1
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Fu Y, Lin Q, Lan R, Shao Z. Ultra-Strong Protein-Based Hydrogels via Promoting Intermolecular Entanglement of the Amorphous Region. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2403376. [PMID: 39221643 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202403376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Proteins are classified as biopolymers which share similar structural features with semi-crystalline polymers. Although their unique biocompatibility facilitates the universal applications of protein-based hydrogels in the biomedical field, the mechanical performances of protein-based hydrogels fall short of practical requirements. Conventional strategies for enhancing mechanical properties focus on forming regularly folded secondary structures as analogs of crystalline regions. This concept is based on proteins as the analogy of semi-crystalline polymers, in which crystalline regions profoundly contribute to the mechanical performances. Even though the contribution of the amorphous region is equally weighted for semi-crystalline polymers, their capacity to improve the mechanical performances of protein-based structures is still undervalued. Herein, the potential of promoting the mechanical performances is explored by controlling the state of amorphous regions in protein-based hydrogels. A fibril protein is chosen, regenerated silk fibroin (RSF), as a model molecule for its similar viscoelasticity with a semi-crystalline polymer. The amorphous regions in the RSF hydrogels are transformed from extended to entangled states through a double-crosslinking method. The formation of entanglement integrates new physically crosslinked points for remarkable improvement in mechanical performances. A robust hydrogel is not only developed but also intended to provide new insights into the structural-property relationship of protein-based hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Qinrui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Ruoqi Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Zhengzhong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
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2
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Sanchez-Fernandez A, Poon JF, Leung AE, Prévost SF, Dicko C. Stabilization of Non-Native Folds and Programmable Protein Gelation in Compositionally Designed Deep Eutectic Solvents. ACS NANO 2024; 18:18314-18326. [PMID: 38949563 PMCID: PMC11256765 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteins are adjustable units from which biomaterials with designed properties can be developed. However, non-native folded states with controlled topologies are hardly accessible in aqueous environments, limiting their prospects as building blocks. Here, we demonstrate the ability of a series of anhydrous deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to precisely control the conformational landscape of proteins. We reveal that systematic variations in the chemical composition of binary and ternary DESs dictate the stabilization of a wide range of conformations, that is, compact globular folds, intermediate folding states, or unfolded chains, as well as controlling their collective behavior. Besides, different conformational states can be visited by simply adjusting the composition of ternary DESs, allowing for the refolding of unfolded states and vice versa. Notably, we show that these intermediates can trigger the formation of supramolecular gels, also known as eutectogels, where their mechanical properties correlate to the folding state of the protein. Given the inherent vulnerability of proteins outside the native fold in aqueous environments, our findings highlight DESs as tailorable solvents capable of stabilizing various non-native conformations on demand through solvent design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Sanchez-Fernandez
- Center
for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS),
Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade
de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15705, Spain
| | - Jia-Fei Poon
- European
Spallation Source, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
| | | | | | - Cedric Dicko
- Pure
and Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
- Lund
Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, Lund SE-22370, Sweden
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3
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Payne-Dwyer A, Kumar G, Barrett J, Gherman LK, Hodgkinson M, Plevin M, Mackinder L, Leake MC, Schaefer C. Predicting Rubisco-Linker Condensation from Titration in the Dilute Phase. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:218401. [PMID: 38856270 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.218401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The condensation of Rubisco holoenzymes and linker proteins into "pyrenoids," a crucial supercharger of photosynthesis in algae, is qualitatively understood in terms of "sticker-and-spacer" theory. We derive semianalytical partition sums for small Rubisco-linker aggregates, which enable the calculation of both dilute-phase titration curves and dimerization diagrams. By fitting the titration curves to surface plasmon resonance and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy data, we extract the molecular properties needed to predict dimerization diagrams. We use these to estimate typical concentrations for condensation, and successfully compare these to microscopy observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Payne-Dwyer
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - James Barrett
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Laura K Gherman
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- York Structural Biology Laboratory, The University of York; York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hodgkinson
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Plevin
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- York Structural Biology Laboratory, The University of York; York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Mackinder
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C Leake
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Charley Schaefer
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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4
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Li S, Gong L, Wu X, Liu X, Bai N, Guo Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Fu H, Shou Q. Load-bearing columns inspired fabrication of ductile and mechanically enhanced BSA hydrogels. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129910. [PMID: 38309395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129910] [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] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Currently, protein-based hydrogels are widely applied in soft materials, tissue engineering and implantable scaffolds owing to their excellent biocompatibility, and degradability. However, most protein-based hydrogels are soft brittle. In this study, a ductile and mechanically enhanced bovine serum albumin (BSA) hydrogel is fabricated by soaking the a 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) induced BSA hydrogel in (NH4)2SO4 solution. An EDC/NHS coupling reaction induce protein coupling reactions that cause the BSA skeleton to resemble architectural load-bearing walls, protecting the integrity of the hydrogel and preventing collapse. The effects of the BSA and (NH4)2SO4 concentrations on the hydrogel mechanics are evaluated, and the possible strengthening mechanism is discussed. Besides, the highly kosmotropic ions greatly enhance the hydrophobic interaction within BSA gels and dehydration effect and their mechanical properties were significantly enhanced. The various mechanical properties of hydrogels can be regulated over a large window by soaking hydrogels into various ions. And most of them can be washed away, maintaining high biocompatibility of the protein. Importantly, the protein hydrogels prepared by this strategy could also be modified as strain sensors. In a word, this work demonstrates a new, universal method to provide multi-functional, biocompatible, strength enhanced and regulable mechanical pure protein hydrogel, combining the Hofmeister effect with -NH2/-COOH association groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
| | - Lihong Gong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China; Third Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Xijin Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Xianli Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Ningning Bai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Yingxue Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Xia Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Huiying Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
| | - Qiyang Shou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Second Clinical Medical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China; Jinghua academy of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Jinghua 321015, PR China.
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5
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Gharios R, Francis RM, DeForest CA. Chemical and Biological Engineering Strategies to Make and Modify Next-Generation Hydrogel Biomaterials. MATTER 2023; 6:4195-4244. [PMID: 38313360 PMCID: PMC10836217 DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the development of technologies to probe and direct in vitro cellular function for fundamental organoid and stem cell biology, functional tissue and metabolic engineering, and biotherapeutic formulation. Recapitulating many critical aspects of the native cellular niche, hydrogel biomaterials have proven to be a defining platform technology in this space, catapulting biological investigation from traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture into the 3D world. Seeking to better emulate the dynamic heterogeneity characteristic of all living tissues, global efforts over the last several years have centered around upgrading hydrogel design from relatively simple and static architectures into stimuli-responsive and spatiotemporally evolvable niches. Towards this end, advances from traditionally disparate fields including bioorthogonal click chemistry, chemoenzymatic synthesis, and DNA nanotechnology have been co-opted and integrated to construct 4D-tunable systems that undergo preprogrammed functional changes in response to user-defined inputs. In this Review, we highlight how advances in synthetic, semisynthetic, and bio-based chemistries have played a critical role in the triggered creation and customization of next-generation hydrogel biomaterials. We also chart how these advances stand to energize the translational pipeline of hydrogels from bench to market and close with an outlook on outstanding opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Gharios
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Ryan M. Francis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98109, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
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6
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Kaeek M, Khoury LR. Toward Tunable Protein-Driven Hydrogel Lens. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2306862. [PMID: 37991134 PMCID: PMC10754117 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306862] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite the significant progress in protein-based materials, creating a tunable protein-activated hydrogel lens remains an elusive goal. This study leverages the synergistic relationship between protein structural dynamics and polymer hydrogel engineering to introduce a highly transparent protein-polymer actuator. By incorporating bovine serum albumin into polyethyleneglycol diacrylate hydrogels, the authors achieved enhanced light transmittance and conferred actuating capabilities to the hydrogel. Taking advantage of these features, a bilayer protein-driven hydrogel lens that dynamically modifies its focal length in response to pH changes, mimicking the adaptability of the human lens, is fabricated. The lens demonstrates durability and reproducibility, highlighting its potential for repetitive applications. This integration of protein-diverse biochemistry, folding nanomechanics, and polymer engineering opens up new avenues for harnessing the wide range of proteins to potentially propel various fields such as diagnostics, lab-on-chip, and deep-tissue bio-optics, advancing the understanding of incorporating biomaterials in the optical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kaeek
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringTechnion Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifa32000Israel
| | - Luai R. Khoury
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringTechnion Israel Institute of TechnologyHaifa32000Israel
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7
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Laurent H, Hughes MDG, Walko M, Brockwell DJ, Mahmoudi N, Youngs TGA, Headen TF, Dougan L. Visualization of Self-Assembly and Hydration of a β-Hairpin through Integrated Small and Wide-Angle Neutron Scattering. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4869-4879. [PMID: 37874935 PMCID: PMC10646990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00583] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental understanding of the structure and assembly of nanoscale building blocks is crucial for the development of novel biomaterials with defined architectures and function. However, accessing self-consistent structural information across multiple length scales is challenging. This limits opportunities to exploit atomic scale interactions to achieve emergent macroscale properties. In this work we present an integrative small- and wide-angle neutron scattering approach coupled with computational modeling to reveal the multiscale structure of hierarchically self-assembled β hairpins in aqueous solution across 4 orders of magnitude in length scale from 0.1 Å to 300 nm. Our results demonstrate the power of this self-consistent cross-length scale approach and allows us to model both the large-scale self-assembly and small-scale hairpin hydration of the model β hairpin CLN025. Using this combination of techniques, we map the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of this model self-assembled biomolecular surface with atomic resolution. These results have important implications for the multiscale investigation of aqueous peptides and proteins, for the prediction of ligand binding and molecular associations for drug design, and for understanding the self-assembly of peptides and proteins for functional biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Laurent
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2
9JT
| | - Matt D. G. Hughes
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2
9JT
- Astbury
Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2
9JT
| | - Martin Walko
- School
of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United
Kingdom, LS2 9JT
| | - David J. Brockwell
- Astbury
Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2
9JT
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom, OX11 0QX
| | - Tristan G. A. Youngs
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom, OX11 0QX
| | - Thomas F. Headen
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom, OX11 0QX
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2
9JT
- Astbury
Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2
9JT
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8
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Akash S, Bibi S, Biswas P, Mukerjee N, Khan DA, Hasan MN, Sultana NA, Hosen ME, Jardan YAB, Nafidi HA, Bourhia M. Revolutionizing anti-cancer drug discovery against breast cancer and lung cancer by modification of natural genistein: an advanced computational and drug design approach. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1228865. [PMID: 37817764 PMCID: PMC10561655 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1228865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast and lung cancer are two of the most lethal forms of cancer, responsible for a disproportionately high number of deaths worldwide. Both doctors and cancer patients express alarm about the rising incidence of the disease globally. Although targeted treatment has achieved enormous advancements, it is not without its drawbacks. Numerous medicines and chemotherapeutic drugs have been authorized by the FDA; nevertheless, they can be quite costly and often fall short of completely curing the condition. Therefore, this investigation has been conducted to identify a potential medication against breast and lung cancer through structural modification of genistein. Genistein is the active compound in Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and it exhibits solid anticancer efficiency against various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain cancer. Hence, the design of its analogs with the interchange of five functional groups-COOH, NH2 and OCH3, Benzene, and NH-CH2-CH2-OH-have been employed to enhance affinities compared to primary genistein. Additionally, advanced computational studies such as PASS prediction, molecular docking, ADMET, and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted. Firstly, the PASS prediction spectrum was analyzed, revealing that the designed genistein analogs exhibit improved antineoplastic activity. In the prediction data, breast and lung cancer were selected as primary targets. Subsequently, other computational investigations were gradually conducted. The mentioned compounds have shown acceptable results for in silico ADME, AMES toxicity, and hepatotoxicity estimations, which are fundamental for their oral medication. It is noteworthy that the initial binding affinity was only -8.7 kcal/mol against the breast cancer targeted protein (PDB ID: 3HB5). However, after the modification of the functional group, when calculating the binding affinities, it becomes apparent that the binding affinities increase gradually, reaching a maximum of -11.0 and -10.0 kcal/mol. Similarly, the initial binding affinity was only -8.0 kcal/mol against lung cancer (PDB ID: 2P85), but after the addition of binding affinity, it reached -9.5 kcal/mol. Finally, a molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to study the molecular models over 100 ns and examine the stability of the docked complexes. The results indicate that the selected complexes remain highly stable throughout the 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation runs, displaying strong correlations with the binding of targeted ligands within the active site of the selected protein. It is important to further investigate and proceed to clinical or wet lab experiments to determine the practical value of the proposed compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shopnil Akash
- Faculty of Allied Health Science, Department of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shabana Bibi
- Department of Biosciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Partha Biswas
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Nobendu Mukerjee
- Department of Microbiology, West Bengal State University, Kolkata, India
| | - Dhrubo Ahmed Khan
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nazmul Hasan
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Nazneen Ahmeda Sultana
- Faculty of Allied Health Science, Department of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Eram Hosen
- Professor Joarder DNA and Chromosome Research Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Yousef A. Bin Jardan
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Hiba-Allah Nafidi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Bourhia
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Laayoune, Morocco
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9
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Hughes MDG, Cussons S, Hanson BS, Cook KR, Feller T, Mahmoudi N, Baker DL, Ariëns R, Head DA, Brockwell DJ, Dougan L. Building block aspect ratio controls assembly, architecture, and mechanics of synthetic and natural protein networks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5593. [PMID: 37696784 PMCID: PMC10495373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrous networks constructed from high aspect ratio protein building blocks are ubiquitous in nature. Despite this ubiquity, the functional advantage of such building blocks over globular proteins is not understood. To answer this question, we engineered hydrogel network building blocks with varying numbers of protein L domains to control the aspect ratio. The mechanical and structural properties of photochemically crosslinked protein L networks were then characterised using shear rheology and small angle neutron scattering. We show that aspect ratio is a crucial property that defines network architecture and mechanics, by shifting the formation from translationally diffusion dominated to rotationally diffusion dominated. Additionally, we demonstrate that a similar transition is observed in the model living system: fibrin blood clot networks. The functional advantages of this transition are increased mechanical strength and the rapid assembly of homogenous networks above a critical protein concentration, crucial for in vivo biological processes such as blood clotting. In addition, manipulating aspect ratio also provides a parameter in the design of future bio-mimetic and bio-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt D G Hughes
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sophie Cussons
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Benjamin S Hanson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kalila R Cook
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tímea Feller
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Spallation Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Daniel L Baker
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert Ariëns
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David A Head
- School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David J Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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10
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Boni R, Blackburn EA, Kleinjan DJ, Jonaitis M, Hewitt-Harris F, Murdoch M, Rosser S, Hay DC, Regan L. Chemically cross-linked hydrogels from repetitive protein arrays. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107981. [PMID: 37245604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials for tissue regeneration must mimic the biophysical properties of the native physiological environment. A protein engineering approach allows the generation of protein hydrogels with specific and customised biophysical properties designed to suit a particular physiological environment. Herein, repetitive engineered proteins were successfully designed to form covalent molecular networks with defined physical characteristics able to sustain cell phenotype. Our hydrogel design was made possible by the incorporation of the SpyTag (ST) peptide and multiple repetitive units of the SpyCatcher (SC) protein that spontaneously formed covalent crosslinks upon mixing. Changing the ratios of the protein building blocks (ST:SC), allowed the viscoelastic properties and gelation speeds of the hydrogels to be altered and controlled. The physical properties of the hydrogels could readily be altered further to suit different environments by tuning the key features in the repetitive protein sequence. The resulting hydrogels were designed with a view to allow cell attachment and encapsulation of liver derived cells. Biocompatibility of the hydrogels was assayed using a HepG2 cell line constitutively expressing GFP. The cells remained viable and continued to express GFP whilst attached or encapsulated within the hydrogel. Our results demonstrate how this genetically encoded approach using repetitive proteins could be applied to bridge engineering biology with nanotechnology creating a level of biomaterial customisation previously inaccessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Boni
- Centre for Engineering Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Blackburn
- Edinburgh Protein Production Facility (EPPF), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk-Jan Kleinjan
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mantas Jonaitis
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Flora Hewitt-Harris
- Centre for Engineering Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Murdoch
- Centre for Engineering Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Rosser
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David C Hay
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne Regan
- Centre for Engineering Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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11
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Aufderhorst-Roberts A, Cussons S, Brockwell DJ, Dougan L. Diversity of viscoelastic properties of an engineered muscle-inspired protein hydrogel. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3167-3178. [PMID: 37067782 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01225a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Folded protein hydrogels are prime candidates as tuneable biomaterials but it is unclear to what extent their mechanical properties have mesoscopic, as opposed to molecular origins. To address this, we probe hydrogels inspired by the muscle protein titin and engineered to the polyprotein I275, using a multimodal rheology approach. Across multiple protocols, the hydrogels consistently exhibit power-law viscoelasticity in the linear viscoelastic regime with an exponent β = 0.03, suggesting a dense fractal meso-structure, with predicted fractal dimension df = 2.48. In the nonlinear viscoelastic regime, the hydrogel undergoes stiffening and energy dissipation, indicating simultaneous alignment and unfolding of the folded proteins on the nanoscale. Remarkably, this behaviour is highly reversible, as the value of β, df and the viscoelastic moduli return to their equilibrium value, even after multiple cycles of deformation. This highlights a previously unrevealed diversity of viscoelastic properties that originate on both at the nanoscale and the mesoscopic scale, providing powerful opportunities for engineering novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Aufderhorst-Roberts
- Department of Physics, Centre for Materials Physics, University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Sophie Cussons
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - David J Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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12
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Cook KR, Head D, Dougan L. Modelling network formation in folded protein hydrogels by cluster aggregation kinetics. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2780-2791. [PMID: 36988480 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00111c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Globular folded protein-based hydrogels are becoming increasingly attractive due to their specific biological functionality, as well as their responsiveness to stimuli. By modelling folded proteins as colloids, there are rich opportunities to explore network formation mechanisms in protein hydrogels that negate the need for computationally expensive simulations which capture the full complexity of proteins. Here we present a kinetic lattice-based model which simulates the formation of irreversibly chemically crosslinked, folded protein-based hydrogels. We identify the critical point of gel percolation, explore the range of network regimes covering diffusion-limited to reaction-limited cluster aggregation (DLCA and RLCA, respectively) network formation mechanisms and predict the final network structure, fractal dimensions and final gel porosity. We reveal a crossover between DLCA and RLCA mechanisms as a function of protein volume fraction and show how the final network structure is governed by the structure at the percolation point, regardless of the broad variation of non-percolating cluster masses observed across all systems. An analysis of the pore size distribution in the final network structures reveals that, approaching RLCA, gels have larger maximal pores than the DLCA counterparts for both volume fractions studied. This general kinetic model and the analysis tools generate predictions of network structure and concurrent porosity over a broad range of experimentally controllable parameters that are consistent with current expectations and understanding of experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalila R Cook
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - David Head
- School of Computing, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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13
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Brown CP, Hughes MDG, Mahmoudi N, Brockwell DJ, Coletta PL, Peyman S, Evans SD, Dougan L. Structural and mechanical properties of folded protein hydrogels with embedded microbubbles. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2726-2737. [PMID: 36815670 PMCID: PMC10088474 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01918c] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Globular folded proteins are powerful building blocks to create biomaterials with mechanical robustness and inherent biological functionality. Here we explore their potential as advanced drug delivery scaffolds, by embedding microbubbles (MBs) within a photo-activated, chemically cross-linked bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein network. Using a combination of circular dichroism (CD), rheology, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and microscopy we determine the nanoscale and mesoscale structure and mechanics of this novel multi-composite system. Optical and confocal microscopy confirms the presence of MBs within the protein hydrogel, their reduced diffusion and their effective rupture using ultrasound, a requirement for burst drug release. CD confirms that the inclusion of MBs does not impact the proportion of folded proteins within the cross-linked protein network. Rheological characterisation demonstrates that the mechanics of the BSA hydrogels is reduced in the presence of MBs. Furthermore, SANS reveals that embedding MBs in the protein hydrogel network results in a smaller number of clusters that are larger in size (∼16.6% reduction in number of clusters, 17.4% increase in cluster size). Taken together, we show that MBs can be successfully embedded within a folded protein network and ruptured upon application of ultrasound. The fundamental insight into the impact of embedded MBs in protein scaffolds at the nanoscale and mesoscale is important in the development of future platforms for targeted and controlled drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa P Brown
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Matt D G Hughes
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Spallation Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - David J Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - P Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sally Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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14
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Nikfarjam S, Gibbons R, Burni F, Raghavan SR, Anisimov MA, Woehl TJ. Chemically Fueled Dissipative Cross-Linking of Protein Hydrogels Mediated by Protein Unfolding. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1131-1140. [PMID: 36795055 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Cells assemble dynamic protein-based nanostructures far from equilibrium, such as microtubules, in a process referred to as dissipative assembly. Synthetic analogues have utilized chemical fuels and reaction networks to form transient hydrogels and molecular assemblies from small molecule or synthetic polymer building blocks. Here, we demonstrate dissipative cross-linking of transient protein hydrogels using a redox cycle, which exhibit protein unfolding-dependent lifetimes and mechanical properties. Fast oxidation of cysteine groups on bovine serum albumin by hydrogen peroxide, the chemical fuel, formed transient hydrogels with disulfide bond cross-links that degraded over hours by a slow reductive back reaction. Interestingly, despite increased cross-linking, the hydrogel lifetime decreased as a function of increasing denaturant concentration. Experiments showed that the solvent-accessible cysteine concentration increased with increasing denaturant concentration due to unfolding of secondary structures. The increased cysteine concentration consumed more fuel, which led to less direction oxidation of the reducing agent and affected a shorter hydrogel lifetime. Increased hydrogel stiffness, disulfide cross-linking density, and decreased oxidation of redox-sensitive fluorescent probes at a high denaturant concentration provided evidence supporting the unveiling of additional cysteine cross-linking sites and more rapid consumption of hydrogen peroxide at higher denaturant concentrations. Taken together, the results indicate that the protein secondary structure mediated the transient hydrogel lifetime and mechanical properties by mediating the redox reactions, a feature unique to biomacromolecules that exhibit a higher order structure. While prior works have focused on the effects of the fuel concentration on dissipative assembly of non-biological molecules, this work demonstrates that the protein structure, even in nearly fully denatured proteins, can exert similar control over reaction kinetics, lifetime, and resulting mechanical properties of transient hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakiba Nikfarjam
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
| | - Rebecca Gibbons
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
| | - Faraz Burni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
| | - Srinivasa R Raghavan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
| | - Mikhail A Anisimov
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
- Institute for Physical Sciences and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
| | - Taylor J Woehl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740, United States
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15
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Brooker C, Tronci G. A collagen-based theranostic wound dressing with visual, long-lasting infection detection capability. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 236:123866. [PMID: 36870632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Continuous wound monitoring is one strategy to minimise infection severity and inform prompt variations in therapeutic care following infection diagnosis. However, integration of this functionality in therapeutic wound dressings is still challenging. We hypothesised that a theranostic dressing could be realised by integrating a collagen-based wound contact layer with previously demonstrated wound healing capability, and a halochromic dye, i.e. bromothymol blue (BTB), undergoing colour change following infection-associated pH changes (pH: 5-6 ➔ >7). Two different BTB integration strategies, i.e. electrospinning and drop-casting, were pursued to introduce long-lasting visual infection detection capability through retention of BTB within the dressing. Both systems had an average BTB loading efficiency of 99 wt% and displayed a colour change within 1 min of contact with simulated wound fluid. Drop-cast samples retained up to 85 wt% of BTB after 96 h in a near-infected wound environment, in contrast to the fibre-bearing prototypes, which released over 80 wt% of BTB over the same time period. An increase in collagen denaturation temperature (DSC) and red shifts (ATR-FTIR) suggest the formation of secondary interactions between the collagen-based hydrogel and the BTB, which are attributed to count for the long-lasting dye confinement and durable dressing colour change. Given the high L929 fibroblast viability in drop-cast sample extracts (92 %, 7 days), the presented multiscale design is simple, cell- and regulatory-friendly, and compliant with industrial scale-up. This design, therefore, offers a new platform for the development of theranostic dressings enabling accelerated wound healing and prompt infection diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Brooker
- Clothworkers' Centre for Textile Materials Innovation for Healthcare (CCTMIH), School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; School of Dentistry, St. James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Tronci
- Clothworkers' Centre for Textile Materials Innovation for Healthcare (CCTMIH), School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; School of Dentistry, St. James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom.
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16
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Tang Y, Wang H, Liu S, Pu L, Hu X, Ding J, Xu G, Xu W, Xiang S, Yuan Z. A review of protein hydrogels: Protein assembly mechanisms, properties, and biological applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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Slawinski M, Kaeek M, Rajmiel Y, Khoury LR. Acetic Acid Enables Precise Tailoring of the Mechanical Behavior of Protein-Based Hydrogels. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:6942-6950. [PMID: 36018622 PMCID: PMC9479135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Engineering viscoelastic and biocompatible materials with tailored mechanical and microstructure properties capable of mimicking the biological stiffness (<17 kPa) or serving as bioimplants will bring protein-based hydrogels to the forefront in the biomaterials field. Here, we introduce a method that uses different concentrations of acetic acid (AA) to control the covalent tyrosine-tyrosine cross-linking interactions at the nanoscale level during protein-based hydrogel synthesis and manipulates their mechanical and microstructure properties without affecting protein concentration and (un)folding nanomechanics. We demonstrated this approach by adding AA as a precursor to the preparation buffer of a photoactivated protein-based hydrogel mixture. This strategy allowed us to synthesize hydrogels made from bovine serum albumin (BSA) and eight repeats protein L structure, with a fine-tailored wide range of stiffness (2-35 kPa). Together with protein engineering technologies, this method will open new routes in developing and investigating tunable protein-based hydrogels and extend their application toward new horizons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Slawinski
- Department
of Physics, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, 3135 N. Maryland Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Maria Kaeek
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion
Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Yair Rajmiel
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion
Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Luai R. Khoury
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion
Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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18
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Hughes MD, Cussons S, Mahmoudi N, Brockwell DJ, Dougan L. Tuning Protein Hydrogel Mechanics through Modulation of Nanoscale Unfolding and Entanglement in Postgelation Relaxation. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10667-10678. [PMID: 35731007 PMCID: PMC9331141 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Globular folded proteins are versatile nanoscale building blocks to create biomaterials with mechanical robustness and inherent biological functionality due to their specific and well-defined folded structures. Modulating the nanoscale unfolding of protein building blocks during network formation (in situ protein unfolding) provides potent opportunities to control the protein network structure and mechanics. Here, we control protein unfolding during the formation of hydrogels constructed from chemically cross-linked maltose binding protein using ligand binding and the addition of cosolutes to modulate protein kinetic and thermodynamic stability. Bulk shear rheology characterizes the storage moduli of the bound and unbound protein hydrogels and reveals a correlation between network rigidity, characterized as an increase in the storage modulus, and protein thermodynamic stability. Furthermore, analysis of the network relaxation behavior identifies a crossover from an unfolding dominated regime to an entanglement dominated regime. Control of in situ protein unfolding and entanglement provides an important route to finely tune the architecture, mechanics, and dynamic relaxation of protein hydrogels. Such predictive control will be advantageous for future smart biomaterials for applications which require responsive and dynamic modulation of mechanical properties and biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt D.
G. Hughes
- School of
Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Sophie Cussons
- Astbury Centre
for Structural Molecular Biology, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
- School of
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS
Neutron
and Muon Spallation Source, STFC Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - David J. Brockwell
- Astbury Centre
for Structural Molecular Biology, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
- School of
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of
Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
- Astbury Centre
for Structural Molecular Biology, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
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19
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Head D. Viscoelastic Scaling Regimes for Marginally Rigid Fractal Spring Networks. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:018001. [PMID: 35841566 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.018001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A family of marginally rigid (isostatic) spring networks with fractal structure up to a controllable length was devised, and the viscoelastic spectra G^{*}(ω) calculated. Two nontrivial scaling regimes were observed, (i) G^{'}≈G^{''}∝ω^{Δ} at low frequencies, consistent with Δ=1/2, and (ii) G^{'}∝G^{''}∝ω^{Δ^{'}} for intermediate frequencies corresponding to fractal structure, consistent with a theoretical prediction Δ^{'}=(ln3-ln2)/(ln3+ln2). The crossover between these two regimes occurred at lower frequencies for larger fractals in a manner suggesting diffusivelike dispersion. Solid gels generated by introducing internal stresses exhibited similar behavior above a low-frequency cutoff, indicating the relevance of these findings to real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Head
- School of Computing, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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20
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Yu P, Li Y, Sun H, Ke X, Xing J, Zhao Y, Xu X, Qin M, Xie J, Li J. Cartilage-Inspired Hydrogel with Mechanical Adaptability, Controllable Lubrication, and Inflammation Regulation Abilities. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:27360-27370. [PMID: 35658410 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c04609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage is a key component in joints because of its load-bearing and lubricating abilities. However, osteoarthritis often leads to afunction of load-bearing/lubrication and occurrence of inflammation with overexpressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). To address these issues, we fabricated a novel polyanionic hydrogel with abundant carboxylates/sulfonates ("CS" hydrogel), inspired by normal cartilage rich in anionic hyaluronate/sulfonate glycosaminoglycan/lubricin, and crosslinked it tightly by Fe3+ ("CS-Fe" hydrogel). The "CS-Fe" hydrogel displayed mechanical adaptability and shear resistance. A low coefficient of friction (∼0.02) appeared when a loose hydrogel layer was generated because of the photoreduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ by UV irradiation. This biocompatible "CS-Fe" hydrogel suppressed the overexpressed hydroxyl radical (·OH) and NO in macrophages and protected chondrocytes/fibroblasts from aggressive inflammation. Moreover, the layered "CS-Fe" hydrogel avoided cell death of chondrocytes in sliding tests. The results demonstrate that this cartilage-inspired hydrogel is a promising candidate material in cartilage tissue engineering to especially address inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Hui Sun
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Ke
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqi Xing
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Yiran Zhao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Xinyuan Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Meng Qin
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xie
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P.R. China
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
- Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
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21
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Chen J, Wang B, Caserto JS, Shariati K, Cao P, Pan Y, Xu Q, Ma M. Sustained Delivery of SARS-CoV-2 RBD Subunit Vaccine Using a High Affinity Injectable Hydrogel Scaffold. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101714. [PMID: 34755476 PMCID: PMC8652948 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein that mediates viral entry into host cells is a good candidate immunogen for vaccine development against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Because of its small size, most preclinical and early clinical efforts have focused on multimerizing RBD on various formats of nanoparticles to increase its immunogenicity. Using an easily administered injectable hydrogel scaffold that is rationally designed for enhanced retainment of RBD, an alternative and facile approach for boosting RBD immunogenicity in mice is demonstrated. Prolonged delivery of poly (I:C) adjuvanted RBD by the hydrogel scaffold results in sustained exposure to lymphoid tissues, which elicits serum IgG titers comparable to those induced by three bolus injections, but more long-lasting and polarized toward TH 1-mediated IgG2b. The hydrogel scaffold induces potent germinal center (GC) reactions, correlating with RBD-specific antibody generation and robust type 1 T cell responses. Besides being an enduring RBD reservoir, the hydrogel scaffold becomes a local inflammatory niche for innate immune cell activation. Collectively, the injectable hydrogel scaffold provides a simple, practical, and inexpensive means to enhance the efficacy of RBD-based subunit vaccines against COVID-19 and may be applicable to other circulating and emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Biological and Environmental EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biological and Environmental EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Julia S. Caserto
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Kaavian Shariati
- Department of Biological and Environmental EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Peng Cao
- College of PharmacyNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Yang Pan
- College of PharmacyNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- College of PharmacyNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing210023China
| | - Minglin Ma
- Department of Biological and Environmental EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
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22
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Hanson BS, Dougan L. Intermediate Structural Hierarchy in Biological Networks Modulates the Fractal Dimension and Force Distribution of Percolating Clusters. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4191-4198. [PMID: 34420304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Globular protein hydrogels are an emerging class of materials with the potential for rational design, and a generalized understanding of how their network properties emerge from the structure and dynamics of the building block is a key challenge. Here we computationally investigate the effect of intermediate (polymeric) nanoscale structure on the formation of protein hydrogels. We show that changes in both the cross-link topology and flexibility of the polymeric building block lead to changes in the force transmission around the system and provide insight into the dynamic network formation processes. The preassembled intermediate structure provides a novel structural coordinate for the hierarchical modulation of macroscopic network properties, as well as furthering our understanding of the general dynamics of network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Hanson
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Dougan
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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