtures of phospholipids and certain amphiphilic polymers simultaneously offer an interface for proteins and mimic this segregation behavior, presenting a tangible synthetic alternative for fundamental studies and bottom-up design of cellular mimics. However, the simultaneous insertion of complex and sensitive membrane proteins is experimentally challenging and thus far has been largely limited to natural lipids. Here, we present the co-reconstitution of the proton pump bo3 oxidase and the proton consumer ATP synthase in hybrid polymer/lipid giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) via fusion/electroformation. Variations of the current method allow for tailored reconstitution protocols and control of the vesicle size. In particular, mixing of protein-free and protein-functionalized nanosized vesicles in the electroformation film results in larger GUVs, while separate reconstitution of the respiratory enzymes enables higher ATP synthesis rates. Furthermore, protein labeling provides a synthetic mechanism for phase separation and protein sequestration, mimicking lipid- and protein-mediated domain formation in nature. The latter means opens further possibilities for re-enacting phenomena like supercomplex assembly or symmetry breaking and enriches the toolbox of bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Otrin
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lado Otrin
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Bednarz
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Toni K. Träger
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center HALOmem and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Farzad Hamdi
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center HALOmem and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Panagiotis L. Kastritis
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center HALOmem and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute
of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research
Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Grup
de Biotecnologia Molecular i Industrial, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 22, 08222 Terrassa, Spain
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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6
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Shrivastava A, Du Y, Adepu HK, Li R, Madhvacharyula AS, Swett AA, Choi JH. Motility of Synthetic Cells from Engineered Lipids. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2789-2801. [PMID: 37729546 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00271] [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: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial systems that resemble natural cells. Significant efforts have been made over the years to construct synthetic protocells that can mimic biological mechanisms and perform various complex processes. These include compartmentalization, metabolism, energy supply, communication, and gene reproduction. Cell motility is also of great importance, as nature uses elegant mechanisms for intracellular trafficking, immune response, and embryogenesis. In this review, we discuss the motility of synthetic cells made from lipid vesicles and relevant molecular mechanisms. Synthetic cell motion may be classified into surface-based or solution-based depending on whether it involves interactions with surfaces or movement in fluids. Collective migration behaviors have also been demonstrated. The swarm motion requires additional mechanisms for intercellular signaling and directional motility that enable communication and coordination among the synthetic vesicles. In addition, intracellular trafficking for molecular transport has been reconstituted in minimal cells with the help of DNA nanotechnology. These efforts demonstrate synthetic cells that can move, detect, respond, and interact. We envision that new developments in protocell motility will enhance our understanding of biological processes and be instrumental in bioengineering and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwary Shrivastava
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Yancheng Du
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Harshith K Adepu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ruixin Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Anirudh S Madhvacharyula
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Alexander A Swett
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, 701 W. Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jong Hyun Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 585 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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7
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Joseph A, Wagner AM, Garay-Sarmiento M, Aleksanyan M, Haraszti T, Söder D, Georgiev VN, Dimova R, Percec V, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C. Zwitterionic Dendrimersomes: A Closer Xenobiotic Mimic of Cell Membranes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2206288. [PMID: 36134536 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202206288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Building functional mimics of cell membranes is an important task toward the development of synthetic cells. So far, lipid and amphiphilic block copolymers are the most widely used amphiphiles with the bilayers by the former lacking stability while membranes by the latter are typically characterized by very slow dynamics. Herein, a new type of Janus dendrimer containing a zwitterionic phosphocholine hydrophilic headgroup (JDPC ) and a 3,5-substituted dihydrobenzoate-based hydrophobic dendron is introduced. JDPC self-assembles in water into zwitterionic dendrimersomes (z-DSs) that faithfully recapitulate the cell membrane in thickness, flexibility, and fluidity, while being resilient to harsh conditions and displaying faster pore closing dynamics in the event of membrane rupture. This enables the fabrication of hybrid DSs with components of natural membranes, including pore-forming peptides, structure-directing lipids, and glycans to create raft-like domains or onion vesicles. Moreover, z-DSs can be used to create active synthetic cells with life-like features that mimic vesicle fusion and motility as well as environmental sensing. Despite their fully synthetic nature, z-DSs are minimal cell mimics that can integrate and interact with living matter with the programmability to imitate life-like features and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Joseph
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna M Wagner
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Manuela Garay-Sarmiento
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Chair of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mina Aleksanyan
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dominik Söder
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vasil N Georgiev
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Virgil Percec
- Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104323, USA
| | - Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Bioinspired Interactive Materials and Protocellular Systems, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Wagner AM, Eto H, Joseph A, Kohyama S, Haraszti T, Zamora RA, Vorobii M, Giannotti MI, Schwille P, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C. Dendrimersome Synthetic Cells Harbor Cell Division Machinery of Bacteria. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2202364. [PMID: 35579491 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202202364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The integration of active cell machinery with synthetic building blocks is the bridge toward developing synthetic cells with biological functions and beyond. Self-replication is one of the most important tasks of living systems, and various complex machineries exist to execute it. In Escherichia coli, a contractile division ring is positioned to mid-cell by concentration oscillations of self-organizing proteins (MinCDE), where it severs membrane and cell wall. So far, the reconstitution of any cell division machinery has exclusively been tied to liposomes. Here, the reconstitution of a rudimentary bacterial divisome in fully synthetic bicomponent dendrimersomes is shown. By tuning the membrane composition, the interaction of biological machinery with synthetic membranes can be tailored to reproduce its dynamic behavior. This constitutes an important breakthrough in the assembly of synthetic cells with biological elements, as tuning of membrane-divisome interactions is the key to engineering emergent biological behavior from the bottom-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Wagner
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hiromune Eto
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anton Joseph
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Shunshi Kohyama
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ricardo A Zamora
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Mariia Vorobii
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marina I Giannotti
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, 28029, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, Martí i Franquès 10, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Petra Schwille
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
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9
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Lo CH, Zeng J. Application of polymersomes in membrane protein study and drug discovery: Progress, strategies, and perspectives. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10350. [PMID: 36684106 PMCID: PMC9842050 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) play key roles in cellular signaling pathways and are responsible for intercellular and intracellular interactions. Dysfunctional MPs are directly related to the pathogenesis of various diseases, and they have been exploited as one of the most sought-after targets in the pharmaceutical industry. However, working with MPs is difficult given that their amphiphilic nature requires protection from biological membrane or membrane mimetics. Polymersomes are bilayered nano-vesicles made of self-assembled block copolymers that have been widely used as cell membrane mimetics for MP reconstitution and in engineering of artificial cells. This review highlights the prevailing trend in the application of polymersomes in MP study and drug discovery. We begin with a review on the techniques for synthesis and characterization of polymersomes as well as methods of MP insertion to form proteopolymersomes. Next, we review the structural and functional analysis of the different types of MPs reconstituted in polymersomes, including membrane transport proteins, MP complexes, and membrane receptors. We then summarize the factors affecting reconstitution efficiency and the quality of reconstituted MPs for structural and functional studies. Additionally, we discuss the potential in using proteopolymersomes as platforms for high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery to identify modulators of MPs. We conclude by providing future perspectives and recommendations on advancing the study of MPs and drug development using proteopolymersomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA,Department of ChemistryBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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10
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Groeer S, Garni M, Samanta A, Walther A. Insertion of 3D DNA Origami Nanopores into Block Copolymer Vesicles. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Groeer
- A3BMS Lab – Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired Materials Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry University of Freiburg Stefan-Meier-Straße 31 79104 Freiburg Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF) University of Freiburg Stefan-Meier-Str. 21 79104 Freiburg Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT) University of Freiburg Georges-Köhler-Allee 105 79110 Freiburg Germany
| | - Martina Garni
- Chemistry Department University of Basel BPR 1096, Postfach 3350 Mattenstrasse 24a 4002 Basel Switzerland
| | - Avik Samanta
- A3BMS Lab – Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired Materials Department of Chemistry University of Mainz 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT 79110 Freiburg Germany
- A3BMS Lab – Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired Materials Department of Chemistry University of Mainz 55128 Mainz Germany
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11
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Wagner AM, Quandt J, Söder D, Garay‐Sarmiento M, Joseph A, Petrovskii VS, Witzdam L, Hammoor T, Steitz P, Haraszti T, Potemkin II, Kostina NY, Herrmann A, Rodriguez‐Emmenegger C. Ionic Combisomes: A New Class of Biomimetic Vesicles to Fuse with Life. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200617. [PMID: 35393756 PMCID: PMC9189634 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The construction of biomembranes that faithfully capture the properties and dynamic functions of cell membranes remains a challenge in the development of synthetic cells and their application. Here a new concept for synthetic cell membranes based on the self-assembly of amphiphilic comb polymers into vesicles, termed ionic combisomes (i-combisomes) is introduced. These combs consist of a polyzwitterionic backbone to which hydrophobic tails are linked by electrostatic interactions. Using a range of microscopies and molecular simulations, the self-assembly of a library of combs in water is screened. It is discovered that the hydrophobic tails form the membrane's core and force the backbone into a rod conformation with nematic-like ordering confined to the interface with water. This particular organization resulted in membranes that combine the stability of classic polymersomes with the biomimetic thickness, flexibility, and lateral mobility of liposomes. Such unparalleled matching of biophysical properties and the ability to locally reconfigure the molecular topology of its constituents enable the harboring of functional components of natural membranes and fusion with living bacteria to "hijack" their periphery. This provides an almost inexhaustible palette to design the chemical and biological makeup of the i-combisomes membrane resulting in a powerful platform for fundamental studies and technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Wagner
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Jonas Quandt
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Dominik Söder
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Manuela Garay‐Sarmiento
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Chair of BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 3Aachen52074Germany
| | - Anton Joseph
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Vladislav S. Petrovskii
- Physics DepartmentLomonosov Moscow State UniversityLeninskie Gory 1–2Moscow119991Russian Federation
| | - Lena Witzdam
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Thomas Hammoor
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
| | - Philipp Steitz
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
| | - Igor I. Potemkin
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Physics DepartmentLomonosov Moscow State UniversityLeninskie Gory 1–2Moscow119991Russian Federation
- National Research, South Ural State UniversityChelyabinsk454080Russian Federation
| | - Nina Yu. Kostina
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 2Aachen52074Germany
| | - Cesar Rodriguez‐Emmenegger
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstraße 50Aachen52074Germany
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)Carrer de Baldiri Reixac, 10, 12Barcelona08028Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)Passeig Lluís Companys 23Barcelona08010Spain
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12
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Di Leone S, Kyropoulou M, Köchlin J, Wehr R, Meier WP, Palivan CG. Tailoring a Solvent-Assisted Method for Solid-Supported Hybrid Lipid-Polymer Membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:6561-6570. [PMID: 35580858 PMCID: PMC9161443 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Combining amphiphilic block copolymers and phospholipids opens new opportunities for the preparation of artificial membranes. The chemical versatility and mechanical robustness of polymers together with the fluidity and biocompatibility of lipids afford hybrid membranes with unique properties that are of great interest in the field of bioengineering. Owing to its straightforwardness, the solvent-assisted method (SA) is particularly attractive for obtaining solid-supported membranes. While the SA method was first developed for lipids and very recently extended to amphiphilic block copolymers, its potential to develop hybrid membranes has not yet been explored. Here, we tailor the SA method to prepare solid-supported polymer-lipid hybrid membranes by combining a small library of amphiphilic diblock copolymers poly(dimethyl siloxane)-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) with phospholipids commonly found in cell membranes including 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, sphingomyelin, and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(glutaryl). The optimization of the conditions under which the SA method was applied allowed for the formation of hybrid polymer-lipid solid-supported membranes. The real-time formation and morphology of these hybrid membranes were evaluated using a combination of quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy. Depending on the type of polymer-lipid combination, significant differences in membrane coverage, formation of domains, and quality of membranes were obtained. The use of the SA method for a rapid and controlled formation of solid-supported hybrid membranes provides the basis for developing customized artificial hybrid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Leone
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- School
of Life Sciences, Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
(FHNW), Grundenstrasse
40, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Myrto Kyropoulou
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- National
Centre of Competence in Research Molecular Systems Engineering (NCCR
MSE), BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse
24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Köchlin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Wehr
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P. Meier
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- National
Centre of Competence in Research Molecular Systems Engineering (NCCR
MSE), BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse
24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- National
Centre of Competence in Research Molecular Systems Engineering (NCCR
MSE), BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse
24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Heuberger L, Korpidou M, Eggenberger OM, Kyropoulou M, Palivan CG. Current Perspectives on Synthetic Compartments for Biomedical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5718. [PMID: 35628527 PMCID: PMC9145047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nano- and micrometer-sized compartments composed of synthetic polymers are designed to mimic spatial and temporal divisions found in nature. Self-assembly of polymers into compartments such as polymersomes, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules, capsosomes, or polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes) allows for the separation of defined environments from the exterior. These compartments can be further engineered through the incorporation of (bio)molecules within the lumen or into the membrane, while the membrane can be decorated with functional moieties to produce catalytic compartments with defined structures and functions. Nanometer-sized compartments are used for imaging, theranostic, and therapeutic applications as a more mechanically stable alternative to liposomes, and through the encapsulation of catalytic molecules, i.e., enzymes, catalytic compartments can localize and act in vivo. On the micrometer scale, such biohybrid systems are used to encapsulate model proteins and form multicompartmentalized structures through the combination of multiple compartments, reaching closer to the creation of artificial organelles and cells. Significant progress in therapeutic applications and modeling strategies has been achieved through both the creation of polymers with tailored properties and functionalizations and novel techniques for their assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heuberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Maria Korpidou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Olivia M. Eggenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Myrto Kyropoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Guindani C, da Silva LC, Cao S, Ivanov T, Landfester K. Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio-Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202110855. [PMID: 34856047 PMCID: PMC9314110 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology is the science of building systems that mimic the structure and function of living cells from scratch. To do this, researchers combine tools from chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry to develop functional and structural building blocks to construct synthetic cell-like systems. The many strategies and materials that have been developed in recent decades have enabled scientists to engineer synthetic cells and organelles that mimic the essential functions and behaviors of natural cells. Examples include synthetic cells that can synthesize their own ATP using light, maintain metabolic reactions through enzymatic networks, perform gene replication, and even grow and divide. In this Review, we discuss recent developments in the design and construction of synthetic cells and organelles using the bottom-up approach. Our goal is to present representative synthetic cells of increasing complexity as well as strategies for solving distinct challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Guindani
- Chemical Engineering ProgramCOPPEFederal University of Rio de Janeiro, PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ, CEP 21941-972Rio de JaneiroRJBrazil
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
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15
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Guindani C, Silva LC, Cao S, Ivanov T, Landfester K. Synthetic Cells: From Simple Bio‐Inspired Modules to Sophisticated Integrated Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Guindani
- Chemical Engineering Program COPPE Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, PEQ/COPPE/UFRJ, CEP 21941-972 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
| | - Lucas Caire Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
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16
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Fauquignon M, Ibarboure E, Le Meins JF. Hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles: Influence of polymer architecture and molar mass on line tension. Biophys J 2022; 121:61-67. [PMID: 34890579 PMCID: PMC8758416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles are self-assembled structures that have been the subject of an increasing number of studies in recent years. They are particularly promising tools in the development of cell membrane models because they offer the possibility to fine-tune their membrane structure by adjusting the distribution of components (presence or absence of "raft-like" lipid domains), which is of prime importance to control their membrane properties. Line tension in multiphase membranes is known to be a key parameter on membrane structuration, but remains unexplored, either experimentally or by computer modeling for hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles. In this study, we were able to measure the line tension on different budded hybrid vesicles, using a micropipette aspiration technique, and show the influence of the molar mass and the architecture of block copolymers on line tension and its consequences for membrane structuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fauquignon
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, France
| | - Emmanuel Ibarboure
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-François Le Meins
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, France,Corresponding author
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17
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Wachlmayr J, Hannesschlaeger C, Speletz A, Barta T, Eckerstorfer A, Siligan C, Horner A. Scattering versus fluorescence self-quenching: more than a question of faith for the quantification of water flux in large unilamellar vesicles? NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 4:58-76. [PMID: 35028506 PMCID: PMC8691418 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00577d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The endeavors to understand the determinants of water permeation through membrane channels, the effect of the lipid or polymer membrane on channel function, the development of specific water flow inhibitors, the design of artificial water channels and aquaporins for the use in industrial water filtration applications all rely on accurate ways to quantify water permeabilities (P f). A commonly used method is to reconstitute membrane channels into large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and to subject these vesicles to an osmotic gradient in a stopped-flow device. Fast recordings of either scattered light intensity or fluorescence self-quenching signals are taken as a readout for vesicle volume change, which in turn can be recalculated to accurate P f values. By means of computational and experimental data, we discuss the pros and cons of using scattering versus self-quenching experiments or subjecting vesicles to hypo- or hyperosmotic conditions. In addition, we explicate for the first time the influence of the LUVs size distribution, channel distribution between vesicles and remaining detergent after protein reconstitution on P f values. We point out that results such as the single channel water permeability (p f) depend on the membrane matrix or on the direction of the applied osmotic gradient may be direct results of the measurement and analysis procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Wachlmayr
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | | | - Armin Speletz
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Thomas Barta
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Anna Eckerstorfer
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Christine Siligan
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Andreas Horner
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
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18
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Zartner L, Maffeis V, Schoenenberger CA, Dinu IA, Palivan CG. Membrane protein channels equipped with a cleavable linker for inducing catalysis inside nanocompartments. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:9012-9022. [PMID: 34623367 PMCID: PMC8580015 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01463c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Precisely timed initiation of reactions and stability of the catalysts are fundamental in catalysis. We introduce here an efficient closing-opening method for nanocompartments that contain sensitive catalysts and so achieve a controlled and extended catalytic activity. We developed a chemistry-oriented approach for modifying a pore-forming membrane protein which allows for a stimuli-responsive pore opening within the membrane of polymeric nanocompartments. We synthesized a diol-containing linker that selectively binds to the pores, blocking them completely. In the presence of an external stimulus (periodate), the linker is cleaved allowing the diffusion of substrate through the pores to the nanocompartment interior where it sets off the in situ enzymatic reaction. Besides the precise initiation of catalytic activity by opening of the pores, oxidation by periodate guarantees the cleavage of the linker under mild conditions. Accordingly, this kind of responsive nanocompartment lends itself to harboring a large variety of sensitive catalysts such as proteins and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Zartner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Viviana Maffeis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ionel Adrian Dinu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR1096, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Wang Y, Xu X, Chen X, Li J. Multifunctional Biomedical Materials Derived from Biological Membranes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 34:e2107406. [PMID: 34739155 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The delicate structure and fantastic functions of biological membranes are the successful evolutionary results of a long-term natural selection process. Their excellent biocompatibility and biofunctionality are widely utilized to construct multifunctional biomedical materials mainly by directly camouflaging materials with single or mixed biological membranes, decorating or incorporating materials with membrane-derived vesicles (e.g., exosomes), and designing multifunctional materials with the structure/functions of biological membranes. Here, the structure-function relationship of some important biological membranes and biomimetic membranes are discussed, such as various cell membranes, extracellular vesicles, and membranes from bacteria and organelles. Selected literature examples of multifunctional biomaterials derived from biological membranes for biomedical applications, such as drug- and gene-delivery systems, tissue-repair scaffolds, bioimaging, biosensors, and biological detection, are also highlighted. These designed materials show excellent properties, such as long circulation time, disease-targeted therapy, excellent biocompatibility, and selective recognition. Finally, perspectives and challenges associated with the clinical applications of biological-membrane-derived materials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemin Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
| | - Xinyuan Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
- College of Medicine Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu 610003 China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Med‐X Center for Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
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20
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Wehr R, Dos Santos EC, Muthwill MS, Chimisso V, Gaitzsch J, Meier W. Fully amorphous atactic and isotactic block copolymers and their self-assembly into nano- and microscopic vesicles. Polym Chem 2021; 12:5377-5389. [PMID: 34603516 PMCID: PMC8477912 DOI: 10.1039/d1py00952d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of chirality into aqueous self-assemblies by employing isotactic block copolymers (BCPs) is an emerging field of interest as it promises special membrane properties of polymersomes not accessible by atactic BCPs. However, isotactic BCPs typically exhibit crystalline behaviour, inducing high membrane stiffness and limiting their applicability in systems involving membrane proteins or sensitive cargo. In this study, an isotactic yet fully amorphous BCP is introduced which overcomes these limitations. Three BCPs composed of poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) (PBO-b-PG), differing solely in their tacticities (R/S, R and S), were synthesised and characterised regarding their structural, optical and thermal properties. Their self-assembly into homogenous phases of nanoscopic polymersomes (referred to as small unilamellar vesicles, SUVs) was analysed, revealing stability differences between SUVs composed of the different BCPs. Additionally, microscopic giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) were prepared by double emulsion microfluidics. Only the atactic BCP formed GUVs which were stable over several hours, whereas GUVs composed of isotactic BCPs ruptured within several minutes after formation. The ability of atactic PBO-b-PG to form microreactors was elucidated by reconstituting the membrane protein OmpF in the GUV membrane by microfluidics and performing an enzyme reaction inside its lumen. The system presented here serves as platform to design versatile vesicles with flexible membranes composed of atactic or isotactic BCPs. Hence, they allow for the introduction of chirality into nano- or microreactors which is a yet unstudied field and could enable special biotechonological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Wehr
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Elena C Dos Santos
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Moritz S Muthwill
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Vittoria Chimisso
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Hohe Strasse 6 01069 Dresden Germany
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
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21
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Otrin L, Witkowska A, Marušič N, Zhao Z, Lira RB, Kyrilis FL, Hamdi F, Ivanov I, Lipowsky R, Kastritis PL, Dimova R, Sundmacher K, Jahn R, Vidaković-Koch T. En route to dynamic life processes by SNARE-mediated fusion of polymer and hybrid membranes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4972. [PMID: 34404795 PMCID: PMC8371082 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of artificial cells springs from the functionalization of liposomes with proteins. However, these models suffer from low durability without repair and replenishment mechanisms, which can be partly addressed by replacing the lipids with polymers. Yet natural membranes are also dynamically remodeled in multiple cellular processes. Here, we show that synthetic amphiphile membranes also undergo fusion, mediated by the protein machinery for synaptic secretion. We integrated fusogenic SNAREs in polymer and hybrid vesicles and observed efficient membrane and content mixing. We determined bending rigidity and pore edge tension as key parameters for fusion and described its plausible progression through cryo-EM snapshots. These findings demonstrate that dynamic membrane phenomena can be reconstituted in synthetic materials, thereby providing new tools for the assembly of synthetic protocells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lado Otrin
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Agata Witkowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Biology, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Nika Marušič
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ziliang Zhao
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rafael B Lira
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- Moleculaire Biofysica, Zernike Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Fotis L Kyrilis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem & Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Farzad Hamdi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem & Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Panagiotis L Kastritis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem & Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Jahn
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Vidaković-Koch
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
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22
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Mertz M, Castiglione K. Increased Protein Encapsulation in Polymersomes with Hydrophobic Membrane Anchoring Peptides in a Scalable Process. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7134. [PMID: 34281201 PMCID: PMC8268381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hollow vesicles made from a single or double layer of block-copolymer molecules, called polymersomes, represent an important technological platform for new developments in nano-medicine and nano-biotechnology. A central aspect in creating functional polymersomes is their combination with proteins, especially through encapsulation in the inner cavity of the vesicles. When producing polymersomes by techniques such as film rehydration, significant proportions of the proteins used are trapped in the vesicle lumen, resulting in high encapsulation efficiencies. However, because of the difficulty of scaling up, such methods are limited to laboratory experiments and are not suitable for industrial scale production. Recently, we developed a scalable polymersome production process in stirred-tank reactors, but the statistical encapsulation of proteins resulted in fairly low encapsulation efficiencies of around 0.5%. To increase encapsulation in this process, proteins were genetically fused with hydrophobic membrane anchoring peptides. This resulted in encapsulation efficiencies of up to 25.68%. Since proteins are deposited on the outside and inside of the polymer membrane in this process, two methods for the targeted removal of protein domains by proteolysis with tobacco etch virus protease and intein splicing were evaluated. This study demonstrates the proof-of-principle for production of protein-functionalized polymersomes in a scalable process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Castiglione
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91052 Erlangen, Germany;
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23
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Górecki R, Antenucci F, Norinkevicius K, Elmstrøm Christiansen L, Myers ST, Trzaskuś K, Hélix-Nielsen C. Effect of Detergents on Morphology, Size Distribution, and Concentration of Copolymer-Based Polymersomes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:2079-2090. [PMID: 33534599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes made of amphiphilic diblock copolymers are generally regarded as having higher physical and chemical stability than liposomes composed of phospholipids. This enhanced stability arises from the higher molecular weight of polymer constituents. Despite their increased stability, polymer bilayers are solubilized by detergents in a similar manner to lipid bilayers. In this work, we evaluated the stability of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL)-based polymersomes exposed to three different detergents: N-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (OG), lauryldimethylamine N-oxide (LDAO), and Triton X-100 (TX-100). Changes in morphology, particle size distribution, and concentrations of the polymersomes were evaluated during the titration of the detergents into the polymersome solutions. Furthermore, we discussed the effect of detergent features on the solubilization of the polymeric bilayer and compared it to the results reported in the literature for liposomes and polymersomes. This information can be used for tuning the properties of PEG-PCL polymersomes for use in applications such as drug delivery or protein reconstitution studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Górecki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Aquaporin A/S, Nymøllevej 78, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fabio Antenucci
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 88, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Karolis Norinkevicius
- Aquaporin A/S, Nymøllevej 78, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Claus Hélix-Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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24
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Miller A, Pearce AK, Foster JC, O’Reilly RK. Probing and Tuning the Permeability of Polymersomes. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:30-38. [PMID: 33532567 PMCID: PMC7844851 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes are a class of synthetic vesicles composed of a polymer membrane surrounding an aqueous inner cavity. In addition to their overall size, the thickness and composition of polymersome membranes determine the range of potential applications in which they can be employed. While synthetic polymer chemists have made great strides in controlling polymersome membrane parameters, measurement of their permeability to various analytes including gases, ions, organic molecules, and macromolecules remains a significant challenge. In this Outlook, we compare the general methods that have been developed to quantify polymersome membrane permeability, focusing in particular on their capability to accurately measure analyte flux. In addition, we briefly highlight strategies to control membrane permeability. Based on these learnings, we propose a set of criteria for designing future methods of quantifying membrane permeability such that the passage of a variety of molecules into and out of their lumens can be better understood.
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25
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Meyer CE, Craciun I, Schoenenberger CA, Wehr R, Palivan CG. Catalytic polymersomes to produce strong and long-lasting bioluminescence. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:66-70. [PMID: 33350424 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07178a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we introduce an artificial bioluminescent nanocompartment based on the encapsulation of light-producing enzymes, luciferases, inside polymersomes. We exploit nanocompartmentalization to enhance luciferase stability in a cellular environment but also to positively modulate enzyme kinetics to achieve a long-lasting glow type signal. These features pave the way for expanding bioluminescence to nanotechnology-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Elsa Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel-4002, Switzerland.
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26
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Dos Santos EC, Belluati A, Necula D, Scherrer D, Meyer CE, Wehr RP, Lörtscher E, Palivan CG, Meier W. Combinatorial Strategy for Studying Biochemical Pathways in Double Emulsion Templated Cell-Sized Compartments. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2004804. [PMID: 33107187 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cells rely upon producing enzymes at precise rates and stoichiometry for maximizing functionalities. The reasons for this optimal control are unknown, primarily because of the interconnectivity of the enzymatic cascade effects within multi-step pathways. Here, an elegant strategy for studying such behavior, by controlling segregation/combination of enzymes/metabolites in synthetic cell-sized compartments, while preserving vital cellular elements is presented. Therefore, compartments shaped into polymer GUVs are developed, producing via high-precision double-emulsion microfluidics that enable: i) tight control over the absolute and relative enzymatic contents inside the GUVs, reaching nearly 100% encapsulation and co-encapsulation efficiencies, and ii) functional reconstitution of biopores and membrane proteins in the GUVs polymeric membrane, thus supporting in situ reactions. GUVs equipped with biopores/membrane proteins and loaded with one or more enzymes are arranged in a variety of combinations that allow the study of a three-step cascade in multiple topologies. Due to the spatiotemporal control provided, optimum conditions for decreasing the accumulation of inhibitors are unveiled, and benefited from reactive intermediates to maximize the overall cascade efficiency in compartments. The non-system-specific feature of the novel strategy makes this system an ideal candidate for the development of new synthetic routes as well as for screening natural and more complex pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena C Dos Santos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Belluati
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danut Necula
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Scherrer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- IBM Research Europe, Saeumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rueschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Claire E Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo P Wehr
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Lörtscher
- IBM Research Europe, Saeumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rueschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
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27
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Wang TY, Tsao HK, Sheng YJ. Perforated Vesicles of ABA Triblock Copolymers with ON/OFF-Switchable Nanopores. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ya Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Heng-Kwong Tsao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Jane Sheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
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28
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Chen A, Majdinasab EJ, Fiori MC, Liang H, Altenberg GA. Polymer-Encased Nanodiscs and Polymer Nanodiscs: New Platforms for Membrane Protein Research and Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:598450. [PMID: 33304891 PMCID: PMC7701119 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.598450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) are essential to many organisms’ major functions. They are notorious for being difficult to isolate and study, and mimicking native conditions for studies in vitro has proved to be a challenge. Lipid nanodiscs are among the most promising platforms for MP reconstitution, but they contain a relatively labile lipid bilayer and their use requires previous protein solubilization in detergent. These limitations have led to the testing of copolymers in new types of nanodisc platforms. Polymer-encased nanodiscs and polymer nanodiscs support functional MPs and address some of the limitations present in other MP reconstitution platforms. In this review, we provide a summary of recent developments in the use of polymers in nanodiscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chen
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Elleana J Majdinasab
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Mariana C Fiori
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Hongjun Liang
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Guillermo A Altenberg
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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29
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Moreno S, Boye S, Lederer A, Falanga A, Galdiero S, Lecommandoux S, Voit B, Appelhans D. Avidin Localizations in pH-Responsive Polymersomes for Probing the Docking of Biotinylated (Macro)molecules in the Membrane and Lumen. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:5162-5172. [PMID: 33180486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To mimic organelles and cells and to construct next-generation therapeutics, asymmetric functionalization and location of proteins for artificial vesicles is thoroughly needed to emphasize the complex interplay of biological units and systems through spatially separated and spatiotemporal controlled actions, release, and communications. For the challenge of vesicle (= polymersome) construction, the membrane permeability and the location of the cargo are important key characteristics that determine their potential applications. Herein, an in situ and post loading process of avidin in pH-responsive and photo-cross-linked polymersomes is developed and characterized. First, loading efficiency, main location (inside, lumen, outside), and release of avidin under different conditions have been validated, including the pH-stable presence of avidin in polymersomes' membrane outside and inside. This advantageous approach allows us to selectively functionalize the outer and inner membranes as well as the lumen with several bio(macro)molecules, generally suited for the construction of asymmetrically functionalized artificial organelles. In addition, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect was used to study the permeability or uptake of the polymersome membrane against a broad range of biotinylated (macro)molecules (different typology, sizes, and shapes) under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Boye
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Albena Lederer
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.,School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, CiRPEB, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, CiRPEB, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Sébastien Lecommandoux
- Universite de Bordeaux, ENSCPB, 16 Avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, Cedex, France.,CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymeres Organiques, UMR, 5629 Pessac, France
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.,Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
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30
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S Mogre S, Brown AI, Koslover EF. Getting around the cell: physical transport in the intracellular world. Phys Biol 2020; 17:061003. [PMID: 32663814 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/aba5e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells face the challenging task of transporting a variety of particles through the complex intracellular milieu in order to deliver, distribute, and mix the many components that support cell function. In this review, we explore the biological objectives and physical mechanisms of intracellular transport. Our focus is on cytoplasmic and intra-organelle transport at the whole-cell scale. We outline several key biological functions that depend on physically transporting components across the cell, including the delivery of secreted proteins, support of cell growth and repair, propagation of intracellular signals, establishment of organelle contacts, and spatial organization of metabolic gradients. We then review the three primary physical modes of transport in eukaryotic cells: diffusive motion, motor-driven transport, and advection by cytoplasmic flow. For each mechanism, we identify the main factors that determine speed and directionality. We also highlight the efficiency of each transport mode in fulfilling various key objectives of transport, such as particle mixing, directed delivery, and rapid target search. Taken together, the interplay of diffusion, molecular motors, and flows supports the intracellular transport needs that underlie a broad variety of biological phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh S Mogre
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, United States of America
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31
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Liu Z, Zhou W, Qi C, Kong T. Interface Engineering in Multiphase Systems toward Synthetic Cells and Organelles: From Soft Matter Fundamentals to Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2002932. [PMID: 32954548 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells have a major role in gaining insight into the complex biological processes of living cells; they also give rise to a range of emerging applications from gene delivery to enzymatic nanoreactors. Living cells rely on compartmentalization to orchestrate reaction networks for specialized and coordinated functions. Principally, the compartmentalization has been an essential engineering theme in constructing cell-mimicking systems. Here, efforts to engineer liquid-liquid interfaces of multiphase systems into membrane-bounded and membraneless compartments, which include lipid vesicles, polymer vesicles, colloidosomes, hybrids, and coacervate droplets, are summarized. Examples are provided of how these compartments are designed to imitate biological behaviors or machinery, including molecule trafficking, growth, fusion, energy conversion, intercellular communication, and adaptivity. Subsequently, the state-of-art applications of these cell-inspired synthetic compartments are discussed. Apart from being simplified and cell models for bridging the gap between nonliving matter and cellular life, synthetic compartments also are utilized as intracellular delivery vehicles for nuclei acids and nanoreactors for biochemical synthesis. Finally, key challenges and future directions for achieving the full potential of synthetic cells are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Cheng Qi
- College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
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32
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Zartner L, Garni M, Craciun I, Einfalt T, Palivan CG. How Can Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles Serve as a Cellular Model for Controlled Transfer of Nanoparticles? Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:106-115. [PMID: 32648740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellular model systems are essential platforms used across multiple research fields for exploring the fundaments of biology and biochemistry. Here, we present giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) as a platform of cell-like compartments that will facilitate the study of particles within a biorelevant environment and promote their further development. We studied how cellularly taken up nanoparticles (NPs) can be transferred into formed GPMVs and which are the molecular factors that play a role in successful transfer (size, concentration, and surface charge along with 3 different cell lines: HepG2, HeLa, and Caco-2). We observed that polystyrene (PS) carboxylated NPs with a size of 40 and 100 nm were successfully and efficiently transferred to GPMVs derived from all cell lines. We then investigated the distribution of NPs inside formed GPMVs and established the average number of NPs/GPMVs and the percentage of all GPMVs with NPs in their cavity. We pave the way for GPMV usage as superior cell-like mimics in medically relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Zartner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martina Garni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioana Craciun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomaž Einfalt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, P.O. Box 3350, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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33
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Meyer CE, Liu J, Craciun I, Wu D, Wang H, Xie M, Fussenegger M, Palivan CG. Segregated Nanocompartments Containing Therapeutic Enzymes and Imaging Compounds within DNA-Zipped Polymersome Clusters for Advanced Nanotheranostic Platform. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906492. [PMID: 32130785 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanotheranostics is an emerging field that brings together nanoscale-engineered materials with biological systems providing a combination of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. However, current theranostic nanoplatforms have serious limitations, mainly due to a mismatch between the physical properties of the selected nanomaterials and their functionalization ease, loading ability, or overall compatibility with bioactive molecules. Herein, a nanotheranostic system is proposed based on nanocompartment clusters composed of two different polymersomes linked together by DNA. Careful design and procedure optimization result in clusters segregating the therapeutic enzyme human Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and fluorescent probes for the detection unit in distinct but colocalized nanocompartments. The diagnostic compartment provides a twofold function: trackability via dye loading as the imaging component and the ability to attach the cluster construct to the surface of cells. The therapeutic compartment, loaded with active DDC, triggers the cellular expression of a secreted reporter enzyme via production of dopamine and activation of dopaminergic receptors implicated in atherosclerosis. This two-compartment nanotheranostic platform is expected to provide the basis of a new treatment strategy for atherosclerosis, to expand versatility and diversify the types of utilizable active molecules, and thus by extension expand the breadth of attainable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Ioana Craciun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Dalin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, ETHZ, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Mingqi Xie
- Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, ETHZ, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, ETHZ, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
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34
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Marušič N, Otrin L, Zhao Z, Lira RB, Kyrilis FL, Hamdi F, Kastritis PL, Vidaković-Koch T, Ivanov I, Sundmacher K, Dimova R. Constructing artificial respiratory chain in polymer compartments: Insights into the interplay between bo3 oxidase and the membrane. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:15006-15017. [PMID: 32554497 PMCID: PMC7334566 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919306117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome bo3 ubiquinol oxidase is a transmembrane protein, which oxidizes ubiquinone and reduces oxygen, while pumping protons. Apart from its combination with F1Fo-ATPase to assemble a minimal ATP regeneration module, the utility of the proton pump can be extended to other applications in the context of synthetic cells such as transport, signaling, and control of enzymatic reactions. In parallel, polymers have been speculated to be phospholipid mimics with respect to their ability to self-assemble in compartments with increased stability. However, their usability as interfaces for complex membrane proteins has remained questionable. In the present work, we optimized a fusion/electroformation approach to reconstitute bo3 oxidase in giant unilamellar vesicles made of PDMS-g-PEO and/or phosphatidylcholine (PC). This enabled optical access, while microfluidic trapping allowed for online analysis of individual vesicles. The tight polymer membranes and the inward oriented enzyme caused 1 pH unit difference in 30 min, with an initial rate of 0.35 pH·min-1 To understand the interplay in these composite systems, we studied the relevant mechanical and rheological membrane properties. Remarkably, the proton permeability of polymer/lipid hybrids decreased after protein insertion, while the latter also led to a 20% increase of the polymer diffusion coefficient in polymersomes. In addition, PDMS-g-PEO increased the activity lifetime and the resistance to free radicals. These advantageous properties may open diverse applications, ranging from cell-free biotechnology to biomedicine. Furthermore, the presented study serves as a comprehensive road map for studying the interactions between membrane proteins and synthetic membranes, which will be fundamental for the successful engineering of such hybrid systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Marušič
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lado Otrin
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ziliang Zhao
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rafael B Lira
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Fotis L Kyrilis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Farzad Hamdi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Panagiotis L Kastritis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Tanja Vidaković-Koch
- Electrochemical Energy Conversion, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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35
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The chemistry of cross-linked polymeric vesicles and their functionalization towards biocatalytic nanoreactors. Colloid Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-020-04681-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSelf-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers into polymersomes continues to be a hot topic in modern research on biomimetics. Their well-known and valued mechanical strength can be increased even further if they are cross-linked. These additional bonds prevent a collapse or disassembly of the polymersomes and open the way towards smart nanoreactors. A variety of chemistries have been applied to obtain the desired cross-linked polymersomes, and therefore, the chemical approaches performed over time will be highlighted in this mini-review. Due to the large number of studies, a selected set of photo-cross-linked and pH-sensitive polymersomes will be specifically highlighted. This system has proven to be a very potent candidate for the formation of nanoreactors and drug delivery systems, and even for the formation of functional multicompartment cell mimics.
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36
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Wehr R, Gaitzsch J, Daubian D, Fodor C, Meier W. Deepening the insight into poly(butylene oxide)- block-poly(glycidol) synthesis and self-assemblies: micelles, worms and vesicles. RSC Adv 2020; 10:22701-22711. [PMID: 35514604 PMCID: PMC9054609 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra04274a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aqueous self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers is studied extensively for biomedical applications like drug delivery and nanoreactors. The commonly used hydrophilic block poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), however, suffers from several drawbacks. As a potent alternative, poly(glycidol) (PG) has gained increasing interest, benefiting from its easy synthesis, high biocompatibility and flexibility as well as enhanced functionality compared to PEO. In this study, we present a quick and well-controlled synthesis of poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) (PBO-b-PG) amphiphilic diblock copolymers together with a straight-forward self-assembly protocol. Depending on the hydrophilic mass fraction of the copolymer, nanoscopic micelles, worms and polymersomes were formed as well as microscopic giant unilamellar vesicles. The particles were analysed regarding their size and shape, using dynamic and static light scattering, TEM and Cryo-TEM imaging as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy. We have discovered a strong dependence of the formed morphology on the self-assembly method and show that only solvent exchange leads to the formation of homogenous phases. Thus, a variety of different structures can be obtained from a highly flexible copolymer, justifying a potential use in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Wehr
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Hohe Strasse 6 01069 Dresden Germany
| | - Davy Daubian
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Csaba Fodor
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058 Basel Switzerland
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Abstract
In nature, various specific reactions only occur in spatially controlled environments. Cell compartment and subcompartments act as the support required to preserve the bio-specificity and functionality of the biological content, by affording absolute segregation. Inspired by this natural perfect behavior, bottom-up approaches are on focus to develop artificial cell-like structures, crucial for understanding relevant bioprocesses and interactions or to produce tailored solutions in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the benefits of constructing polymer-based single and multicompartments (capsules and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)), equipped with biomolecules as to mimic cells. In this respect, we outline key examples of how such structures have been designed from scratch, namely, starting from the application-oriented selection and synthesis of the amphiphilic block copolymer. We then present the state-of-the-art techniques for assembling the supramolecular structure while permitting the encapsulation of active compounds and the incorporation of peptides/membrane proteins, essential to support in situ reactions, e.g., to replicate intracellular signaling cascades. Finally, we briefly discuss important features that these compartments offer and how they could be applied to engineer the next generation of microreactors, therapeutic solutions, and cell models.
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38
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Tsai HC, Yang YL, Sheng YJ, Tsao HK. Formation of Asymmetric and Symmetric Hybrid Membranes of Lipids and Triblock Copolymers. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12030639. [PMID: 32168935 PMCID: PMC7183320 DOI: 10.3390/polym12030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid membranes formed by co-assembly of AxByAx (hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic) triblock copolymers into lipid bilayers are investigated by dissipative particle dynamics. Homogeneous hybrid membranes are developed as lipids and polymers are fully compatible. The polymer conformations can be simply classified into bridge- and loop-structures in the membranes. It is interesting to find that the long-time fraction of loop-conformation (fL) of copolymers in the membrane depends significantly on the hydrophilic block length (x). As x is small, an equilibrium fL* always results irrespective of the initial conformation distribution and its value depends on the hydrophobic block length (y). For large x, fL tends to be time-invariant because polymers are kinetically trapped in their initial structures. Our findings reveal that only symmetric hybrid membranes are formed for small x, while membranes with stable asymmetric leaflets can be constructed with large x. The effects of block lengths on the polymer conformations, such as transverse and lateral spans (d⊥ and d‖) of bridge- and loop-conformations, are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Chi Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jane Sheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.S.); (H.-K.T.)
| | - Heng-Kwong Tsao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.S.); (H.-K.T.)
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39
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Rigo S, Hürlimann D, Marot L, Malmsten M, Meier W, Palivan CG. Decorating Nanostructured Surfaces with Antimicrobial Peptides to Efficiently Fight Bacteria. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:1533-1543. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Rigo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Hürlimann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Marot
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Malmsten
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical Chemistry 1, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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40
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Meyer CE, Abram SL, Craciun I, Palivan CG. Biomolecule–polymer hybrid compartments: combining the best of both worlds. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:11197-11218. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00693a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in bio/polymer hybrid compartments in the quest to obtain artificial cells, biosensors and catalytic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ioana Craciun
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Basel
- Basel
- Switzerland
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41
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Belluati A, Mikhalevich V, Yorulmaz Avsar S, Daubian D, Craciun I, Chami M, Meier WP, Palivan CG. How Do the Properties of Amphiphilic Polymer Membranes Influence the Functional Insertion of Peptide Pores? Biomacromolecules 2019; 21:701-715. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Belluati
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viktoria Mikhalevich
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saziye Yorulmaz Avsar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Davy Daubian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioana Craciun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Chami
- BioEM Lab, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P. Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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42
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Kyropoulou M, DiLeone S, Lanzilotto A, Constable EC, Housecroft CE, Meier WP, Palivan CG. Porphyrin Containing Polymersomes with Enhanced ROS Generation Efficiency: In Vitro Evaluation. Macromol Biosci 2019; 20:e1900291. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kyropoulou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Basel Mattenstrasse 24a 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Stefano DiLeone
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Basel Mattenstrasse 24a 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Angelo Lanzilotto
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Basel Mattenstrasse 24a 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Edwin C. Constable
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Basel Mattenstrasse 24a 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Wolfgang P. Meier
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Basel Mattenstrasse 24a 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Basel Mattenstrasse 24a 4058 Basel Switzerland
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43
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Chimisso V, Maffeis V, Hürlimann D, Palivan CG, Meier W. Self-Assembled Polymeric Membranes and Nanoassemblies on Surfaces: Preparation, Characterization, and Current Applications. Macromol Biosci 2019; 20:e1900257. [PMID: 31549783 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Biomembranes play a crucial role in a multitude of biological processes, where high selectivity and efficiency are key points in the reaction course. The outstanding performance of biological membranes is based on the coupling between the membrane and biomolecules, such as membrane proteins. Polymer-based membranes and assemblies represent a great alternative to lipid ones, as their presence not only dramatically increases the mechanical stability of such systems, but also opens the scope to a broad range of chemical functionalities, which can be fine-tuned to selectively combine with a specific biomolecule. Tethering the membranes or nanoassemblies on a solid support opens the way to a class of functional surfaces finding application as sensors, biocomputing systems, molecular recognition, and filtration membranes. Herein, the design, physical assembly, and biomolecule attachment/insertion on/within solid-supported polymeric membranes and nanoassemblies are presented in detail with relevant examples. Furthermore, the models and applications for these materials are highlighted with the recent advances in each field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Chimisso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viviana Maffeis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Hürlimann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
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44
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Mirzaei Garakani T, Liu Z, Glebe U, Gehrmann J, Lazar J, Mertens MAS, Möller M, Hamzelui N, Zhu L, Schnakenberg U, Böker A, Schwaneberg U. In Situ Monitoring of Membrane Protein Insertion into Block Copolymer Vesicle Membranes and Their Spreading via Potential-Assisted Approach. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:29276-29289. [PMID: 31329408 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b09302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthosomes are polymer vesicles with transmembrane proteins incorporated into block copolymer membranes. They have been used for selective transport in or out of the vesicles as well as catalysis inside the compartments. However, both the insertion process of the membrane protein, forming nanopores, and the spreading of the vesicles on planar substrates to form solid-supported biomimetic membranes have been rarely studied yet. Herein, we address these two points and, first, shed light on the real-time monitoring of protein insertion via isothermal titration calorimetry. Second, the spreading process on different solid supports, namely, SiO2, glass, and gold, via different techniques like spin- and dip-coating as well as a completely new approach of potential-assisted spreading on gold surfaces was studied. While inhomogeneous layers occur via traditional methods, our proposed potential-assisted strategy to induce adsorption of positively charged vesicles by applying negative potential on the electrode leads to remarkable vesicle spreading and their further fusion to form more homogeneous planar copolymer films on gold. The polymer vesicles in our study are formed from amphiphilic copolymers poly(2-methyl oxazoline)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(2-methyl oxazoline) (PMOXA-b-PDMS-b-PMOXA). Engineered variants of the transmembrane protein ferric hydroxamate uptake protein component A (FhuA), one of the largest β-barrel channel proteins, are used as model nanopores. The incorporation of FhuA Δ1-160 is shown to facilitate the vesicle spreading process further. Moreover, high accessibility of cysteine inside the channel was proven by linkage of a fluorescent dye inside the engineered variant FhuA ΔCVFtev and hence preserved functionality of the channels after spreading. The porosity and functionality of the spread synthosomes on the gold plates have been examined by studying the passive ion transport response in the presence of Li+ and ClO4- ions and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. Our approach to form solid-supported biomimetic membranes via the potential-assisted strategy could be important for the development of new (bio-) sensors and membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Mirzaei Garakani
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , D-52074 , Aachen , Germany
| | - Zhanzhi Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Ulrich Glebe
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP , Geiselbergstraße 69 , 14476 Potsdam -Golm, Germany
- Chair of Polymer Materials and Polymer Technologies, Institute of Chemistry , University of Potsdam , Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25 , 14476 Potsdam -Golm, Germany
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Jaroslav Lazar
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1 , RWTH Aachen University , Sommerfeldstraße 24 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | | | - Mieke Möller
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Niloofar Hamzelui
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Leilei Zhu
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Uwe Schnakenberg
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1 , RWTH Aachen University , Sommerfeldstraße 24 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Alexander Böker
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP , Geiselbergstraße 69 , 14476 Potsdam -Golm, Germany
- Chair of Polymer Materials and Polymer Technologies, Institute of Chemistry , University of Potsdam , Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25 , 14476 Potsdam -Golm, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schwaneberg
- Institute of Biotechnology , RWTH Aachen University , Worringer Weg 3 , D-52074 Aachen , Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , D-52074 , Aachen , Germany
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45
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Yang YL, Sheng YJ, Tsao HK. Hybridization of lipids to monolayer and bilayer membranes of triblock copolymers. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 544:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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46
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Gaitzsch J, Hirschi S, Freimann S, Fotiadis D, Meier W. Directed Insertion of Light-Activated Proteorhodopsin into Asymmetric Polymersomes from an ABC Block Copolymer. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:2503-2508. [PMID: 30875467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscopic artificial vesicles containing functional protein transporters are fundamental for synthetic biology. Energy-providing modules, such as proton pumps, are a basis for simple nanoreactors. We report on the first insertion of a functional transmembrane protein into asymmetric polymersomes from an ABC triblock copolymer. The polymer with the composition poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEG-PDPA-PSS) was synthesized by sequential controlled radical polymerization. PEG and PSS are two distinctively different hydrophilic blocks, allowing for a specific orientation of our protein, the light-activated proton pump proteorhodopsin (PR), into the final proteopolymersome. A very interesting aspect of the PEG-PDPA-PSS triblock copolymers is that it allowed for simultaneous vesicle formation and oriented insertion of PR simply by adjusting the pH. The intrinsic positive charge of PR's intracellular surface was enhanced by a His-tag, which aligns readily with the negative charges of the PSS on the outside of the polymersomes. The directed insertion of PR was confirmed by a light-dependent pH change of the proteopolymersome solution, indicating the intended orientation. We have hereby demonstrated the first successful oriented insertion of a proton pump into an artificial asymmetric membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Gaitzsch
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Klingelbergstrasse 80 , 4058 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of Bern , Bühlstrasse 28 , 3012 Bern , Switzerland
| | - Sven Freimann
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Klingelbergstrasse 80 , 4058 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine , University of Bern , Bühlstrasse 28 , 3012 Bern , Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Klingelbergstrasse 80 , 4058 Basel , Switzerland
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47
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Gumz H, Boye S, Iyisan B, Krönert V, Formanek P, Voit B, Lederer A, Appelhans D. Toward Functional Synthetic Cells: In-Depth Study of Nanoparticle and Enzyme Diffusion through a Cross-Linked Polymersome Membrane. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1801299. [PMID: 30989019 PMCID: PMC6446602 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the diffusion of nanoparticles through permeable membranes in cell mimics paves the way for the construction of more sophisticated synthetic protocells with control over the exchange of nanoparticles or biomacromolecules between different compartments. Nanoparticles postloading by swollen pH switchable polymersomes is investigated and nanoparticles locations at or within polymersome membrane and polymersome lumen are precisely determined. Validation of transmembrane diffusion properties is performed based on nanoparticles of different origin-gold, glycopolymer protein mimics, and the enzymes myoglobin and esterase-with dimensions between 5 and 15 nm. This process is compared with the in situ loading of nanoparticles during polymersome formation and analyzed by advanced multiple-detector asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4). These experiments are supported by complementary i) release studies of protein mimics from polymersomes, ii) stability and cyclic pH switches test for in polymersome encapsulated myoglobin, and iii) cryogenic transmission electron microscopy studies on nanoparticles loaded polymersomes. Different locations (e.g., membrane and/or lumen) are identified for the uptake of each protein. The protein locations are extracted from the increasing scaling parameters and the decreasing apparent density of enzyme-containing polymersomes as determined by AF4. Postloading demonstrates to be a valuable tool for the implementation of cell-like functions in polymersomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Gumz
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
- School of ScienceFaculty of Chemistry and Food ChemistryTechnische Universität Dresden01062DresdenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence “Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden”Technische Universität Dresden01062DresdenGermany
| | - Susanne Boye
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Banu Iyisan
- Max‐Planck‐Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Vera Krönert
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Petr Formanek
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
- School of ScienceFaculty of Chemistry and Food ChemistryTechnische Universität Dresden01062DresdenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence “Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden”Technische Universität Dresden01062DresdenGermany
| | - Albena Lederer
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
- School of ScienceFaculty of Chemistry and Food ChemistryTechnische Universität Dresden01062DresdenGermany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.Hohe Straße 601069DresdenGermany
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48
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Rigo S, Gunkel-Grabole G, Meier W, Palivan CG. Surfaces with Dual Functionality through Specific Coimmobilization of Self-Assembled Polymeric Nanostructures. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:4557-4565. [PMID: 30296105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Coimmobilization of functional, nanosized assemblies broadens the possibility to engineer dually functionalized active surfaces with a nanostructured texture. Surfaces decorated with different nanoassemblies, such as micelles, polymersomes, or nanoparticles are in high demand for various applications ranging from catalysis, biosensing up to antimicrobial surfaces. Here, we present a combination of bio-orthogonal and catalyst-free strain-promoted azide-alkyne click (SPAAC) and thiol-ene reactions to simultaneously coimmobilize various nanoassemblies; we selected polymersome-polymersome and polymersome-micelle assemblies. For the first time, the immobilization method using SPAAC reaction was studied in detail to attach soft, polymeric assemblies on a solid support. Together, the SPAAC and thiol-ene reactions successfully coimmobilized two unique self-assembled structures on the surfaces. Additionally, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based polymersomes were used as "ink" for direct immobilization from a PDMS-based microstamp onto a surface creating locally defined patterns. Combining immobilization reactions has the advantage to attach any kind of nanoassembly pairs, resulting in surfaces with "desired" interfacial properties. Different nanoassemblies that encapsulate multiple active compounds coimmobilized on a surface will pave the way for the development of multifunctional surfaces with controlled properties and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Rigo
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 , CH-4002 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Gesine Gunkel-Grabole
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 , CH-4002 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 , CH-4002 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry , University of Basel , Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 , CH-4002 Basel , Switzerland
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49
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Polymer membranes as templates for bio-applications ranging from artificial cells to active surfaces. Eur Polym J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Song W, Tu YM, Oh H, Samineni L, Kumar M. Hierarchical Optimization of High-Performance Biomimetic and Bioinspired Membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:589-607. [PMID: 30577695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetic and bioinspired membranes have emerged as an innovative platform for water purification and aqueous separations. They are inspired by the exceptional water permeability (∼109 water molecules per second per channel) and perfect selectivity of biological water channels, aquaporins. However, only few successes have been reported for channel-based membrane fabrication due to inherent challenges of realizing coherence between channel design at the angstrom level and development of scalable membranes that maintain these molecular properties at practice-relevant scales. In this article, we feature recent progress toward practical biomimetic membranes, with the review organized along a hierarchical structural perspective that biomimetic membranes commonly share. These structures range from unitary pore shapes and tubular hydrophobic channel geometries to self-assembled bilayer structures and finally to macroscale membranes covering a size range from the angstrom, to the micrometer scale, and finally to the centimeter and larger scales. To maximize the advantage of water channel implementation into membranes, each feature needs to be optimized in an appropriate manner that provides a path to successful scale-up to achieve high performance in practical biomimetic and bioinspired membranes.
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