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Borsley S, Leigh DA, Roberts BMW. Molecular Ratchets and Kinetic Asymmetry: Giving Chemistry Direction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400495. [PMID: 38568047 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the last two decades ratchet mechanisms have transformed the understanding and design of stochastic molecular systems-biological, chemical and physical-in a move away from the mechanical macroscopic analogies that dominated thinking regarding molecular dynamics in the 1990s and early 2000s (e.g. pistons, springs, etc), to the more scale-relevant concepts that underpin out-of-equilibrium research in the molecular sciences today. Ratcheting has established molecular nanotechnology as a research frontier for energy transduction and metabolism, and has enabled the reverse engineering of biomolecular machinery, delivering insights into how molecules 'walk' and track-based synthesisers operate, how the acceleration of chemical reactions enables energy to be transduced by catalysts (both motor proteins and synthetic catalysts), and how dynamic systems can be driven away from equilibrium through catalysis. The recognition of molecular ratchet mechanisms in biology, and their invention in synthetic systems, is proving significant in areas as diverse as supramolecular chemistry, systems chemistry, dynamic covalent chemistry, DNA nanotechnology, polymer and materials science, molecular biology, heterogeneous catalysis, endergonic synthesis, the origin of life, and many other branches of chemical science. Put simply, ratchet mechanisms give chemistry direction. Kinetic asymmetry, the key feature of ratcheting, is the dynamic counterpart of structural asymmetry (i.e. chirality). Given the ubiquity of ratchet mechanisms in endergonic chemical processes in biology, and their significance for behaviour and function from systems to synthesis, it is surely just as fundamentally important. This Review charts the recognition, invention and development of molecular ratchets, focussing particularly on the role for which they were originally envisaged in chemistry, as design elements for molecular machinery. Different kinetically asymmetric systems are compared, and the consequences of their dynamic behaviour discussed. These archetypal examples demonstrate how chemical systems can be driven inexorably away from equilibrium, rather than relax towards it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Borsley
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David A Leigh
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin M W Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
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2
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Qutbuddin Y, Guinart A, Gavrilović S, Al Nahas K, Feringa BL, Schwille P. Light-Activated Synthetic Rotary Motors in Lipid Membranes Induce Shape Changes Through Membrane Expansion. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311176. [PMID: 38215457 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Membranes are the key structures to separate and spatially organize cellular systems. Their rich dynamics and transformations during the cell cycle are orchestrated by specific membrane-targeted molecular machineries, many of which operate through energy dissipation. Likewise, man-made light-activated molecular rotary motors have previously shown drastic effects on cellular systems, but their physical roles on and within lipid membranes remain largely unexplored. Here, the impact of rotary motors on well-defined biological membranes is systematically investigated. Notably, dramatic mechanical transformations are observed in these systems upon motor irradiation, indicative of motor-induced membrane expansion. The influence of several factors on this phenomenon is systematically explored, such as motor concentration and membrane composition., Membrane fluidity is found to play a crucial role in motor-induced deformations, while only minor contributions from local heating and singlet oxygen generation are observed. Most remarkably, the membrane area expansion under the influence of the motors continues as long as irradiation is maintained, and the system stays out-of-equilibrium. Overall, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of molecular motors interacting with biological membranes, elucidating the multifaceted factors that govern membrane responses and shape transitions in the presence of these remarkable molecular machines, thereby supporting their future applications in chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Qutbuddin
- Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ainoa Guinart
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Svetozar Gavrilović
- Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kareem Al Nahas
- Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Schwille
- Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
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3
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Ayala-Orozco C, Galvez-Aranda D, Corona A, Seminario JM, Rangel R, Myers JN, Tour JM. Molecular jackhammers eradicate cancer cells by vibronic-driven action. Nat Chem 2024; 16:456-465. [PMID: 38114816 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01383-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Through the actuation of vibronic modes in cell-membrane-associated aminocyanines, using near-infrared light, a distinct type of molecular mechanical action can be exploited to rapidly kill cells by necrosis. Vibronic-driven action (VDA) is distinct from both photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy as its mechanical effect on the cell membrane is not abrogated by inhibitors of reactive oxygen species and it does not induce thermal killing. Subpicosecond concerted whole-molecule vibrations of VDA-induced mechanical disruption can be achieved using very low concentrations (500 nM) of aminocyanines or low doses of light (12 J cm-2, 80 mW cm-2 for 2.5 min), resulting in complete eradication of human melanoma cells in vitro. Also, 50% tumour-free efficacy in mouse models for melanoma was achieved. The molecules that destroy cell membranes through VDA have been termed molecular jackhammers because they undergo concerted whole-molecule vibrations. Given that a cell is unlikely to develop resistance to such molecular mechanical forces, molecular jackhammers present an alternative modality for inducing cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Galvez-Aranda
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arnoldo Corona
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jorge M Seminario
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Roberto Rangel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, NanoCarbon Center, Smalley-Curl Institute and The Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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4
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Beckham JL, Bradford TS, Ayala-Orozco C, Santos AL, Arnold D, van Venrooy AR, García-López V, Pal R, Tour JM. Distinguishing Molecular Mechanical Action from Photothermal and Photodynamic Behavior. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2306669. [PMID: 38062893 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Molecular motors (MM) are molecular machines, or nanomachines, that rotate unidirectionally upon photostimulation and perform mechanical work on their environment. In the last several years, it has been shown that the photomechanical action of MM can be used to permeabilize lipid bilayers, thereby killing cancer cells and pathogenic microorganisms and controlling cell signaling. The work contributes to a growing acknowledgement that the molecular actuation characteristic of these systems is useful for various applications in biology. However, the mechanical effects of molecular motion on biological materials are difficult to disentangle from photodynamic and photothermal action, which are also present when a light-absorbing fluorophore is irradiated with light. Here, an overview of the key methods used by various research groups to distinguish the effects of photomechanical, photodynamic, and photothermal action is provided. It is anticipated that this discussion will be helpful to the community seeking to use MM to develop new and distinctive medical technologies that result from mechanical disruption of biological materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Beckham
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 222, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Thomas S Bradford
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Ciceron Ayala-Orozco
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 222, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Ana L Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 222, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
- IdISBA-Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, Palma, 07120, Spain
| | - Dallin Arnold
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 222, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Alexis R van Venrooy
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 222, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Víctor García-López
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Robert Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Smalley-Curl Institute, NanoCarbon Center, Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street MS 222, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
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5
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Santos AL, Liu D, van Venrooy A, Beckham JL, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Nonlethal Molecular Nanomachines Potentiate Antibiotic Activity Against Gram-Negative Bacteria by Increasing Cell Permeability and Attenuating Efflux. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3023-3042. [PMID: 38241477 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing public health threat. Despite rising resistance, antibiotic development, especially for Gram-negative bacteria, has stagnated. As the traditional antibiotic research and development pipeline struggles to address this growing concern, alternative solutions become imperative. Synthetic molecular nanomachines (MNMs) are molecular structures that rotate unidirectionally in a controlled manner in response to a stimulus, such as light, resulting in a mechanical action that can propel molecules to drill into cell membranes, causing rapid cell death. Due to their broad destructive capabilities, clinical translation of MNMs remains challenging. Hence, here, we explore the ability of nonlethal visible-light-activated MNMs to potentiate conventional antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria. Nonlethal MNMs enhanced the antibacterial activity of various classes of conventional antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, including those typically effective only against Gram-positive strains, reducing the antibiotic concentration required for bactericidal action. Our study also revealed that MNMs bind to the negatively charged phospholipids of the bacterial inner membrane, leading to permeabilization of the cell envelope and impairment of efflux pump activity following light activation of MNMs. The combined effects of MNMs on membrane permeability and efflux pumps resulted in increased antibiotic accumulation inside the cell, reversing antibiotic resistance and attenuating its development. These results identify nonlethal MNMs as pleiotropic antibiotic enhancers or adjuvants. The combination of MNMs with traditional antibiotics is a promising strategy against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. This approach can reduce the amount of antibiotics needed and slow down antibiotic resistance development, thereby preserving the effectiveness of our current antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- IdISBA - Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, 07120 Palma, Spain
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Alexis van Venrooy
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Jacob L Beckham
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA - Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, 07120 Palma, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiologia, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, 07120 Palma, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - George P Tegos
- Office of Research, Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare, Mohawk Valley Health System, 1676 Sunset Avenue, Utica, New York 13502, United States
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- NanoCarbon Center and Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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Saadh MJ, Baher H, Li Y, Chaitanya M, Arias-Gonzáles JL, Allela OQB, Mahdi MH, Carlos Cotrina-Aliaga J, Lakshmaiya N, Ahjel S, Amin AH, Gilmer Rosales Rojas G, Ameen F, Ahsan M, Akhavan-Sigari R. The bioengineered and multifunctional nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer therapy: Bioresponisive nanostructures, phototherapy and targeted drug delivery. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116490. [PMID: 37354932 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116490] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The multidisciplinary approaches in treatment of cancer appear to be essential in term of bringing benefits of several disciplines and their coordination in tumor elimination. Because of the biological and malignant features of cancer cells, they have ability of developing resistance to conventional therapies such as chemo- and radio-therapy. Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant disease of gastrointestinal tract in which chemotherapy and radiotherapy are main tools in its treatment, and recently, nanocarriers have been emerged as promising structures in its therapy. The bioresponsive nanocarriers are able to respond to pH and redox, among others, in targeted delivery of cargo for specific treatment of PC. The loading drugs on the nanoparticles that can be synthetic or natural compounds, can help in more reduction in progression of PC through enhancing their intracellular accumulation in cancer cells. The encapsulation of genes in the nanoparticles can protect against degradation and promotes intracellular accumulation in tumor suppression. A new kind of therapy for cancer is phototherapy in which nanoparticles can stimulate both photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy through hyperthermia and ROS overgeneration to trigger cell death in PC. Therefore, synergistic therapy of phototherapy with chemotherapy is performed in accelerating tumor suppression. One of the important functions of nanotechnology is selective targeting of PC cells in reducing side effects on normal cells. The nanostructures are capable of being surface functionalized with aptamers, proteins and antibodies to specifically target PC cells in suppressing their progression. Therefore, a specific therapy for PC is provided and future implications for diagnosis of PC is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan; Applied Science Research Center. Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hala Baher
- Department of Radiology and Ultrasonography Techniques, College of Medical Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Yuanji Li
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Mvnl Chaitanya
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144001, India
| | - José Luis Arias-Gonzáles
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Studies, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Natrayan Lakshmaiya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Salam Ahjel
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Ali H Amin
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | | | - Fuad Ameen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Ahsan
- Department of Measurememts and Control Systems, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, 44-100, Poland.
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Beckham JL, van Venrooy AR, Kim S, Li G, Li B, Duret G, Arnold D, Zhao X, Li JT, Santos AL, Chaudhry G, Liu D, Robinson JT, Tour JM. Molecular machines stimulate intercellular calcium waves and cause muscle contraction. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:1051-1059. [PMID: 37430037 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01436-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular calcium waves (ICW) are complex signalling phenomena that control many essential biological activities, including smooth muscle contraction, vesicle secretion, gene expression and changes in neuronal excitability. Accordingly, the remote stimulation of ICW could result in versatile biomodulation and therapeutic strategies. Here we demonstrate that light-activated molecular machines (MM)-molecules that perform mechanical work on the molecular scale-can remotely stimulate ICW. MM consist of a polycyclic rotor and stator that rotate around a central alkene when activated with visible light. Live-cell calcium-tracking and pharmacological experiments reveal that MM-induced ICW are driven by the activation of inositol-triphosphate-mediated signalling pathways by unidirectional, fast-rotating MM. Our data suggest that MM-induced ICW can control muscle contraction in vitro in cardiomyocytes and animal behaviour in vivo in Hydra vulgaris. This work demonstrates a strategy for directly controlling cell signalling and downstream biological function using molecular-scale devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soonyoung Kim
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guillaume Duret
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dallin Arnold
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John T Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ana L Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- IdISBA-Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, Palma, Spain
| | | | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob T Robinson
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Smalley-Curl Institute, NanoCarbon Center and Rice Advanced Materials Institute, Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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8
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Singhania A, Kalita S, Chettri P, Ghosh S. Accounts of applied molecular rotors and rotary motors: recent advances. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3177-3208. [PMID: 37325522 PMCID: PMC10262963 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00010a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Molecular machines are nanoscale devices capable of performing mechanical works at molecular level. These systems could be a single molecule or a collection of component molecules that interrelate with one another to produce nanomechanical movements and resulting performances. The design of the components of molecular machine with bioinspired traits results in various nanomechanical motions. Some known molecular machines are rotors, motors, nanocars, gears, elevators, and so on based on their nanomechanical motion. The conversion of these individual nanomechanical motions to collective motions via integration into suitable platforms yields impressive macroscopic output at varied sizes. Instead of limited experimental acquaintances, the researchers demonstrated several applications of molecular machines in chemical transformation, energy conversion, gas/liquid separation, biomedical use, and soft material fabrication. As a result, the development of new molecular machines and their applications has accelerated over the previous two decades. This review highlights the design principles and application scopes of several rotors and rotary motor systems because these machines are used in real applications. This review also offers a systematic and thorough overview of current advancements in rotary motors, providing in-depth knowledge and predicting future problems and goals in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Singhania
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - Sudeshna Kalita
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - Prerna Chettri
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - Subrata Ghosh
- Natural Product Chemistry Group, Chemical Sciences & Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat 785006 Assam India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Ghaziabad 201002 India
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9
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van Venrooy A, Wyderka AM, García-López V, Alemany LB, Martí AA, Tour JM. Probing the Rotary Cycle of Amine-Substituted Molecular Motors. J Org Chem 2023; 88:762-770. [PMID: 36622748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of the rotary cycle of molecular motors (MMs), a key component of an approach to opening cells using mechanical motion, is important in furthering the research. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used for in situ analysis of illuminated light-active MMs. We found that the presence of a N,N-dimethylethylenediamine in a position conjugated to the central olefin results in changes to the rotation of a second-generation Feringa-type MM. Importantly, the addition decreases the photostability of the compound. The parent compound 1 can withstand >2 h of illumination with no signs of decomposition, while the amino 7 decomposes after 10 min. We found that the degradation can be mitigated by implementing the simple techniques of modulating the light dose, dilution, and stirring the sample while illuminating. Additionally, the presence of moisture affects the rate of the motor's rotation. The addition of the amino group to 1, without moisture present, makes the rotation of motor 7 three times slower than the unfunctionalized parent compound. We also report the use of a method that can be used to determine the molar extinction coefficient of a light-generated metastable species. This method can be used when in situ NMR illumination is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis van Venrooy
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Aaron M Wyderka
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Víctor García-López
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Lawrence B Alemany
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.,Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Angel A Martí
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.,Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.,Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.,Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.,Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States.,NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced Materials, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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10
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Fan X, Hu Q, Zhang X, Sun L, Yang Z. Solitary and Collective Motion Behaviors of TiO2 Microrobots under the Coupling of Multiple Light Fields. MICROMACHINES 2022; 14:89. [PMID: 36677151 PMCID: PMC9862000 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to their fascinating solitary and collective behavior, photochemical microrobots have attracted extensive attention from researchers and have obtained a series of outstanding research progress in recent years. However, due to the limitation of using a single light source, the realization of reconfigurable and controllable motion behaviors of the photochemical microrobot is still facing a series of challenges. To release these restrictions, we reported a multi-light-field-coupling-based method for driving the photochemical microrobot or its swarm in a regulatable manner. Here, we first designed a control system for coupling multiple light sources to realize the programmable application of four light sources in different directions. Then a TiO2-based photochemical microrobot was prepared, with its surface electric field distribution under different lighting conditions estimated by modeling-based simulation, where the feasibility of regulating the microrobot's motion behavior via the proposed setup was verified. Furthermore, our experimental results show that under the action of the compound light fields, we can not only robustly control the motion behavior of a single TiO2 microrobot but also reconfigure its collective behaviors. For example, we realized the free switching of the single TiO2 microrobots' movement direction, and the controllable diffusion, aggregation, the locomotion and merging of TiO2 microrobot swarms. Our discovery would provide potential means to realize the leap-forward control and application of photochemical microrobots from individuals to swarms, as well as the creation of active materials and intelligent synthetic systems.
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11
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Santos AL, van Venrooy A, Reed AK, Wyderka AM, García‐López V, Alemany LB, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Hemithioindigo-Based Visible Light-Activated Molecular Machines Kill Bacteria by Oxidative Damage. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203242. [PMID: 36002317 PMCID: PMC9596824 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing health threat. There is an urgent and critical need to develop new antimicrobial modalities and therapies. Here, a set of hemithioindigo (HTI)-based molecular machines capable of specifically killing Gram-positive bacteria within minutes of activation with visible light (455 nm at 65 mW cm-2 ) that are safe for mammalian cells is described. Importantly, repeated exposure of bacteria to HTI does not result in detectable development of resistance. Visible light-activated HTI kill both exponentially growing bacterial cells and antibiotic-tolerant persister cells of various Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Visible light-activated HTI also eliminate biofilms of S. aureus and B. subtilis in as little as 1 h after light activation. Quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and protein carbonyls, as well as assays with various ROS scavengers, identifies oxidative damage as the underlying mechanism for the antibacterial activity of HTI. In addition to their direct antibacterial properties, HTI synergize with conventional antibiotics in vitro and in vivo, reducing the bacterial load and mortality associated with MRSA infection in an invertebrate burn wound model. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of HTI-based molecular machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
| | | | - Anna K. Reed
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence B. Alemany
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Shared Equipment AuthorityRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
- Servicio de MicrobiologiaHospital Universitari Son EspasesPalma07120Spain
| | - George P. Tegos
- Office of ResearchReading HospitalTower Health420 S. Fifth AvenueWest ReadingPA19611USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Smalley‐Curl InstituteRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoengineeringRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced MaterialsRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
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12
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Zhang Y, Ranaei Pirmardan E, Barakat A, Naseri M, Hafezi-Moghadam A. Nanoarchitectonics for Photo-Controlled Intracellular Drug Release in Immune Modulation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:42976-42987. [PMID: 36103264 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Local stimuli differentiate monocytes into M2-like macrophages that mechanistically drive the pathologies in cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A photo-controlled nanodrug that halts macrophage polarization through Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibition was developed. A small-molecule ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, was conjugated to a photo-responsive group and a short poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain. This resulted in the novel amphiphilic prodrug, PEG-2-(4'-(di(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino)-4-nitro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-yl)propan-1-ol (PANBP)-Fasudil, that spontaneously formed micelles. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of PEG-PANBP-Fasudil nanoparticles rapidly released fasudil. For visualization of linker degradation, a reporter nanoprobe was synthesized, in which 2-Me-4-OMe TokyoGreen (TG), a fluorophore that does not fluoresce in conjugation, was incorporated. Irradiation of nanoprobe-laden monocytes activated the reporter fluorophore. Cytokine stimulation differentiated monocytes into macrophages, while UV irradiation prevented polarization of PEG-PANBP-Fasudil nanoparticle-laden monocytes. Nanoarchitectonics-based design opens new possibilities for intracellular drug delivery and precise spatiotemporal immune cell modulation toward the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlin Zhang
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Thorn Research Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Thorn Research Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Aliaa Barakat
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Thorn Research Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Thorn Research Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Ali Hafezi-Moghadam
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St., Thorn Research Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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13
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Lyu J, Wang C, Zhang X. Rational Construction of a Mitochondria-Targeted Reversible Fluorescent Probe with Intramolecular FRET for Ratiometric Monitoring Sulfur Dioxide and Formaldehyde. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12090715. [PMID: 36140101 PMCID: PMC9496144 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and formaldehyde (FA) are important species that maintain redox homeostasis in life and are closely related to many physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, it is of great significance to realize the reversible monitoring of them at the intracellular level. Here, we synthesized a reversible ratiometric fluorescent probe through a reasonable design, which can sensitively monitor SO2 derivatives and FA, and the detection limit can reach 0.16 μM. The probe can specifically target mitochondria and successfully monitor the fluctuations of SO2 and FA in living cells. It also works well in the detection of SO2 and FA in zebrafish. This high-performance probe is expected to find broad in vitro and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiao Lyu
- Cancer Centre and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Chunfei Wang
- Cancer Centre and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Xuanjun Zhang
- Cancer Centre and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
- Correspondence:
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14
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Santos AL, Liu D, Reed AK, Wyderka AM, van Venrooy A, Li JT, Li VD, Misiura M, Samoylova O, Beckham JL, Ayala-Orozco C, Kolomeisky AB, Alemany LB, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Light-activated molecular machines are fast-acting broad-spectrum antibacterials that target the membrane. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm2055. [PMID: 35648847 PMCID: PMC9159576 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm2055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the dwindling antibiotic research and development pipeline have created a pressing global health crisis. Here, we report the discovery of a distinctive antibacterial therapy that uses visible (405 nanometers) light-activated synthetic molecular machines (MMs) to kill Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in minutes, vastly outpacing conventional antibiotics. MMs also rapidly eliminate persister cells and established bacterial biofilms. The antibacterial mode of action of MMs involves physical disruption of the membrane. In addition, by permeabilizing the membrane, MMs at sublethal doses potentiate the action of conventional antibiotics. Repeated exposure to antibacterial MMs is not accompanied by resistance development. Finally, therapeutic doses of MMs mitigate mortality associated with bacterial infection in an in vivo model of burn wound infection. Visible light-activated MMs represent an unconventional antibacterial mode of action by mechanical disruption at the molecular scale, not existent in nature and to which resistance development is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- IdISBA–Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, Palma, Spain
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Anna K. Reed
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aaron M. Wyderka
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | | | - John T. Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Victor D. Li
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Mikita Misiura
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Olga Samoylova
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Jacob L. Beckham
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence B. Alemany
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA–Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas Baleares, Palma, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiologia, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma, Spain
| | - George P. Tegos
- Office of Research, Reading Hospital, Tower Health, 420 S. Fifth Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611, USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Smalley-Curl Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced Materials, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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15
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16
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Ariga K. The evolution of molecular machines through interfacial nanoarchitectonics: from toys to tools. Chem Sci 2020; 11:10594-10604. [PMID: 34094314 PMCID: PMC8162416 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03164j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular machines are often regarded as molecular artworks and sometimes as fancy molecular toys. However, many researchers strive to operate molecular machines as useful tools for realistic practical applications. In this perspective article, shifting the working environment of molecular machines from solution to interfacial media is discussed from the viewpoint of their evolution from scientific toys to useful tools. Following a short description of traditional research into molecular machines in solution and their nanotechnological manipulation on clean solid surfaces, pioneering research into molecular machine operation at dynamic interfaces, such as liquid surfaces, is discussed, along with cutting-edge research into molecular machine functions in living cells and their models. Biomolecular machines within organisms are the products of evolution over billions of years. We may nanoarchitect such sophisticated functional systems with artificial molecular machines within much shorter periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- WPI Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) 1-1 Namiki Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-0044 Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-8561 Japan
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17
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Zheng Y, Liu J, Guo Y, Zhang Q, Gao X, Gao Z, He T, Ban Q. Effect of the topology on the antibacterial activity of cationic polythioether synthesized by all‐click chemistry. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20200021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaochen Zheng
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Zhengguo Gao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Tao He
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
| | - Qingfu Ban
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringYantai University Yantai China
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18
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Gunasekera RS, Galbadage T, Ayala-Orozco C, Liu D, García-López V, Troutman BE, Tour JJ, Pal R, Krishnan S, Cirillo JD, Tour JM. Molecular Nanomachines Can Destroy Tissue or Kill Multicellular Eukaryotes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:13657-13670. [PMID: 32091877 PMCID: PMC8189693 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b22595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Light-activated molecular nanomachines (MNMs) can be used to drill holes into prokaryotic (bacterial) cell walls and the membrane of eukaryotic cells, including mammalian cancer cells, by their fast rotational movement, leading to cell death. We examined how these MNMs function in multicellular organisms and investigated their use for treatment and eradication of specific diseases by causing damage to certain tissues and small organisms. Three model eukaryotic species, Caenorhabditis elegans, Daphnia pulex, and Mus musculus (mouse), were evaluated. These organisms were exposed to light-activated fast-rotating MNMs and their physiological and pathological changes were studied in detail. Slow rotating MNMs were used to control for the effects of rotation rate. We demonstrate that fast-rotating MNMs caused depigmentation and 70% mortality in C. elegans while reducing the movement as well as heart rate and causing tissue damage in Daphnia. Topically applied light-activated MNMs on mouse skin caused ulceration and microlesions in the epithelial tissue, allowing MNMs to localize into deeper epidermal tissue. Overall, this study shows that the nanomechanical action of light-activated MNMs is effective against multicellular organisms, disrupting cell membranes and damaging tissue in vivo. Customized MNMs that target specific tissues for therapy combined with spatial and temporal control could have broad clinical applications in a variety of benign and malignant disease states including treatment of cancer, parasites, bacteria, and diseased tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thushara Galbadage
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Ciceron Ayala-Orozco
- Department of Experimental Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | | | | | - Josiah J Tour
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Robert Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, DH1 3LE Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Sunil Krishnan
- Department of Experimental Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Cirillo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807, United States
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