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Green CM, Sementa D, Mathur D, Melinger JS, Deshpande P, Elbaum-Garfinkle S, Medintz IL, Ulijn RV, Díaz SA. Sequestration within peptide coacervates improves the fluorescence intensity, kinetics, and limits of detection of dye-based DNA biosensors. Commun Chem 2024; 7:49. [PMID: 38424154 PMCID: PMC10904739 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01124-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based liquid-liquid phase separated domains, or coacervates, are a biomaterial gaining new interest due to their exciting potential in fields ranging from biosensing to drug delivery. In this study, we demonstrate that coacervates provide a simple and biocompatible medium to improve nucleic acid biosensors through the sequestration of both the biosensor and target strands within the coacervate, thereby increasing their local concentration. Using the well-established polyarginine (R9) - ATP coacervate system and an energy transfer-based DNA molecular beacon we observed three key improvements: i) a greater than 20-fold reduction of the limit of detection within coacervates when compared to control buffer solutions; ii) an increase in the kinetics, equilibrium was reached more than 4-times faster in coacervates; and iii) enhancement in the dye fluorescent quantum yields within the coacervates, resulting in greater signal-to-noise. The observed benefits translate into coacervates greatly improving bioassay functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Green
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Deborah Sementa
- Nanoscience Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Divita Mathur
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Joseph S Melinger
- Electronics Sciences and Technology Division Code 6816, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Priyasha Deshpande
- Structural Biology Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle
- Structural Biology Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Igor L Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Rein V Ulijn
- Nanoscience Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sebastián A Díaz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA.
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Powers J, Jang Y. Advancing Biomimetic Functions of Synthetic Cells through Compartmentalized Cell-Free Protein Synthesis. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5539-5550. [PMID: 37962115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial constructs that mimic the structures and functions of living cells. They are attractive for studying diverse biochemical processes and elucidating the origins of life. While creating a living synthetic cell remains a grand challenge, researchers have successfully synthesized hundreds of unique synthetic cell platforms. One promising approach to developing more sophisticated synthetic cells is to integrate cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) mechanisms into vesicle platforms. This makes it possible to create synthetic cells with complex biomimetic functions such as genetic circuits, autonomous membrane modifications, sensing and communication, and artificial organelles. This Review explores recent advances in the use of CFPS to impart advanced biomimetic structures and functions to bottom-up synthetic cell platforms. We also discuss the potential applications of synthetic cells in biomedicine as well as the future directions of synthetic cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Powers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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Huang Y, Huang X. Biomolecule-Based Coacervates with Modulated Physiological Functions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023. [PMID: 37339359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) exists widely in living systems, and understanding the working mechanisms of the formed condensed droplets is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of diseases as well as for the development of biomimetic materials. Herein, in this Perspective we try to focus on the in vitro reconstructions of biomolecule-based coacervates and outline the associations between the functional components and droplets as well as the physiological and pathological functions associated with coacervates. Coacervates are formed by functional components through weak, multivalent interactions. The interaction strengths that determine coacervate properties such as electability and phase state, which in turn influence the functional components to limit their fluidity, stability, or diffusion coefficients, are specially discussed. At the end of this Perspective, the current challenges are summarized; progress will require our great efforts to reveal the mechanisms of action at the molecular level and then develop biomolecule-based coacervate models with complexity, integration of methods, and intellectualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
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Huang N, Dong H, Shao B. Phase separation in immune regulation and immune-related diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:1427-1440. [PMID: 36085373 PMCID: PMC9462646 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02253-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Phase separation is an emerging paradigm for understanding the biochemical interactions between proteins, DNA, and RNA. Research over the past decade has provided mounting evidence that phase separation modulates a great variety of cellular activities. Particularly, phase separation is directly relevant to immune signaling, immune cells, and immune-related diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and even SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we summarized current knowledge of phase separation in immunology and emerging findings related to immune responses as they enable possible treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Liu J, Zhang T, Liu X, Lam JWY, Tang BZ, Chau Y. Molecular logic operations from complex coacervation with aggregation-induced emission characteristics. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:2443-2449. [PMID: 35856292 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00537a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Leveraging complex coacervation of a polycation and a bivalent anion with aggregation-induced emission characteristics, we accomplish eight basic logic operations with environmental stimuli as inputs, producing Boolean-like fluorescence intensity or turbidity 'outputs' with contrast higher than one order of magnitude. Storage of information of a fluorescent pattern and thermo-sensor applications are also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Tianfu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Functional Aggregate Materials, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Liu J, Zhorabek F, Zhang T, Lam JWY, Tang BZ, Chau Y. Multifaceted Cargo Recruitment and Release from Artificial Membraneless Organelles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201721. [PMID: 35596607 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201721] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) drives membraneless organelles (MLOs) formation for organizing biomolecules. Artificial MLOs (AMLOs) have been constructed mostly via the LLPS of engineered proteins capable of regulating limited types of biomolecules. Here, leveraging a minimalist AMLO, driven by LLPS of polymer-oligopeptide hybrids, enrichment, recruitment, and release of multifaceted cargoes are quantitatively shown, including small fluorescent molecules, fluorophore-containing macromolecules, proteins, DNAs, and RNAs. Cargoes show up to 105 -fold enrichment, whilst recruitment and release are triggered by variations of temperature, pH, and/or ionic strength. Also, the first efficacious, rapid, and reversible control of aggregation-induced emission with over 30 folds of modulation of overall fluorescence intensity is achieved, by intensifying the aggregation of luminogens in AMLO. The AMLO is a simple yet versatile platform for potential drug delivery and biosensor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Fariza Zhorabek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Tianfu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Functional Aggregate Materials, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, 518172, P. R. China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
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