1
|
Elrefaey I, Mahgoub H, Vettorazzo C, Marinšek M, Meden A, Jamnik A, Tomšič M, Strlič M. Investigation of the Structural Changes in Silk Due to Tin Weighting. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2481. [PMID: 39274114 PMCID: PMC11397908 DOI: 10.3390/polym16172481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the 19th century, the weighting of silk with metal salts, such as tin, was a common practice to enhance certain properties of silk fabrics and compensate for the weight loss incurred during the degumming process. This technique induces both physical and chemical modifications to the fibres, contributing to their long-term degradation, which requires thorough investigation. This study aims to examine the structural changes in silk fibres caused by the accumulation of metal salts from the tin-weighting process, using mock-up samples prepared through successive loading with weighting agents using a traditional tin-phosphate treatment method. Unweighted and tin-weighted silk samples were compared using scanning electron (SEM) micrographs, which presented the dispersed nanoparticles on the fibres, while through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping, the presence and uniform distribution of the weighting agents were confirmed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed structural changes in tin-weighted silk samples compared to untreated ones, including shifts in amide bands, altered water/hydroxyl and skeletal stretching regions, and increased skeletal band intensities suggesting modifications in hydrogen bonding, β-sheet content, and structural disorder without significantly impacting the overall crystallinity index. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of both pristine and tin-weighted silk samples revealed significant alterations, predominantly in the amorphous regions of the silk upon weighting. These structural changes were further examined using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS), which provided detailed insights into modifications occurring at the nanometre scale. The analyses suggested disruptions in β-sheet crystals and intermolecular packing, especially in the amorphous regions, with increasing amounts of tin-weighting. Contact angle analysis (CA) revealed that the tin-phosphate-weighting process significantly impacted silk surface properties, transforming it from moderately hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic. These changes indicate that the incorporation of tin-phosphate nanoparticles on and within silk fibres could restrict the flexibility of polymer chains, impacting the physical properties and potentially the degradation behaviour of silk textiles. By studying these structural changes, we aim to deepen our understanding of how tin-weighting impacts silk fibre structure, contributing valuable insights into the longevity, conservation, and preservation strategies of silk textiles in the context of cultural heritage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Elrefaey
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Hend Mahgoub
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chiara Vettorazzo
- ARCHES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Blindestraat 9, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
- AXIS Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marjan Marinšek
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anton Meden
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Jamnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Tomšič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Strlič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brookstein O, Shimoni E, Eliaz D, Kaplan-Ashiri I, Carmel I, Shimanovich U. Metal ions guide the production of silkworm silk fibers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6671. [PMID: 39107276 PMCID: PMC11303403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50879-9] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Silk fibers' unique mechanical properties have made them desirable materials, yet their formation mechanism remains poorly understood. While ions are known to support silk fiber production, their exact role has thus far eluded discovery. Here, we use cryo-electron microscopy coupled with elemental analysis to elucidate the changes in the composition and spatial localization of metal ions during silk evolution inside the silk gland. During the initial protein secretion and storage stages, ions are homogeneously dispersed in the silk gland. Once the fibers are spun, the ions delocalize from the fibroin core to the sericin-coating layer, a process accompanied by protein chain alignment and increased feedstock viscosity. This change makes the protein more shear-sensitive and initiates the liquid-to-solid transition. Selective metal ion doping modifies silk fibers' mechanical performance. These findings enhance our understanding of the silk fiber formation mechanism, laying the foundations for developing new concepts in biomaterial design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ori Brookstein
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal Shimoni
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dror Eliaz
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ifat Kaplan-Ashiri
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Itay Carmel
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ulyana Shimanovich
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moreno-Tortolero RO, Luo Y, Parmeggiani F, Skaer N, Walker R, Serpell LC, Holland C, Davis SA. Molecular organization of fibroin heavy chain and mechanism of fibre formation in Bombyx mori. Commun Biol 2024; 7:786. [PMID: 38951579 PMCID: PMC11217467 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06474-1] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroins' transition from liquid to solid is fundamental to spinning and underpins the impressive native properties of silk. Herein, we establish a fibroin heavy chain fold for the Silk-I polymorph, which could be relevant for other similar proteins, and explains mechanistically the liquid-to-solid transition of this silk, driven by pH reduction and flow stress. Combining spectroscopy and modelling we propose that the liquid Silk-I fibroin heavy chain (FibH) from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, adopts a newly reported β-solenoid structure. Similarly, using rheology we propose that FibH N-terminal domain (NTD) templates reversible higher-order oligomerization driven by pH reduction. Our integrated approach bridges the gap in understanding FibH structure and provides insight into the spatial and temporal hierarchical self-assembly across length scales. Our findings elucidate the complex rheological behaviour of Silk-I, solutions and gels, and the observed liquid crystalline textures within the silk gland. We also find that the NTD undergoes hydrolysis during standard regeneration, explaining key differences between native and regenerated silk feedstocks. In general, in this study we emphasize the unique characteristics of native and native-like silks, offering a fresh perspective on our fundamental understanding of silk-fibre production and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael O Moreno-Tortolero
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Yijie Luo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Fabio Parmeggiani
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Nick Skaer
- Orthox Ltd, Milton Park, 66 Innovation Drive, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Robert Walker
- Orthox Ltd, Milton Park, 66 Innovation Drive, Abingdon, OX14 4RQ, UK
| | - Louise C Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Chris Holland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Sean A Davis
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang T, Ma S, Zhang Z, Guo Y, Yang D, Lu W. Overview and Evolution of Insect Fibroin Heavy Chain (FibH). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7179. [PMID: 39000286 PMCID: PMC11241164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The FibH gene, crucial for silk spinning in insects, encodes a protein that significantly influences silk fiber mechanics. Due to its large size and repetitive sequences, limited known sequences of insect FibH impede comprehensive understanding. Here, we analyzed 114 complete FibH gene sequences from Lepidoptera (71 moths, 24 butterflies) and 13 Trichoptera, revealing single-copy FibH in most species, with 2-3 copies in Hesperinae and Heteropterinae (subfamily of skippers). All FibH genes are structured with two exons and one intron (39-45 bp), with the second exon being notably longer. Moths exhibit higher GC content in FibH compared to butterflies and Trichoptera. The FibH composition varies among species, with moths and butterflies favoring Ala, Gly, Ser, Pro, Gln, and Asn, while Trichoptera FibH is enriched in Gly, Ser, and Arg, and has less Ala. Unique to Trichoptera FibH are Tyr, Val, Arg, and Trp, whereas Lepidoptera FibH is marked by polyAla (polyalanine), polySer (polyserine), and the hexapeptide GAGSGA. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that Lepidoptera FibH evolved from Trichoptera, with skipper FibH evolving from Papilionoidea. This study substantially expands the FibH repertoire, providing a foundation for the development of artificial silk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (T.Z.); (S.M.); (Y.G.); (D.Y.)
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (T.Z.); (S.M.); (Y.G.); (D.Y.)
| | - Ziyang Zhang
- College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China;
| | - Yongkang Guo
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (T.Z.); (S.M.); (Y.G.); (D.Y.)
| | - Daiying Yang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (T.Z.); (S.M.); (Y.G.); (D.Y.)
| | - Wei Lu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (T.Z.); (S.M.); (Y.G.); (D.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu C, Duan Y, Yu L, Hu Y, Zhao C, Ji C, Guo X, Zhang S, Dai X, Ma P, Wang Q, Ling S, Yang X, Dai Q. In-situ observation of silk nanofibril assembly via graphene plasmonic infrared sensor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4643. [PMID: 38821959 PMCID: PMC11143229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Silk nanofibrils (SNFs), the fundamental building blocks of silk fibers, endow them with exceptional properties. However, the intricate mechanism governing SNF assembly, a process involving both protein conformational transitions and protein molecule conjunctions, remains elusive. This lack of understanding has hindered the development of artificial silk spinning techniques. In this study, we address this challenge by employing a graphene plasmonic infrared sensor in conjunction with multi-scale molecular dynamics (MD). This unique approach allows us to probe the secondary structure of nanoscale assembly intermediates (0.8-6.2 nm) and their morphological evolution. It also provides insights into the dynamics of silk fibroin (SF) over extended molecular timeframes. Our novel findings reveal that amorphous SFs undergo a conformational transition towards β-sheet-rich oligomers on graphene. These oligomers then connect to evolve into SNFs. These insights provide a comprehensive picture of SNF assembly, paving the way for advancements in biomimetic silk spinning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu Duan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lintao Yu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yao Hu
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Chenxi Zhao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chunwang Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiangdong Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaokang Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Puyi Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Qing Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lu W, Shi R, Li X, Ma S, Yang D, Shang D, Xia Q. A review on complete silk gene sequencing and de novo assembly of artificial silk. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130444. [PMID: 38417762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130444] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Silk, especially spider and insect silk, is a highly versatile biomaterial with potential applications in biomedicine, materials science, and biomimetic engineering. The primary structure of silk proteins is the basis for the mechanical properties of silk fibers. Biotechnologies such as single-molecule sequencing have facilitated an increasing number of reports on new silk genes and assembled silk proteins. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in representative spider and insect silk proteins, focusing on identification methods, sequence characteristics, and de novo design and assembly. The review discusses three identification methods for silk genes: polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing, PCR-free cloning and sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing. Moreover, it reveals the main spider and insect silk proteins and their sequences. Subsequent de novo assembly of artificial silk is covered and future research directions in the field of silk proteins, including new silk genes, customizable artificial silk, and the expansion of silk production and applications are discussed. This review provides a basis for the genetic aspects of silk production and the potential applications of artificial silk in material science and biomedical engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Run Shi
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daiying Yang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Deli Shang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perera D, Li L, Walsh C, Silliman J, Xiong Y, Wang Q, Schniepp HC. Natural spider silk nanofibrils produced by assembling molecules or disassembling fibers. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:323-332. [PMID: 37414111 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.044] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Spider silk is biocompatible, biodegradable, and rivals some of the best synthetic materials in terms of strength and toughness. Despite extensive research, comprehensive experimental evidence of the formation and morphology of its internal structure is still limited and controversially discussed. Here, we report the complete mechanical decomposition of natural silk fibers from the golden silk orb-weaver Trichonephila clavipes into ≈10 nm-diameter nanofibrils, the material's apparent fundamental building blocks. Furthermore, we produced nanofibrils of virtually identical morphology by triggering an intrinsic self-assembly mechanism of the silk proteins. Independent physico-chemical fibrillation triggers were revealed, enabling fiber assembly from stored precursors "at-will". This knowledge furthers the understanding of this exceptional material's fundamentals, and ultimately, leads toward the realization of silk-based high-performance materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Spider silk is one of the strongest and toughest biomaterials, rivaling the best man-made materials. The origins of these traits are still under debate but are mostly attributed to the material's intriguing hierarchical structure. Here we fully disassembled spider silk into 10 nm-diameter nanofibrils for the first time and showed that nanofibrils of the same appearance can be produced via molecular self-assembly of spider silk proteins under certain conditions. This shows that nanofibrils are the key structural elements in silk and leads toward the production of high-performance future materials inspired by spider silk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinidu Perera
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA
| | - Linxuan Li
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA
| | - Chloe Walsh
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA
| | - Jacob Silliman
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA
| | - Yawei Xiong
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA
| | - Qijue Wang
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA
| | - Hannes C Schniepp
- Applied Science Department, William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xie Q, On Lee S, Vissamsetti N, Guo S, Johnson ME, Fried SD. Secretion-Catalyzed Assembly of Protein Biomaterials on a Bacterial Membrane Surface. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305178. [PMID: 37469298 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305178] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based biomaterials have played a key role in tissue engineering, and additional exciting applications as self-healing materials and sustainable polymers are emerging. Over the past few decades, recombinant expression and production of various fibrous proteins from microbes have been demonstrated; however, the resulting proteins typically must then be purified and processed by humans to form usable fibers and materials. Here, we show that the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis can be programmed to secrete silk through its translocon via an orthogonal signal peptide/peptidase pair. Surprisingly, we discover that this translocation mechanism drives the silk proteins to assemble into fibers spontaneously on the cell surface, in a process we call secretion-catalyzed assembly (SCA). Secreted silk fibers form self-healing hydrogels with minimal processing. Alternatively, the fibers retained on the membrane provide a facile route to create engineered living materials from Bacillus cells. This work provides a blueprint to achieve autonomous assembly of protein biomaterials in useful morphologies directly from microbial factories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sea On Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nitya Vissamsetti
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sikao Guo
- T. C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret E Johnson
- T. C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen D Fried
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
- T. C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 21218, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Feng F, Song X, Tan Z, Tu Y, Xiao L, Xie P, Ma Y, Sun X, Ma J, Rong L, He L. Cooperative assembly of a designer peptide and silk fibroin into hybrid nanofiber gels for neural regeneration after spinal cord injury. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg0234. [PMID: 37352345 PMCID: PMC10289662 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Local reconstruction of a permissive environment with biomaterials is a promising strategy to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). We reported a hybrid hydrogel fabricated from a small functional self-assembling peptide (F-SAP) and large silk fibroin (SF). The diffusion of SF micelles into F-SAP solution was driven by the dynamic synergy between osmotic pressure and F-SAP/SF electrostatic interactions, resulting in the rearrangement of SF micelles and the formation of rod-like filaments with axes nearly perpendicular to F-SAP nanofibers. Spectroscopy analysis, including circular dichroism, Raman and fluorescence, indicated conformation changes of SF from random coil to β sheet, which contributed to enhanced mechanical properties of the resultant hybrid hydrogel. Furthermore, the F-SAP/SF hybrid hydrogel coupled with controlled release of NT-3 provided a permissive environment for neural regeneration by providing nanofibrous substrates for regenerating axons, inflammatory modulation and remyelination, consequently resulting in improved locomotion and electrophysiological properties. This hydrogel could be used as a long-term stent in vivo for the treatment of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xiyong Song
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Zan Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yujie Tu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Longyou Xiao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Pengfei Xie
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yahao Ma
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiumin Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Junwu Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Limin Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Liumin He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kamada A, Toprakcioglu Z, Knowles TPJ. Kinetic Analysis Reveals the Role of Secondary Nucleation in Regenerated Silk Fibroin Self-Assembly. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1709-1716. [PMID: 36926854 PMCID: PMC10091410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Silk proteins obtained from the Bombyx mori silkworm have been extensively studied due to their remarkable mechanical properties. One of the major structural components of this complex material is silk fibroin, which can be isolated and processed further in vitro to form artificial functional materials. Due to the excellent biocompatibility and rich self-assembly behavior, there has been sustained interest in such materials formed through the assembly of regenerated silk fibroin feedstocks. The molecular mechanisms by which the soluble regenerated fibroin molecules self-assemble into protein nanofibrils remain, however, largely unknown. Here, we use the framework of chemical kinetics to connect macroscopic measurements of regenerated silk fibroin self-assembly to the underlying microscopic mechanisms. Our results reveal that the aggregation of regenerated silk fibroin is dominated by a nonclassical secondary nucleation processes, where the formation of new fibrils is catalyzed by the existing aggregates in an autocatalytic manner. Such secondary nucleation pathways were originally discovered in the context of polymerization of disease-associated proteins, but the present results demonstrate that this pathway can also occur in functional assembly. Furthermore, our results show that shear flow induces the formation of nuclei, which subsequently accelerate the process of aggregation through an autocatalytic amplification driven by the secondary nucleation pathway. Taken together, these results allow us to identify the parameters governing the kinetics of regenerated silk fibroin self-assembly and expand our current understanding of the spinning of bioinspired protein-based fibers, which have a wide range of applications in materials science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kamada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FE, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hu Y, Ma Y, Liu L, Yu J, Cui J, Ling S, Fan Y. Nanosilk Template-Guided/Induced Construction of Brush-/Flower-like 3D Nanostructures. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 36916656 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials with natural hierarchical structures typically exhibit extraordinary properties because of their multilevel structural designs. They offer many templates and models as well as inspiration for material design, particularly for fabricating structure-regulated, performance-enhanced, and function-enriched materials. Biopolymer-based nanocomposites with ingenious nanostructures constructed through ecofriendly and sustainable approaches are highly desirable to meet the multifunctional requirements of developing bioinspired materials. Herein, an all-silk fibroin-based nanocomposite with a brush-like nanostructure was constructed for the first time using a nanotemplate-guided assembly approach in which dissolved silk assembled directly on a silk nanowhisker (SNW) backbone to form peculiar nanobrushes based on the classical micelle model. Three-dimensional spider-like or centipede-like silk nanobrushes (SNBs) were fabricated by varying the SNW backbone length from 0.16 to 6 μm. The branches with average lengths of 32-290 nm were also adjustable. SNBs were further designed to regulate and induce biomineralization of hydroxyapatite (HAP) to form interesting flower-like nanostructures, in which the HAP nanosphere (diameters ∼16 nm) "core" was covered by SNBs with branches extending to form a "shell" (∼101 nm in length). Based on such protein nanotemplate-guided formation of nanoscale structures, practical hollow conduits with remarkable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, shape memory behavior, and bone engineering potential were fabricated. This study inspires the design of polymorphous biopolymer-based nanostructures with enhanced performance at multiple length scales where the weaknesses of individual building blocks are offset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Hu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159 Lonpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159 Lonpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159 Lonpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Juan Yu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159 Lonpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jing Cui
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, No. 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, No. 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yimin Fan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, No. 159 Lonpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lu W, Ma S, Sun L, Zhang T, Wang X, Feng M, Wang A, Shi R, Jia L, Xia Q. Combined CRISPR toolkits reveal the domestication landscape and function of the ultra-long and highly repetitive silk genes. Acta Biomater 2023; 158:190-202. [PMID: 36603730 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.063] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Highly repetitive sequences play a major structural and function role in the genome. In the present study, we developed Cas9-assisted cloning and SMRT sequencing of long repetitive sequences (CACS) to sequence and manipulate highly repetitive genes from eukaryotic genomes. CACS combined Cas9-mediated cleavage of a target segment from an intact genome, Gibson assembly cloning, and PacBio SMRT sequencing. Applying CACS, we directly cloned and sequenced the complete sequences of fibroin heavy chain (FibH) genes from 17 domesticated (Bombyx mori) and 7 wild (Bombyx mandarina) silkworms. Our analysis revealed the unique fine structure organization, genetic variations, and domestication dynamics of FibH. We also demonstrated that the length of the repetitive regions determined the mechanical properties of silk fiber, which was further confirmed by Cas9 editing of FibH. CACS is a simple, robust, and efficient approach, providing affordable accessibility to highly repetitive regions of a genome. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Silkworm silk is the earliest and most widely used animal fiber, and its excellent performance mainly depends on the fibroin heavy chain (FibH) protein. The FibH gene is the main breakthrough in understanding the formation mechanism and improvement of silk fiber. In the study, we developed a CACS method for characterizing the fine structure and domestication landscape of 24 silkworm FibH genes. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the repetitive sequence of FibH genes, revealing the relationship between FibH genes and mechanical properties of silkworm silk. Our study is helpful in modifying silk genes to manipulate other valuable highly repetitive sequences, and provides insight for silkworm breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Le Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine & Health Science, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Min Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Aoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Run Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ling Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Blamires SJ, Rawal A, Edwards AD, Yarger JL, Oberst S, Allardyce BJ, Rajkhowa R. Methods for Silk Property Analyses across Structural Hierarchies and Scales. Molecules 2023; 28:2120. [PMID: 36903366 PMCID: PMC10003856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052120] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk from silkworms and spiders is an exceptionally important natural material, inspiring a range of new products and applications due to its high strength, elasticity, and toughness at low density, as well as its unique conductive and optical properties. Transgenic and recombinant technologies offer great promise for the scaled-up production of new silkworm- and spider-silk-inspired fibres. However, despite considerable effort, producing an artificial silk that recaptures the physico-chemical properties of naturally spun silk has thus far proven elusive. The mechanical, biochemical, and other properties of pre-and post-development fibres accordingly should be determined across scales and structural hierarchies whenever feasible. We have herein reviewed and made recommendations on some of those practices for measuring the bulk fibre properties; skin-core structures; and the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of silk proteins and the properties of dopes and their proteins. We thereupon examine emerging methodologies and make assessments on how they might be utilized to realize the goal of developing high quality bio-inspired fibres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Blamires
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Aditya Rawal
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Angela D. Edwards
- School of Molecular Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Yarger
- School of Molecular Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA
| | - Sebastian Oberst
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang P, Wang G, Zhang Y, Lv X, Xie C, Shen J, Yang R, Gu Z, Zhou J, Jiang D. Impact of Wheat Arabinoxylan with Defined Substitution Patterns on the Heat-Induced Polymerization Behavior of Gluten. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:14784-14797. [PMID: 36265514 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To further depict the interaction mechanism of wheat arabinoxylan (AX) and gluten proteins upon thermal processing, AX was enzymatically tailored with defined substitution patterns and the impact on the heat-induced polymerization behavior of gluten was comparatively studied. The results showed that tailormade AX promoted the formation of glutenin-glutenin and glutenin-gliadin macrocrosslinks upon heating, with the optimal effect detected for AX depleted of Araf of disubstituted Xylp. The tailormade AX, especially AX depleted of monosubstituted Xylp, facilitated the polymerization ability of α-gliadin into glutenin compared with untailored AX. The unfolding process of gluten was partially impeded by AX upon heating, while the tailormade AX promoted the unfolding process. AX could bury Trp and Tyr upon polymerization of glutenin and gliadin and induced the change of the disulfide bridge conformation to a less-stable state, while the effect was alleviated with tailormade AX. The enhanced polymerization with tailormade AX strengthened the gluten network and induced more heterogeneously distributed large protein aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianzhong Zhou
- College of Food Science and Pharmacy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830052, People's Republic of China
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hoppenreijs L, Fitzner L, Ruhmlieb T, Heyn T, Schild K, van der Goot AJ, Boom R, Steffen-Heins A, Schwarz K, Keppler J. Engineering amyloid and amyloid-like morphologies of β-lactoglobulin. Food Hydrocoll 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.107301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
16
|
Abstract
Silk fibroin from Bombyx mori (silkworm) distinguishes for its unique mechanical performance, controllable degradation rates, and easily large-scale production, making it attractive models for a variety of biomaterial design. These outstanding properties of silk fibroin originate from its unique modular composition of silk proteins. To exploit the structure-function relationship and fabricate silk fibroin-based biomaterials, comprehensive strategies to uncover assembly behaviors of fibrous proteins are necessary. This chapter describes methods to produce regenerated silk fibroin protein from Bombyx mori silk and their self-assembly strategies. This could provide insight into the fabrication of various silk fibroin-based biomaterials, such as hydrogels, tubes, sponges, fibers, microspheres, and diverse thin film patterns, which can be used for textiles, electronics and optics, environmental engineering, and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Kong
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liang Y, Tang B, Sharma A, Perera D, Allardyce BJ, Ghosh S, Schniepp HC, Rajkhowa R. Silk Protein Paper with In Situ Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles. Macromol Biosci 2020; 21:e2000357. [PMID: 33369111 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are in situ synthesized for the first time on microfibrillated silk (MFS) exfoliated from domesticated Philosamia cynthia ricini (eri) and Bombyx mori (mulberry) silkworm silk fibers. The process is rapid (hours time), does not rely on harmful chemicals, and produces robust and flexible AgNPs coated MFS (MFS-AgNPs) protein papers with excellent handling properties. None of these can be achieved by approaches used in the past to fabricate AgNPs silk systems. MFS bonds the AgNPs strongly, providing good support and stabilization for the NPs, leading to strong wash fastness. The mechanical properties of the MFS-AgNPs papers largely do not change compared to the MFS papers without nanoparticles, except for some higher concentration of AgNPs in the case of mulberry silk. The improved tensile properties of eri silk papers with or without AgNPs compared to mulberry silk papers can be attributed to the higher degree of fibrillation achieved in eri silk and its inherent higher ductility. MFS-AgNPs from eri silk also exhibit strong antibacterial activity. This study provides the basis for the development of smart protein papers based on silk fiber and functional nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Bin Tang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Aarushi Sharma
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Dinidu Perera
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA
| | | | - Sourabh Ghosh
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Hannes C Schniepp
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795, USA
| | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hu L, Chen Q, Yao J, Shao Z, Chen X. Structural Changes in Spider Dragline Silk after Repeated Supercontraction-Stretching Processes. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:5306-5314. [PMID: 33206498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spider dragline silk is well-known for its excellent combination of strength and extensibility as well as another unique property called supercontraction. In our previous work, the changes in conformations of the Nephila edulis spider dragline silk when subjected to different supercontraction processes were extensively investigated. When a native spider dragline silk had free supercontraction, and then restretched to its original length, the content and molecular orientation of different conformations (β-sheet, helix, and random coil) changed but the mechanical properties remained almost the same. Therefore, herein, further supercontraction-stretching treatment was performed up to three cycles, and the corresponding structural changes were investigated. In addition to the synchrotron radiation FTIR (S-FTIR) microspectroscopy employed in our previous study, synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering (S-SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were also used in this work to determine the structural changes of spider dragline silk in different scales. The results show that by repeating the supercontraction-stretching treatment, the β-sheet structure content in spider dragline silk was slightly increased, but its orientation degree remained almost the same. Also, with the increase in cycle of supercontraction-stretching treatments, a 10.5 nm long period perpendicular to the silk fiber axis gradually appeared, endowing the spider dragline silk with periodic structure both along (6.6 nm, already existed in native silk and did not change with the supercontraction-stretching treatment) and perpendicular to the silk fiber axis. After the third supercontraction-stretching cycle, the AFM images displayed a clear 210 nm × 80 nm corn kernel-like structure on the surface of nanofibrils in spider dragline silks, which may be related to the aggregation of 10.5 nm × 6.6 nm periodic structure observed via S-SAXS. Finally, although the structure of spider dragline silk became increasingly regular with the rise in supercontraction-stretching cycles, mechanical properties remained constant after every cycle of the supercontraction-stretching treatment. These findings can aid in further understanding the structural changes that are related to the supercontraction of spider dragline silk and provide useful guidance in fabrication of high-performance regenerated or artificial silk fibers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linli Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengzhong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xiao Y, Liu Y, Zhang W, Qi P, Ren J, Pei Y, Ling S. Formation, Structure, and Mechanical Performance of Silk Nanofibrils Produced by Heat-Induced Self-Assembly. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 42:e2000435. [PMID: 33196127 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The heat-induced self-assembly of silk fibroin (SF) is studied by combing fluorescence assessment, infrared nanospectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov coupled with atomic force microscopy. Several fundamental issues regarding the formation, structure, and mechanical performance of silk nanofibrils (SNFs) under heat-induced self-assembly are discussed. Accordingly, SF in aqueous solution is rod-like in shape and not micellar. The formation of SNFs occurs through nucleation-dependent aggregation, but the assembly period is variable and irregular. SF shows inherent fractal growth, and this trend is critical for the short-term assembly. The long-term assembly of SF, however, mainly involves an elongation growth process. SNFs produced by different methods, such as ethanol treatment and heat incubation, have similar secondary structure and mechanical properties. These investigations improve the in-depth understanding of fundamental issues related to self-assembly of SNFs, and thus provide inspiration and guidance in designing of silk nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuelong Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yawen Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ping Qi
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Ren
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ying Pei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Craig HC, Piorkowski D, Nakagawa S, Kasumovic MM, Blamires SJ. Meta-analysis reveals materiomic relationships in major ampullate silk across the spider phylogeny. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200471. [PMID: 32993436 PMCID: PMC7536055 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider major ampullate (MA) silk, with its combination of strength and extensibility, outperforms any synthetic equivalents. There is thus much interest in understanding its underlying materiome. While the expression of the different silk proteins (spidroins) appears an integral component of silk performance, our understanding of the nature of the relationship between the spidroins, their constituent amino acids and MA silk mechanics is ambiguous. To provide clarity on these relationships across spider species, we performed a meta-analysis using phylogenetic comparative methods. These showed that glycine and proline, both of which are indicators of differential spidroin expression, had effects on MA silk mechanics across the phylogeny. We also found serine to correlate with silk mechanics, probably via its presence within the carboxyl and amino-terminal domains of the spidroins. From our analyses, we concluded that the spidroin expression shifts across the phylogeny from predominantly MaSp1 in the MA silks of ancestral spiders to predominantly MaSp2 in the more derived spiders' silks. This trend was accompanied by an enhanced ultimate strain and decreased Young's modulus in the silks. Our meta-analysis enabled us to decipher between real and apparent influences on MA silk properties, providing significant insights into spider silk and web coevolution and enhancing our capacity to create spider silk-like materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamish C. Craig
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael M. Kasumovic
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sean J. Blamires
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Asakura T, Ogawa T, Naito A, Williamson MP. Chain-folded lamellar structure and dynamics of the crystalline fraction of Bombyx mori silk fibroin and of (Ala-Gly-Ser-Gly-Ala-Gly) n model peptides. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3974-3983. [PMID: 32882279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state NMR is a powerful analytical technique to determine the composite structure of Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF). In our previous paper, we proposed a lamellar structure for Ala-Gly copolypeptides as a model of the crystalline fraction in Silk II. In this paper, the structure and dynamics of the crystalline fraction and of a better mimic of the crystalline fraction, (Ala-Gly-Ser-Gly-Ala-Gly)n (n = 2-5, 8), and 13C selectively labeled [3-13C]Ala-(AGSGAG)5 in Silk II forms, were studied using structural and dynamical analyses of the Ala Cβ peaks in 13C cross polarization/ magic angle spinning NMR and 13C solid-state spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements, respectively. Like Ala-Gly copolypeptides, these materials have lamellar structures with two kinds of Ala residues in β-sheet, A and B, plus one distorted β-turn, t, formed by repetitive folding using β-turns every eighth amino acid in an antipolar arrangement. However, because of the presence of Ser residues at every sixth residue in (AGSGAG)n, the T1 values and mobilities of B decreased significantly. We conclude that the Ser hydroxyls hydrogen bond to adjacent lamellar layers and fix them together in a similar way to Velcro®.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Ogawa
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akira Naito
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Michael P Williamson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Greving I, Terry AE, Holland C, Boulet-Audet M, Grillo I, Vollrath F, Dicko C. Structural Diversity of Native Major Ampullate, Minor Ampullate, Cylindriform, and Flagelliform Silk Proteins in Solution. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:3387-3393. [PMID: 32551521 PMCID: PMC7421538 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The foundations of silk spinning, the structure, storage, and activation of silk proteins, remain highly debated. By combining solution small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS) alongside circular dichroism (CD), we reveal a shape anisotropy of the four principal native spider silk feedstocks from Nephila edulis. We show that these proteins behave in solution like elongated semiflexible polymers with locally rigid sections. We demonstrated that minor ampullate and cylindriform proteins adopt a monomeric conformation, while major ampullate and flagelliform proteins have a preference for dimerization. From an evolutionary perspective, we propose that such dimerization arose to help the processing of disordered silk proteins. Collectively, our results provide insights into the molecular-scale processing of silk, uncovering a degree of evolutionary convergence in protein structures and chemistry that supports the macroscale micellar/pseudo liquid crystalline spinning mechanisms proposed by the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imke Greving
- Institute
of Materials Research, Helmholtz Zentrum
Geesthacht, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ann E. Terry
- MAX IV Laboratory, 224 84 Lund, Sweden
- Lund
Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, 223 70 Lund, Sweden
| | - Chris Holland
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, The
University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Fritz Vollrath
- Department
of Zoology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, United
Kingdom
| | - Cedric Dicko
- Pure
and
Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
- Lund
Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, 223 70 Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Asakura T, Aoki A, Komatsu K, Ito C, Suzuki I, Naito A, Kaji H. Lamellar Structure in Alanine-Glycine Copolypeptides Studied by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: A Model for the Crystalline Domain of Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin in Silk II Form. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:3102-3111. [PMID: 32603138 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) fibers with excellent mechanical properties have attracted widespread attention as new biomaterials. However, the structural details are still not conclusive. Here, we propose a lamellar structure for the crystalline domain of the SF fiber based on structural analyses of the Ala Cβ peaks in the 13C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning NMR spectra of (Ala-Gly)m (m = 9, 12, 15, and 25) and 13C selectively labeled (Ala-Gly)15 model peptides. Namely, three Ala Cβ peaks with relative intensities of 1:2:1 obtained by deconvolution were assigned to two kinds of β-sheet and a β-turn, which are interpreted as a lamellar structure formed by repetitive folding using β-turns every eighth amino acid, for which the basic structure is (Ala-Gly)4 in an antipolar arrangement. The dynamics and intermolecular arrangement were further studied using 13C solid-state spin-lattice relaxation time observations and the rotational echo double resonance experiments, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akihiro Aoki
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kohei Komatsu
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Chie Ito
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ikue Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akira Naito
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hironori Kaji
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liang Y, Allardyce BJ, Kalita S, Uddin MG, Shafei S, Perera D, Remadevi RCN, Redmond SL, Batchelor WJ, Barrow CJ, Dilley RJ, Schniepp HC, Wang X, Rajkhowa R. Protein Paper from Exfoliated Eri Silk Nanofibers. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1303-1314. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | | | - Sanjeeb Kalita
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Mohammad Gias Uddin
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Sajjad Shafei
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Dinidu Perera
- Department of Applied Science, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | | | - Sharon Leanne Redmond
- Ear Science Institute Australia and Ear Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6008, Australia
| | - Warren Jeffrey Batchelor
- Bioresource Processing Institute of Australia, Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Colin J. Barrow
- Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Dilley
- Ear Science Institute Australia and Ear Sciences Centre, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6008, Australia
| | - Hannes C. Schniepp
- Department of Applied Science, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | - Xungai Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Umuhoza D, Yang F, Long D, Hao Z, Dai J, Zhao A. Strategies for Tuning the Biodegradation of Silk Fibroin-Based Materials for Tissue Engineering Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:1290-1310. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Umuhoza
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, People’s Republic of China
- Commercial Insect Program, Sericulture, Rwanda Agricultural Board, 5016 Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Biomaterials, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dingpei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhanzhang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aichun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics and Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jia L, Zhang J, Liu S, Chen S, Zhu J. Visible sensing of conformational transition in model silk peptides based on a gold nanoparticles indicator. RSC Adv 2019; 9:40924-40932. [PMID: 35540090 PMCID: PMC9076423 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra05842g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand protein structural transition and β-sheet formation is of importance in disparate areas such as silk protein processing and disease related β-amyloid behavior. Herein, GAGSGAGAGSGAGY (GY-14), a tetradecapeptide based on the crystallizable sequence of silk fibroin, was employed as a model peptide of the crystalline regions of silk fibroin. Due to the incorporation of tyrosine (Y), GY-14 was able to reduce Au3+ to Au NPs and further stabilize them without any external reducing or capping reagents to produce GY-14 stabilized Au NPs (GY-14@Au NPs). The in situ prepared GY-14@Au NPs were utilized as a built-in colorimetric indicator. The influences of specified physiological factors including decreasing the pH, the addition of calcium ions and isopropanol treatment on the self-assembly behavior of GY-14@Au NPs in aqueous solution have been studied. On the basis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) measurements, the color changes and the UV-Vis absorption peak shift of GY-14@Au NPs were attributed to the conformational change of the GY-14 peptide. The colorimetric readout can be seen with the naked eye, providing an efficient indicator to study the conformational changes of peptides exposed to various environmental stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024P. R. China
| | - Jiabing Zhang
- Department Pharmacy and Machinery, China Railway 12 Bureau Group Central HospitalTaiyuan030024P. R. China
| | - Sumei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024P. R. China
| | - Song Chen
- Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024P. R. China
| | - Jingxin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Material Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of TechnologyTaiyuan030024P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Qiu W, Patil A, Hu F, Liu XY. Hierarchical Structure of Silk Materials Versus Mechanical Performance and Mesoscopic Engineering Principles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1903948. [PMID: 31657136 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive review on the five levels of hierarchical structures of silk materials and the correlation with macroscopic properties/performance of the silk materials, that is, the toughness, strain-stiffening, etc., is presented. It follows that the crystalline binding force turns out to be very important in the stabilization of silk materials, while the β-crystallite networks or nanofibrils and the interactions among helical nanofibrils are two of the most essential structural elements, which to a large extent determine the macroscopic performance of various forms of silk materials. In this context, the characteristic structural factors such as the orientation, size, and density of β-crystallites are very crucial. It is revealed that the formation of these structural elements is mainly controlled by the intermolecular nucleation of β-crystallites. Consequently, the rational design and reconstruction of silk materials can be implemented by controlling the molecular nucleation via applying sheering force and seeding (i.e., with carbon nanotubes). In general, the knowledge of the correlation between hierarchical structures and performance provides an understanding of the structural reasons behind the fascinating behaviors of silk materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wu Qiu
- Research Institution for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Key Provincial Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, College of Physical Science and Technology & College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Aniruddha Patil
- Research Institution for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Key Provincial Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, College of Physical Science and Technology & College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Fan Hu
- Research Institution for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Key Provincial Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, College of Physical Science and Technology & College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
- Advanced Soft Matter Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Xiang Yang Liu
- Research Institution for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Fujian Key Provincial Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, College of Physical Science and Technology & College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Herrera MG, Gómez Castro MF, Prieto E, Barrera E, Dodero VI, Pantano S, Chirdo F. Structural conformation and self-assembly process of p31-43 gliadin peptide in aqueous solution. Implications for celiac disease. FEBS J 2019; 287:2134-2149. [PMID: 31659864 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Celiac disease (CeD) is a highly prevalent chronic immune-mediated enteropathy developed in genetically predisposed individuals after ingestion of a group of wheat proteins (called gliadins and glutenins). The 13mer α-gliadin peptide, p31-43, induces proinflammatory responses, observed by in vitro assays and animal models, that may contribute to innate immune mechanisms of CeD pathogenesis. Since a cellular receptor for p31-43 has not been identified, this raises the question of whether this peptide could mediate different biological effects. In this work, we aimed to characterize the p31-43 secondary structure by different biophysical and in silico techniques. By dynamic light scattering and using an oligomer/fibril-sensitive fluorescent probe, we showed the presence of oligomers of this peptide in solution. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy analysis showed p31-43 oligomers with different height distribution. Also, peptide concentration had a very strong influence on peptide self-organization process. Oligomers gradually increased their size at lower concentration. Whereas, at higher ones, oligomers increased their complexity, forming branched structures. By CD, we observed that p31-43 self-organized in a polyproline II conformation in equilibrium with β-sheets-like structures, whose pH remained stable in the range of 3-8. In addition, these findings were supported by molecular dynamics simulation. The formation of p31-43 nanostructures with increased β-sheet structure may help to explain the molecular etiopathogenesis in the induction of proinflammatory effects and subsequent damage at the intestinal mucosa in CeD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Georgina Herrera
- Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas - IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Eduardo Prieto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA, UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| | | | | | - Sergio Pantano
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay.,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, China
| | - Fernando Chirdo
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP, UNLP-CONICET), La Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Frydrych M, Greenhalgh A, Vollrath F. Artificial spinning of natural silk threads. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15428. [PMID: 31659185 PMCID: PMC6817873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk producing arthropods spin solid fibres from an aqueous protein feedstock apparently relying on the complex structure of the silk protein and its controlled aggregation by shear forces, alongside biochemical changes. This flow-induced phase-transition of the stored native silk molecules is irreversible, environmentally sound and remarkably energy efficient. The process seemingly relies on a self-assembling, fibrillation process. Here we test this hypothesis by biomimetically spinning a native-based silk feedstock, extracted by custom processes, into silk fibres that equal their natural models' mechanical properties. Importantly, these filaments, which featured cross-section morphologies ranged from large crescent-like to small ribbon-like shapes, also had the slender cross-sectional areas of native fibres and their hierarchical nanofibrillar structures. The modulation of the post-draw conditions directly affected mechanical properties, correlated with the extent of fibre crystallinity, i.e. degree of molecular order. We believe our study contributes significantly to the understanding and development of artificial silks by demonstrating successful biomimetic spinning relies on appropriately designed feedstock properties. In addition, our study provides inspiration for low-energy routes to novel synthetic polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Frydrych
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Greenhalgh
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | - Fritz Vollrath
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Deep Insight into the Transcriptome of the Single Silk Gland of Bombyx mori. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102491. [PMID: 31137550 PMCID: PMC6567255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The silk gland synthesizes and secretes a large amount of protein and stores liquid silk protein at an extremely high concentration. Interestingly, silk proteins and serine protease inhibitors are orderly arranged in the silk gland lumen and cocoon shells. Silk fiber formation and the spinning mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of seven segments of the single silk gland to characterize internal changes in the silk gland during the 5th instar of mature larvae. In total, 3121 differentially expressed genes were identified in the seven segments. Genes highly expressed in the middle silk gland (MSG) were mainly involved in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, apoptosis—fly, and lysosome pathways, whereas genes highly expressed in the posterior silk gland (PSG) were mainly involved in ribosome, proteasome, citrate cycle, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Thus, the MSG and PSG differ greatly in energy source use and function. Further, 773 gradually upregulated genes (from PSG to MSG) were involved in energy metabolism, silk protein synthesis, and secretion, suggesting that these genes play an important role in silk fiber formation. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism of silk protein synthesis and transport and silk fiber formation.
Collapse
|
31
|
Hu Y, Yu J, Liu L, Fan Y. Preparation of natural amphoteric silk nanofibers by acid hydrolysis. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:1450-1459. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb03005g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Direct extraction of silk nanofibers (SNs) from natural silk fibers was developed via a low-intensity ultrasonic-assisted sulfuric acid hydrolysis process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Hu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuel and Chemicals
- College of Chemical Engineering
- Nanjing Forestry University
- Nanjing 210037
| | - Juan Yu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuel and Chemicals
- College of Chemical Engineering
- Nanjing Forestry University
- Nanjing 210037
| | - Liang Liu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuel and Chemicals
- College of Chemical Engineering
- Nanjing Forestry University
- Nanjing 210037
| | - Yimin Fan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuel and Chemicals
- College of Chemical Engineering
- Nanjing Forestry University
- Nanjing 210037
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang Y, Guo J, Zhou L, Ye C, Omenetto FG, Kaplan DL, Ling S. Design, Fabrication, and Function of Silk-Based Nanomaterials. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1805305. [PMID: 32440262 PMCID: PMC7241600 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201805305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Animal silks are built from pure protein components and their mechanical performance, such as strength and toughness, often exceed most engineered materials. The secret to this success is their unique nanoarchitectures that are formed through the hierarchical self-assembly of silk proteins. This natural material fabrication process in sharp contrast to the production of artificial silk materials, which usually are directly constructed as bulk structures from silk fibroin (SF) molecular. In recent years, with the aim of understanding and building better silk materials, a variety of fabrication strategies have been designed to control nanostructures of silks or to create functional materials from silk nanoscale building blocks. These emerging fabrication strategies offer an opportunity to tailor the structure of SF at the nanoscale and provide a promising route to produce structurally and functionally optimized silk nanomaterials. Here, we review the critical roles of silk nanoarchitectures on property and function of natural silk fibers, outline the strategies of utilization of these silk nanobuilding blocks, and we provide a critical summary of state of the art in the field to create silk nanoarchitectures and to generate silk-based nanocomponents. Further, such insights suggest templates to consider for other materials systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, AnHui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chao Ye
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Niu Q, Peng Q, Lu L, Fan S, Shao H, Zhang H, Wu R, Hsiao BS, Zhang Y. Single Molecular Layer of Silk Nanoribbon as Potential Basic Building Block of Silk Materials. ACS NANO 2018; 12:11860-11870. [PMID: 30407791 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b03943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, nascent silk nanoribbons (SNRs) with an average thickness of 0.4 nm were extracted from natural silkworm silk by partially dissolving degummed silk (DS) in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/urea solution at -12 °C. In this gentle treatment, the solvent could not destroy the nanofibrillar structure completely, but the chosen conditions would influence the dimensions of resulting SNRs. Molecular dynamics simulations of silk models indicated that the potential of mean force required to break hydrogen bonds between silk fibroin chains was 40% larger than that of van der Waals interactions between β-sheet layers, allowing the exfoliating treatment. It was found that the resulting SNRs contained a single β-sheet layer and amorphous silk fibroin molecules, which could be considered as the basic building block of DS consisting of hierarchical structures. The demonstrated technique for extracting ultrathin SNRs having the height of a single β-sheet layer may provide a useful pathway for creating stronger and tougher silk-based materials and/or adding functionality and durability in materials for various applications. The hierarchical structure model based on SNRs may afford more insight into the structure and property relationship of fabricating silk-based materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Qingfa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Li Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Suna Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Huili Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Rongliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| | - Benjamin S Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794-3400 , United States
| | - Yaopeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, International Joint Laboratory for Advanced Fiber and Low-Dimension Materials , College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University , Shanghai , 201620 , China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Spider silk exhibits a combination of outstanding tensile strength and extensibility unique among all synthetic and biogenic polymer fibers. It has thus generated great interest to understand protein-based high-toughness materials and inspired the design of similar synthetic materials. The unrivaled properties of silk fibers have been recognized to be intimately related to their hierarchical structure. However, in the absence of unambiguous experimental evidence, competing and incompatible structural models of natural silk fibers have been proposed, some of them including various types of fibrillar components. Here we show that the fibers of the recluse (Loxosceles) spider exhibit the typical tensile properties of a very good spider silk and are entirely composed of 20 nm diameter protein fibrils that are more than 1 μm long. Based on these findings, we developed the most detailed structural model for any silk directly supported by experimental evidence. Our work suggests that all the key properties of a spider silk are implemented within a single nanofibril, and we have isolated and imaged such a nanofibril from a native spider silk fiber. The nanofibril breaking force was estimated to be ≈120 nN. Our work underlines the importance of nanofibrils and furthers the understanding of the structure-property relationships of silk, with wide-ranging implications for silk research and the design of silk-inspired high-performance materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qijue Wang
- Applied Science Department, The College of William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | - Hannes C. Schniepp
- Applied Science Department, The College of William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ling S, Chen W, Fan Y, Zheng K, Jin K, Yu H, Buehler MJ, Kaplan DL. Biopolymer nanofibrils: structure, modeling, preparation, and applications. Prog Polym Sci 2018; 85:1-56. [PMID: 31915410 PMCID: PMC6948189 DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biopolymer nanofibrils exhibit exceptional mechanical properties with a unique combination of strength and toughness, while also presenting biological functions that interact with the surrounding environment. These features of biopolymer nanofibrils profit from their hierarchical structures that spun angstrom to hundreds of nanometer scales. To maintain these unique structural features and to directly utilize these natural supramolecular assemblies, a variety of new methods have been developed to produce biopolymer nanofibrils. In particular, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), chitin nanofibrils (ChNFs), silk nanofibrils (SNFs) and collagen nanofibrils (CoNFs), as the four most abundant biopolymer nanofibrils on earth, have been the focus of research in recent years due to their renewable features, wide availability, low-cost, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. A series of top-down and bottom-up strategies have been accessed to exfoliate and regenerate these nanofibrils for versatile advanced applications. In this review, we first summarize the structures of biopolymer nanofibrils in nature and outline their related computational models with the aim of disclosing fundamental structure-property relationships in biological materials. Then, we discuss the underlying methods used for the preparation of CNFs, ChNFs, SNF and CoNFs, and discuss emerging applications for these biopolymer nanofibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Wenshuai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Yimin Fan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Haipeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang X, Chang H, Dong Z, Zhang Y, Zhao D, Ye L, Xia Q, Zhao P. Comparative Proteome Analysis Reveals that Cuticular Proteins Analogous to Peritrophin-Motif Proteins are Involved in the Regeneration of Chitin Layer in the Silk Gland of Bombyx mori at the Molting Stage. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1700389. [PMID: 29687606 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201700389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The silk gland of silkworm produces silk proteins during larval development. Many studies have long focused on the silk gland of the fifth instar larvae, but few have investigated this gland at other larval stages. In the present study, the silk gland proteomes of the fourth instar and fourth molt are analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 2654 proteins are identified from the silk gland. A high abundance of ribosomal proteins and RR-motif chitin-binding proteins is identified during day 2 of the fourth instar (IV-2) larval developmental stage, and the expression of cuticular proteins analogous to peritrophin (CPAP)-motif chitin-binding proteins is higher during the fourth molt (IV-M). In all, nine enzymes are found to be involved in the chitin regeneration pathway in the silk gland. Among them, two chitinase and two chitin deacetylases are identified as CPAP-motif proteins. Furthermore, the expression of CPAP3-G, the most abundant CPAP-motif cuticular protein in the silk gland during the IV-M stage, is investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses; CPAP3-G shows a reverse changing trend with chitin in the silk gland. The findings of this study suggest that CPAP-motif chitin-binding proteins are involved in the degradation of the chitin layer in the silk gland. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008677.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Huaipu Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China.,College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Dongchao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Lin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China.,Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zheng K, Ling S. De Novo Design of Recombinant Spider Silk Proteins for Material Applications. Biotechnol J 2018; 14:e1700753. [PMID: 29781251 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Spider silks are well known for their superior mechanical properties that are stronger and tougher than steel despite being assembled at close to ambient conditions and using water as the solvent. However, it is a significant challenge to utilize spider silks for practical applications due to their limited sources. Fortunately, genetic engineering techniques offer a promising approach to produce useable amounts of spider silk variants. Starting from these recombinant spider silk proteins, a series of experiments and simulations strategies are developed to improve the recombinant spider silk proteins (RSSP) material design and fabrication with the aim of biomimicking the structure-property-function relationships of spider silks. Accordingly, in this review, the authors first introduce the structure-property-function relationship of spider silks. Then, the recent progress in the genetic synthesis of RSSPs is discussed and their related multiscale self-assembly behaviors is summarized. Finally, the authors outline works utilizing multiscale modeling to assist RSSP material design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Humenik M, Lang G, Scheibel T. Silk nanofibril self-assembly versus electrospinning. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1509. [PMID: 29393590 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural silk fibers represent one of the most advanced blueprints for (bio)polymer scientists, displaying highly optimized mechanical properties due to their hierarchical structures. Biotechnological production of silk proteins and implementation of advanced processing methods enabled harnessing the potential of these biopolymer not just based on the mechanical properties. In addition to fibers, diverse morphologies can be produced, such as nonwoven meshes, films, hydrogels, foams, capsules and particles. Among them, nanoscale fibrils and fibers are particularly interesting concerning medical and technical applications due to their biocompatibility, environmental and mechanical robustness as well as high surface-to-volume ratio. Therefore, we introduce here self-assembly of silk proteins into hierarchically organized structures such as supramolecular nanofibrils and fabricated materials based thereon. As an alternative to self-assembly, we also present electrospinning a technique to produce nanofibers and nanofibrous mats. Accordingly, we introduce a broad range of silk-based dopes, used in self-assembly and electrospinning: natural silk proteins originating from natural spinning glands, natural silk protein solutions reconstituted from fibers, engineered recombinant silk proteins designed from natural blueprints, genetic fusions of recombinant silk proteins with other structural or functional peptides and moieties, as well as hybrids of recombinant silk proteins chemically conjugated with nonproteinaceous biotic or abiotic molecules. We highlight the advantages but also point out drawbacks of each particular production route. The scope includes studies of the natural self-assembly mechanism during natural silk spinning, production of silk fibrils as new nanostructured non-native scaffolds allowing dynamic morphological switches, as well as studying potential applications. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide-Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Humenik
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Gregor Lang
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), Research Center Bio-Macromolecules (BIOmac), Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), Bayreuth Center for Material Science (BayMAT), Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rider PM, Brook IM, Smith PJ, Miller CA. Reactive Inkjet Printing of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Films for Use as Dental Barrier Membranes. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E46. [PMID: 30393322 PMCID: PMC6187326 DOI: 10.3390/mi9020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Current commercially available barrier membranes for oral surgery have yet to achieve a perfect design. Existing materials used are either non-resorbable and require a second surgery for their extraction, or alternatively are resorbable but suffer from poor structural integrity or degrade into acidic by-products. Silk has the potential to overcome these issues and has yet to be made into a commercially available dental barrier membrane. Reactive inkjet printing (RIJ) has recently been demonstrated to be a suitable method for assembling silk in its regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) form into different constructs. This paper will establish the properties of RSF solutions for RIJ and the suitability of RIJ for the construction of RSF barrier membranes. Printed RSF films were characterised by their crystallinity and surface properties, which were shown to be controllable via RIJ. RSF films degraded in either phosphate buffered saline or protease XIV solutions had degradation rates related to RSF crystallinity. RSF films were also printed with the inclusion of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). As reactive inkjet printing could control RSF crystallinity and hence its degradation rate, as well as offering the ability to incorporate bioactive nHA inclusions, reactive inkjet printing is deemed a suitable alternative method for RSF processing and the production of dental barrier membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Rider
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK.
| | - Ian M Brook
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK.
| | - Patrick J Smith
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Cheryl A Miller
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Schamel M, Barralet JE, Gelinsky M, Groll J, Gbureck U. Intrinsic 3D Prestressing: A New Route for Increasing Strength and Improving Toughness of Hybrid Inorganic Biocements. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1701035. [PMID: 28714141 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201701035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cement is the most consumed resource and is the most widely used material globally. The ability to extrinsically prestress cementitious materials with tendons usually made from steel allows the creation of high-strength bridges and floors from this otherwise brittle material. Here, a dual setting cement system based on the combination of hydraulic cement powder with an aqueous silk fibroin solution that intrinsically generates a 3D prestressing during setting, dramatically toughening the cement to the point it can be cut with scissors, is reported. Changes of both ionic concentration and pH during cement setting are shown to create an interpenetrating silk fibroin inorganic composite with the combined properties of the elastic polymer and the rigid cement. These hybrid cements are self-densifying and show typical ductile fracture behavior when dry and a high elasticity under wet conditions with mechanical properties (bending and compressive strength) nearly an order of magnitude higher than the fibroin-free cement reference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Schamel
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Jake E Barralet
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave., Montréal, Québec, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Uwe Gbureck
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Agostini E, Winter G, Engert J. Scale-up of water-based spider silk film casting using a film applicator. Int J Pharm 2017; 532:13-20. [PMID: 28844898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.08.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk proteins for applications in drug delivery have attracted an increased interest during the past years. Some possible future medical applications for this biocompatible and biodegradable material are scaffolds for tissue engineering, implantable drug delivery systems and coatings for implants. Recently, we reported on the preparation of water-based spider silk films for drug delivery applications. In the current study, we describe the development of a manufacturing technique for casting larger spider silk films from aqueous solution employing a film applicator. Films were characterized in terms of morphology, water solubility, protein secondary structure, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. Different post-treatments were evaluated (phosphate ions, ethanol, steam sterilization and water vapor) to increase the content of β-sheets thereby achieving water insolubility of the films. Finally, the mechanical properties of the spider silk films were improved by incorporating 2-pyrrolidone as plasticizer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Agostini
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5, D-81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5, D-81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Engert
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5, D-81377, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Herold HM, Scheibel T. Applicability of biotechnologically produced insect silks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 72:365-385. [DOI: 10.1515/znc-2017-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Silks are structural proteins produced by arthropods. Besides the well-known cocoon silk, which is produced by larvae of the silk moth Bombyx mori to undergo metamorphosis inside their silken shelter (and which is also used for textile production by men since millennia), numerous further less known silk-producing animals exist. The ability to produce silk evolved multiple independent times during evolution, and the fact that silk was subject to convergent evolution gave rise to an abundant natural diversity of silk proteins. Silks are used in air, under water, or like honey bee silk in the hydrophobic, waxen environment of the bee hive. The good mechanical properties of insect silk fibres together with their non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable nature renders these materials appealing for both technical and biomedical applications. Although nature provides a great diversity of material properties, the variation in quality inherent in materials from natural sources together with low availability (except from silkworm silk) impeded the development of applications of silks. To overcome these two drawbacks, in recent years, recombinant silks gained more and more interest, as the biotechnological production of silk proteins allows for a scalable production at constant quality. This review summarises recent developments in recombinant silk production as well as technical procedures to process recombinant silk proteins into fibres, films, and hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heike M. Herold
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
- Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen (BZKG), Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
- Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften (BZMB), Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
- Institut für Bio-Makromoleküle (bio-mac), Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
- Bayreuther Materialzentrum (BayMAT), Universität Bayreuth , Universitätsstraße 30 , 95440 Bayreuth , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mountain RD, Hatch HW, Shen VK. Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Trimer Self-Assembly Under Shear. FLUID PHASE EQUILIBRIA 2017; 440:87-94. [PMID: 28736479 PMCID: PMC5514611 DOI: 10.1016/j.fluid.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of patchy trimer particles consisting of one attractive site and two repulsive sites is investigated with nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of a velocity gradient, as would be produced by the application of a shear stress on the system. As shear is increased, globular-shaped micellar clusters increase in size and become more elongated. The globular clusters are also more stable at higher temperatures in the presence of shear than at equilibrium. These results help to increase our understanding of the effect of shear on self-assembly for a variety of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond D Mountain
- Chemical Informatics Research Group, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8380, USA
| | - Harold W Hatch
- Chemical Informatics Research Group, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8380, USA
| | - Vincent K Shen
- Chemical Informatics Research Group, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8380, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Alshehhi M, Alhassan SM, Chiesa M. Dependence of surface aging on DNA topography investigated in attractive bimodal atomic force microscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:10231-10236. [PMID: 28234395 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp00160f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Here we employ bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the relevance of the aging of the surface and accumulation of adsorbates on the resolved topography of biomolecules. We produce raw bimodal images and a set of contrast channels derived from these to show that the imaging of DNA molecules on hydrophilic model substrates such as mica should be performed immediately after the sample is prepared. Days after preparation, i.e. 48 hours, the adsorbates shield the forces arising from the true substrate and molecule and the molecule might become "invisible" in the images. We employ dsDNA molecules on mica as a model system since the nominal height of dsDNA is comparable to the height of the adsorbed films. With this set up, the molecules can fully disappear under attractive imaging due to the shielding effects of the adsorbates. We further transform the images obtained immediately after cleaving the mica surface and show that the data are then suitable to be transformed into more physically meaningful maps such as Hamaker maps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mashael Alshehhi
- Laboratory for Energy and NanoScience (LENS), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Investigate the Effect of Thawing Process on the Self-Assembly of Silk Protein for Tissue Applications. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4263762. [PMID: 28367442 PMCID: PMC5359440 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4263762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Biological self-assembly is a process in which building blocks autonomously organize to form stable supermolecules of higher order and complexity through domination of weak, noncovalent interactions. For silk protein, the effect of high incubating temperature on the induction of secondary structure and self-assembly was well investigated. However, the effect of freezing and thawing on silk solution has not been studied. The present work aimed to investigate a new all-aqueous process to form 3D porous silk fibroin matrices using a freezing-assisted self-assembly method. This study proposes an experimental investigation and optimization of environmental parameters for the self-assembly process such as freezing temperature, thawing process, and concentration of silk solution. The optical images demonstrated the possibility and potential of -80ST48 treatment to initialize the self-assembly of silk fibroin as well as controllably fabricate a porous scaffold. Moreover, the micrograph images illustrate the assembly of silk protein chain in 7 days under the treatment of -80ST48 process. The surface morphology characterization proved that this method could control the pore size of porous scaffolds by control of the concentration of silk solution. The animal test showed the support of silk scaffold for cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as the cell migration process in the 3D implantable scaffold.
Collapse
|
46
|
Kasoju N, Hawkins N, Pop-Georgievski O, Kubies D, Vollrath F. Silk fibroin gelation via non-solvent induced phase separation. Biomater Sci 2017; 4:460-73. [PMID: 26730413 DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00471c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering benefits from novel materials with precisely tunable physical, chemical and mechanical properties over a broad range. Here we report a practical approach to prepare Bombyx mori silk fibroin hydrogels using the principle of non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). A combination of reconstituted silk fibroin (RSF) and methanol (non-solvent), with a final concentration of 2.5% w/v and 12.5% v/v respectively, maintained at 22 °C temperature turned into a hydrogel within 10 hours. Freeze-drying of this gel gave a foam with a porosity of 88%, a water uptake capacity of 89% and a swelling index of 8.6. The gelation kinetics and the loss tangent of the gels were investigated by rheometry. The changes in the morphology of the porous foams were visualized by SEM. The changes in RSF chemical composition and the relative fraction of its secondary structural elements were analyzed by ATR-FTIR along with Fourier self-deconvolution. And, the changes in the glass transition temperature, specific heat capacity and the relative fraction of crystallinity of RSF were determined by TM-DSC. Data suggested that RSF-water-methanol behaved as a polymer-solvent-non-solvent ternary phase system, wherein the demixing of the water-methanol phases altered the thermodynamic equilibrium of RSF-water phases and resulted in the desolvation and eventual separation of the RSF phase. Systematic analysis revealed that both gelation time and the properties of hydrogels and porous foams could be controlled by the ratios of RSF and non-solvent concentration as well as by the type of non-solvent and incubation temperature. Due to the unique properties we envisage that the herein prepared NIPS induced RSF hydrogels and porous foams can possibly be used for the encapsulation of cells and/or for the controlled release of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kasoju
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous Polymer Systems, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic. and Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Ognen Pop-Georgievski
- Department of Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Biointerfaces, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Kubies
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous Polymer Systems, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Fritz Vollrath
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Silk is a protein-based material which is predominantly produced by insects and spiders. Hundreds of millions of years of evolution have enabled these animals to utilize different, highly adapted silk types in a broad variety of applications. Silk occurs in several morphologies, such as sticky glue or in the shape of fibers and can, depending on the application by the respective animal, dissipate a high mechanical energy, resist heat and radiation, maintain functionality when submerged in water and withstand microbial settling. Hence, it's unsurprising that silk piqued human interest a long time ago, which catalyzed the domestication of silkworms for the production of silk to be used in textiles. Recently, scientific progress has enabled the development of analytic tools to gain profound insights into the characteristics of silk proteins. Based on these investigations, the biotechnological production of artificial and engineered silk has been accomplished, which allows the production of a sufficient amount of silk materials for several industrial applications. This chapter provides a review on the biotechnological production of various silk proteins from different species, as well as on the processing techniques to fabricate application-oriented material morphologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Lang
- Research Group Biopolymer Processing, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Heike Herold
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nürnberger S, Rentenberger C, Thiel K, Schädl B, Grunwald I, Ponomarev I, Marlovits S, Meyer C, Barnewitz D. Giant crystals inside mitochondria of equine chondrocytes. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:635-649. [PMID: 28013370 PMCID: PMC5400799 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1516-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports for the first time the presence of giant crystals in mitochondria of equine chondrocytes. These structures show dark contrast in TEM images as well as a granular substructure of regularly aligned 1-2 nm small units. Different zone axes of the crystalline structure were analysed by means of Fourier transformation of lattice-resolution TEM images proving the crystalline nature of the structure. Elemental analysis reveals a high content of nitrogen referring to protein. The outer shape of the crystals is geometrical with an up to hexagonal profile in cross sections. It is elongated, spanning a length of several micrometres through the whole cell. In some chondrocytes, several crystals were found, sometimes combined in a single mitochondrion. Crystals were preferentially aligned along the long axis of the cells, thus appearing in the same orientation as the chondrocytes in the tissue. Although no similar structures have been found in the cartilage of any other species investigated, they have been found in cartilage repair tissue formed within a mechanically stimulated equine chondrocyte construct. Crystals were mainly located in superficial regions of cartilage, especially in joint regions of well-developed superficial layers, more often in yearlings than in adult horses. These results indicate that intramitochondrial crystals are related to the high mechanical stress in the horse joint and potentially also to the increased metabolic activity of immature individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Nürnberger
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200, Vienna, Austria. .,University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - C Rentenberger
- Physics of Nanostructured Materials, Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - K Thiel
- Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials, Wiener Strasse 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - B Schädl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200, Vienna, Austria.,University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - I Grunwald
- Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials, Wiener Strasse 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - I Ponomarev
- Research Centre for Medical Technics and Biotechnology, Geranienweg 7, 99947, Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - St Marlovits
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ch Meyer
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Traumatology, University of Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Straße 7, 35385, Giessen, Germany.,Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Saarbrücken, Winterberg 1, 66119, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - D Barnewitz
- Research Centre for Medical Technics and Biotechnology, Geranienweg 7, 99947, Bad Langensalza, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Singh SK, Bhunia BK, Bhardwaj N, Gilotra S, Mandal BB. Reloadable Silk-Hydrogel Hybrid Scaffolds for Sustained and Targeted Delivery of Molecules. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:4066-4081. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saket Kumar Singh
- Biomaterial
and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, India
| | - Bibhas Kumar Bhunia
- Biomaterial
and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, India
| | - Nandana Bhardwaj
- Biological
and Chemical Sciences Section, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati 781 035, India
| | - Sween Gilotra
- Biomaterial
and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, India
| | - Biman B. Mandal
- Biomaterial
and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, India
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kundu B, Eltohamy M, Yadavalli VK, Kundu SC, Kim HW. Biomimetic Designing of Functional Silk Nanotopography Using Self-assembly. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:28458-28467. [PMID: 27686123 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b07872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In nature inorganic-organic building units create multifunctional hierarchical architectures. Organic silk protein is particularly attractive in this respect because of its micro-nanoscale structural blocks that are attributed to sophisticated hierarchical assembly imparting flexibility and compressibility to designed biohybrid materials. In the present study, aqueous silk fibroin is assembled to form nano/microtopography on inorganic silica surface via a facile diffusion-limited aggregation process. This process is driven by electrostatic interaction and only possible at a specified aminated surface chemistry. The self-assembled topography depends on the age and concentration of protein solution as well as on the surface charge distribution of the template. The self-assembled silk trails closely resemble natural cypress leaf architecture, which is considered a structural analogue of neuronal cortex. This assembled surface significantly enhances anchorage of neuronal cell and cytoskeletal extensions, providing an effective nano/microtopographical cue for cellular recognition and guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Eltohamy
- Glass Research Department, National Research Centre , Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Vamsi K Yadavalli
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia 23284, United States
| | - Subhas C Kundu
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | | |
Collapse
|