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Villanueva ME, Bar L, Redondo-Morata L, Namdar P, Ruysschaert JM, Pabst G, Vandier C, María Bouchet A, Losada-Pérez P. Spontaneous nanotube formation of an asymmetric glycolipid. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 671:410-422. [PMID: 38815376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.05.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, advances in lipid nanotechnology have shown that self-assembled lipid structures providing ease of preparation, chemical stability, and biocompatibility represent a landmark on the development of multidisciplinary technologies. Lipid nanotubes (LNTs) are a unique class of lipid self-assembled structures, bearing unique properties such as high-aspect ratio, tunable diameter size, and precise molecular recognition. They can be obtained either by the action of external factors to already formed vesicles or spontaneously, the latter depending strongly on subtle molecular features. Here, we report on the spontaneous formation of supported lipid nanotubes of a particular type of glycolipid, ohmline, whose hydrophobic core displays remarkable asymmetry. The combination of bulk and surface-sensitive techniques indicates that below its main transition, ohmline displays an interdigitated gel phase, likely driven by the unique asymmetry in its hydrophobic core. Enhanced order packing by interdigitation favors the formation of ohmline nanotubes in agreement with chiral-based models of nanotube formation. The findings presented in this work call for additional studies to link lipid molecular structure-assembly relationships, whose understanding is relevant for the controlled design of lipid nanotubes networks in particular and controlled design of soft-matter nanomaterials in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín E Villanueva
- Experimental Soft Matter and Thermal Physics (EST) Group, Department of Physics, Université libre de Bruxelles, Boulevard du Triomphe CP223, Brussels 1050, Belgium.
| | - Laure Bar
- Experimental Soft Matter and Thermal Physics (EST) Group, Department of Physics, Université libre de Bruxelles, Boulevard du Triomphe CP223, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Lorena Redondo-Morata
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, DyNaMo, Turing Centre for Living systems, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Peter Namdar
- Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Humboldtstr 50/III, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Jean-Marie Ruysschaert
- Structure and Functions of Biological Membranes, Université libre de Bruxelles, Boulevard du Triomphe CP223, Brussels 1050, Belgium; Lifesome Therapeutics S. L., Calle Faraday 7, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Georg Pabst
- Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Humboldtstr 50/III, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Christophe Vandier
- Niche, Nutrition, Cancer and Oxidative Metabolism (N2Cox) UMR 1069, University of Tours, INSERM, Tours, France; Lifesome Therapeutics S. L., Calle Faraday 7, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Losada-Pérez
- Experimental Soft Matter and Thermal Physics (EST) Group, Department of Physics, Université libre de Bruxelles, Boulevard du Triomphe CP223, Brussels 1050, Belgium.
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2
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Li X, Li L, Wang D, Zhang J, Yi K, Su Y, Luo J, Deng X, Deng F. Fabrication of polymeric microspheres for biomedical applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2820-2855. [PMID: 38567423 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01641b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Polymeric microspheres (PMs) have attracted great attention in the field of biomedicine in the last several decades due to their small particle size, special functionalities shown on the surface and high surface-to-volume ratio. However, how to fabricate PMs which can meet the clinical needs and transform laboratory achievements to industrial scale-up still remains a challenge. Therefore, advanced fabrication technologies are pursued. In this review, we summarize the technologies used to fabricate PMs, including emulsion-based methods, microfluidics, spray drying, coacervation, supercritical fluid and superhydrophobic surface-mediated method and their advantages and disadvantages. We also review the different structures, properties and functions of the PMs and their applications in the fields of drug delivery, cell encapsulation and expansion, scaffolds in tissue engineering, transcatheter arterial embolization and artificial cells. Moreover, we discuss existing challenges and future perspectives for advancing fabrication technologies and biomedical applications of PMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Luohuizi Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, P. R. China.
| | - Dehui Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass Co. Ltd, Zibo, 256100, P. R. China
| | - Kangfeng Yi
- Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass Co. Ltd, Zibo, 256100, P. R. China
| | - Yucai Su
- Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass Co. Ltd, Zibo, 256100, P. R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, P. R. China.
| | - Xu Deng
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, P. R. China.
- Shenzhen Institute for Advanced Study, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518110, P. R. China
| | - Fei Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Jinniu Hospital, Chengdu Jinniu District People's Hospital, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China.
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3
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Huster D, Maiti S, Herrmann A. Phospholipid Membranes as Chemically and Functionally Tunable Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312898. [PMID: 38456771 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312898] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The sheet-like lipid bilayer is the fundamental structural component of all cell membranes. Its building blocks are phospholipids and cholesterol. Their amphiphilic structure spontaneously leads to the formation of a bilayer in aqueous environment. Lipids are not just structural elements. Individual lipid species, the lipid membrane structure, and lipid dynamics influence and regulate membrane protein function. An exciting field is emerging where the membrane-associated material properties of different bilayer systems are used in designing innovative solutions for widespread applications across various fields, such as the food industry, cosmetics, nano- and biomedicine, drug storage and delivery, biotechnology, nano- and biosensors, and computing. Here, the authors summarize what is known about how lipids determine the properties and functions of biological membranes and how this has been or can be translated into innovative applications. Based on recent progress in the understanding of membrane structure, dynamics, and physical properties, a perspective is provided on how membrane-controlled regulation of protein functions can extend current applications and even offer new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Huster
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16/18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, 400 005, India
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department Chemistry and Biochemistry, SupraFAB, Altensteinstr. 23a, D-14195, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Saha A, Yi R, Fahrenbach AC, Wang A, Jia TZ. A Physicochemical Consideration of Prebiotic Microenvironments for Self-Assembly and Prebiotic Chemistry. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12101595. [PMID: 36295030 PMCID: PMC9604842 DOI: 10.3390/life12101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The origin of life on Earth required myriads of chemical and physical processes. These include the formation of the planet and its geological structures, the formation of the first primitive chemicals, reaction, and assembly of these primitive chemicals to form more complex or functional products and assemblies, and finally the formation of the first cells (or protocells) on early Earth, which eventually evolved into modern cells. Each of these processes presumably occurred within specific prebiotic reaction environments, which could have been diverse in physical and chemical properties. While there are resources that describe prebiotically plausible environments or nutrient availability, here, we attempt to aggregate the literature for the various physicochemical properties of different prebiotic reaction microenvironments on early Earth. We introduce a handful of properties that can be quantified through physical or chemical techniques. The values for these physicochemical properties, if they are known, are then presented for each reaction environment, giving the reader a sense of the environmental variability of such properties. Such a resource may be useful for prebiotic chemists to understand the range of conditions in each reaction environment, or to select the medium most applicable for their targeted reaction of interest for exploratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Saha
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Ave, Floor 1, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University, Kolkata 700135, India
| | - Ruiqin Yi
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Albert C. Fahrenbach
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Anna Wang
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for Astrobiology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (T.Z.J.)
| | - Tony Z. Jia
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Ave, Floor 1, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (T.Z.J.)
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5
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Schanke IJ, Xue L, Spustova K, Gözen I. Transport among protocells via tunneling nanotubes. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:10418-10427. [PMID: 35748865 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02290g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We employ model protocell networks for evaluation of molecular transport through lipid nanotubes as potential means of communication among primitive cells on the early Earth. Network formation is initiated by deposition of lipid reservoirs onto a SiO2 surface in an aqueous environment. These reservoirs autonomously develop into surface-adhered protocells interconnected via lipid nanotubes while encapsulating solutes from the ambient buffer. We observe the uptake of DNA and RNA, and their diffusive transport between the lipid compartments via the interconnecting nanotubes. By means of an analytical model we determine key physical parameters affecting the transport, such as nanotube diameter and compartment size. We conclude that nanotube-mediated transport could have been a possible pathway of communication between primitive cells on the early Earth, circumventing the necessity for crossing the membrane barrier. We suggest this transport as a feasible means of RNA and DNA exchange under primitive prebiotic conditions, possibly facilitating early replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Jin Schanke
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
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6
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Gözen I, Köksal ES, Põldsalu I, Xue L, Spustova K, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Ryskulov R, Meng F, Jesorka A. Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106624. [PMID: 35322554 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Fanda Meng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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7
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Wang Y, Zhang J, Gao H, Sun Y, Wang L. Lipid nanotubes: Formation and applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 212:112362. [PMID: 35101821 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112362] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Lipids, the fundamental components of cell membrane, play important roles in the whole cycle of cell life, thus attracting worldwide attention, owing to their physicochemical property and extensive use in the applications based on lipid assemblies. Compared with liposomes, lipid nanotubes (LNTs) usually possess unique properties, such as highly ordered structure, precise molecular recognition, and the possibility of substance transport, thus providing more potential applications in different research fields. However, until now, there are still quite rare cases of LNTs successfully employed in practical applications. Bearing this in mind and based on our own experience in this field, we summarized and discussed the recent progress of the fabrication approaches and representative applications of the LNTs in the past decade, which would potentially provide basic understanding and guidance towards their future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Haiping Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266237, China; Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
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8
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Köksal ES, Põldsalu I, Friis H, Mojzsis SJ, Bizzarro M, Gözen I. Spontaneous Formation of Prebiotic Compartment Colonies on Hadean Earth and Pre‐Noachian Mars**. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elif S. Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo 0318 Oslo Norway
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo 0318 Oslo Norway
| | - Henrik Friis
- Natural History Museum University of Oslo Postboks 1172 Blindern 0318 Oslo Norway
| | - Stephen J. Mojzsis
- Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences 15–17 Konkoly Thege Miklós Road Budapest 1121 Hungary
- Department of Lithospheric Research University of Vienna UZA 2, Althanstraße 14 1090 Vienna Austria
- Department of Geological Sciences University of Colorado UCB 399, 2200 Colorado Avenue Boulder CO 80309-0399 USA
| | - Martin Bizzarro
- Centre for Star and Planet Formation GLOBE Institute University of Copenhagen 1350 Copenhagen K Denmark
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo 0318 Oslo Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences University of Oslo 0315 Oslo Norway
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9
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Spustova K, Xue L, Ryskulov R, Jesorka A, Gözen I. Manipulation of Lipid Membranes with Thermal Stimuli. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2402:209-225. [PMID: 34854047 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1843-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We describe a protocol for the assembly and application of infrared (IR-B) laser-based set-ups to be used for localized heating of solid-supported planar and vesicular lipid membrane assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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10
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Põldsalu I, Köksal ES, Gözen I. Mixed fatty acid-phospholipid protocell networks. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:26948-26954. [PMID: 34842249 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp03832j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled membranes composed of both fatty acids and phospholipids are permeable for solutes and structurally stable, which was likely an advantageous combination for the development of primitive cells on the early Earth. Here we report on the solid surface-assisted formation of primitive mixed-surfactant membrane compartments, i.e. model protocells, from multilamellar lipid reservoirs composed of different ratios of fatty acids and phospholipids. Similar to the previously discovered enhancement of model protocell formation on solid substrates, we achieve spontaneous multi-step self-transformation of mixed surfactant reservoirs into closed surfactant containers, interconnected via nanotube networks. Some of the fatty acid-containing compartments in the networks exhibit colony-like growth. We demonstrate that the compartments generated from fatty acid-containing phospholipid membranes feature increased permeability coefficients for molecules in the ambient solution, for fluorescein up to 7 × 10-6 cm s-1 and for RNA up to 3.5 × 10-6 cm s-1. Our findings indicate that surface-assisted autonomous protocell formation and development, starting from mixed amphiphiles, is a plausible scenario for the early stages of the emergence of primitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
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11
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Cook AB, Clemons TD. Bottom‐Up versus Top‐Down Strategies for Morphology Control in Polymer‐Based Biomedical Materials. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B. Cook
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Morego 30 Genova 16163 Italy
| | - Tristan D. Clemons
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
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12
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Gözen İ. Did Solid Surfaces Enable the Origin of Life? Life (Basel) 2021; 11:795. [PMID: 34440539 PMCID: PMC8399221 DOI: 10.3390/life11080795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In this perspective article, I discuss whether and how solid surfaces could have played a key role in the formation of membranous primitive cells on the early Earth. I argue why surface energy could have been used by prebiotic amphiphile assemblies for unique morphological transformations, and present recent experimental findings showing the surface-dependent formation and behavior of sophisticated lipid membrane structures. Finally, I discuss the possible unique contributions of such surface-adhered architectures to the transition from prebiotic matter to living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
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13
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Baxter AM, Jordan LR, Kullappan M, Wittenberg NJ. Tubulation of Supported Lipid Bilayer Membranes Induced by Photosensitized Lipid Oxidation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:5753-5762. [PMID: 33939441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We show that photosensitized phospholipid oxidation, initiated by the lipid-conjugated fluorophore TopFluor-PC, causes defects, namely, membrane tubes and vesicle-like structures, in supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). Lipid oxidation is detrimental to the integrity of the lipid molecules; when oxidized, they undergo a conformational expansion, which causes membrane tubes to protrude from the SLB. Lipid oxidation is verified by FT-IR spectroscopy, and area expansion is observed in Langmuir trough experiments. Upon growing to a critical length, the membrane tubes arising from SLBs rapidly undergo transition to vesicle-like structures. We find a correlation between the maximum tube length and the diameter of the resulting vesicle, suggesting the conservation of the surface area between these features. We use geometric modeling and the measured tube length and vesicle radius to calculate the tube radius; our calculated mean tube diameter of 243 nm is comparable to other groups' experimental findings. In the presence of fluid flow, membrane tubes can be extended to tens to hundreds of microns in length. SLBs composed of saturated lipids resist light-induced tubulation, and the inclusion of the lipophilic antioxidant α-tocopherol attenuates the tubulation process and increases the light intensity threshold for tubulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Baxter
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Luke R Jordan
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Monicka Kullappan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Nathan J Wittenberg
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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14
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15
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Wang X, Du H, Wang Z, Mu W, Han X. Versatile Phospholipid Assemblies for Functional Synthetic Cells and Artificial Tissues. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002635. [PMID: 32830387 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of a synthetic cell from nonliving building blocks capable of mimicking cellular properties and behaviors helps to understand the particular biophysical properties and working mechanisms of a cell. A synthetic cell built in this way possesses defined chemical composition and structure. Since phospholipids are native biomembrane components, their assemblies are widely used to mimic cellular structures. Here, recent developments in the formation of versatile phospholipid assemblies are described, together with the applications of these assemblies for functional membranes (protein reconstituted giant unilamellar vesicles), spherical and nonspherical protoorganelles, and functional synthetic cells, as well as the high-order hierarchical structures of artificial tissues. Their biomedical applications are also briefly summarized. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the field of synthetic cells and artificial tissues based on phospholipid assemblies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Marine Antifouling Engineering Technology Center of Shangdong Province, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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16
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Spustova K, Köksal ES, Ainla A, Gözen I. Subcompartmentalization and Pseudo-Division of Model Protocells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2005320. [PMID: 33230918 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Membrane enclosed intracellular compartments have been exclusively associated with the eukaryotes, represented by the highly compartmentalized last eukaryotic common ancestor. Recent evidence showing the presence of membranous compartments with specific functions in archaea and bacteria makes it conceivable that the last universal common ancestor and its hypothetical precursor, the protocell, may have exhibited compartmentalization. To the authors' knowledge, there are no experimental studies yet that have tested this hypothesis. They report on an autonomous subcompartmentalization mechanism for protocells which results in the transformation of initial subcompartments to daughter protocells. The process is solely determined by the fundamental materials properties and interfacial events, and does not require biological machinery or chemical energy supply. In the light of the authors' findings, it is proposed that similar events may have taken place under early Earth conditions, leading to the development of compartmentalized cells and potentially, primitive division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Alar Ainla
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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17
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Abstract
The desire to create cell-like models for fundamental science and applications has spurred extensive effort toward creating giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). However, a route to selectively self-assemble GUVs in bulk has remained elusive. In bulk solution, membrane-forming molecules such as phospholipids, single-tailed surfactants, and block copolymers typically self-assemble into multilamellar, onion-like structures. So although self-assembly processes can form nanoscale unilamellar vesicles, scaffolding by droplets or surfaces is required to create GUVs. Here we show that it is possible to bulk self-assemble cell-sized GUVs with almost complete selectivity over other vesicle topologies. The seemingly paradoxical pair of features that enables this appears to be having very dynamic molecules at the nanoscale that create unusually rigid membranes. The resultant self-assembly pathway enables encapsulation of molecules and colloids and can also generate model primitive cells that can grow and divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T. Kindt
- School of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jack W. Szostak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anna Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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18
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Gözen I, Dommersnes P. Biological lipid nanotubes and their potential role in evolution. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. SPECIAL TOPICS 2020; 229:2843-2862. [PMID: 33224439 PMCID: PMC7666715 DOI: 10.1140/epjst/e2020-000130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The membrane of cells and organelles are highly deformable fluid interfaces, and can take on a multitude of shapes. One distinctive and particularly interesting property of biological membranes is their ability to from long and uniform nanotubes. These nanoconduits are surprisingly omnipresent in all domains of life, from archaea, bacteria, to plants and mammals. Some of these tubes have been known for a century, while others were only recently discovered. Their designations are different in different branches of biology, e.g. they are called stromule in plants and tunneling nanotubes in mammals. The mechanical transformation of flat membranes to tubes involves typically a combination of membrane anchoring and external forces, leading to a pulling action that results in very rapid membrane nanotube formation - micrometer long tubes can form in a matter of seconds. Their radius is set by a mechanical balance of tension and bending forces. There also exists a large class of membrane nanotubes that form due to curvature inducing molecules. It seems plausible that nanotube formation and functionality in plants and animals may have been inherited from their bacterial ancestors during endosymbiotic evolution. Here we attempt to connect observations of nanotubes in different branches of biology, and outline their similarities and differences with the aim of providing a perspective on their joint functions and evolutionary origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318 Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315 Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, 412 96 Sweden
| | - Paul Dommersnes
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Hoegskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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19
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Köksal ES, Liese S, Xue L, Ryskulov R, Viitala L, Carlson A, Gözen I. Rapid Growth and Fusion of Protocells in Surface-Adhered Membrane Networks. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002529. [PMID: 32776465 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Elevated temperatures might have promoted the nucleation, growth, and replication of protocells on the early Earth. Recent reports have shown evidence that moderately high temperatures not only permit protocell assembly at the origin of life, but can have actively supported it. Here, the fast nucleation and growth of vesicular compartments from autonomously formed lipid networks on solid surfaces, induced by a moderate increase in temperature, are shown. Branches of the networks, initially consisting of self-assembled interconnected nanotubes, rapidly swell into microcompartments which can spontaneously encapsulate RNA fragments. The increase in temperature further causes fusion of adjacent network-connected compartments, resulting in the redistribution of the RNA. The experimental observations and the mathematical model indicate that the presence of nanotubular interconnections between protocells facilitates the fusion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif S Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Susanne Liese
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Lauri Viitala
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Andreas Carlson
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
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20
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Jesorka A, Põldsalu I, Gözen I. Microfluidic technology for investigation of protein function in single adherent cells. Methods Enzymol 2019; 628:145-172. [PMID: 31668227 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Instrumental techniques and associated methods for single cell analysis, designed to investigate and measure a broad range of cellular parameters in search of unique features, address key limitations of conventional cell-based assays with their ensemble average response. While many different single cell techniques exist for suspension cultures, which can process and characterize large numbers of individual cells in rapid succession, the access to surface-immobilized cells in typical 2D and 3D culture environments remains challenging. Open space microfluidics has created new possibilities in this area, allowing for exclusive access to single cells in adherent cultures, even at high confluency. In this chapter, we briefly review new microtechnologies for the investigation of protein function in single adherent cells, and present an overview over related recent applications of the multifunctional pipette (Biopen), a microfluidic multi-solution dispensing system that uses hydrodynamic confinement in open volume environments in order to establish a superfusion zone over selected single cells in adherent cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Irep Gözen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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21
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Abstract
I hypothesize that the division of the first protocell might have occurred before genetic polymers were synthesized and redistributed. In the light of recent findings, it is conceivable that the first division event of a primitive protocell might have occurred at the same time as its surface-assisted formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , Oslo 0318 , Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , University of Oslo , Oslo 0315 , Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Chalmers University of Technology , Göteborg SE-412 96 , Sweden
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22
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Orwick Rydmark M, Christensen MK, Köksal ES, Kantarci I, Kustanovich K, Yantchev V, Jesorka A, Gözen I. Styrene maleic acid copolymer induces pores in biomembranes. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:7934-7944. [PMID: 31539004 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01407a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the interactions between styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymers and phospholipid bilayers, using confocal microscopy and surface acoustic wave resonance (SAR) sensing. For the first time we experimentally observed and followed pore formation by SMA copolymers in intact supported bilayers and unilamellar vesicles, showing that fluorescein, a water-soluble organic compound with a mean diameter of 6.9 Å, can traverse the membrane. Our findings are in agreement with recent theoretical predictions, which suggested that SMA copolymers may insert along the plane of the bilayer to form stable toroidal pores.
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