1
|
Rosso AP, de Oliveira FA, Guégan P, Jager E, Giacomelli FC. Evaluation of polymersome permeability as a fundamental aspect towards the development of artificial cells and nanofactories. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 671:88-99. [PMID: 38795537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.05.133] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Polymersomes are synthetic vesicles with potential use in healthcare, chemical transformations in confined environment (nanofactories), and in the construction of artificial cells and organelles. In this framework, one of the most important features of such supramolecular structures is the permeability behavior allowing for selective control of mass exchange between the inner and outer compartments. The use of biological and synthetic nanopores in this regard is the most common strategy to impart permeability nevertheless, this typically requires fairly complex strategies to enable porosity. Yet, investigations concerning the permeability of polymer vesicles to different analytes still requires further exploration and, taking these considerations into account, we have detailed investigated the permeability behavior of a variety of polymersomes with regard to different analytes (water, protons, and rhodamine B) which were selected as models for solvents, ions, and small molecules. Polymersomes based on hydrophilic blocks of poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (PHPMA) or PEO (poly(ethylene oxide)) linked to the non-responsive blocks poly[N-(4-isopropylphenylacetamide)ethyl methacrylate] (PPPhA) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or to the stimuli pH-responsive block poly[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDPA) have been investigated. Interestingly, the produced PEO-based vesicles are notably larger than the ones produced using PHPMA-containing block copolymers. The experimental results reveal that all the vesicles are inherently permeable to some extent with permeability behavior following exponential profiles. Nevertheless, polymersomes based on PMMA as the hydrophobic component were demonstrated to be the least permeable to the small molecule rhodamine B as well as to water. The synthetic vesicles based on the pH-responsive PDPA block exhibited restrictive and notably slow proton permeability as attributed to partial chain protonation upon acidification of the medium. The dye permeability was evidenced to be much slower than ion or solvent diffusion, and in the case of pH-responsive assemblies, it was demonstrated to also depend on the ionic strength of the environment. These findings are understood to be highly relevant towards polymer selection for the production of synthetic vesicles with selective and time-dependent permeability, and it may thus contribute in advancing biomimicry and nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anabella P Rosso
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Philippe Guégan
- Equipe Chimie des Polymères, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (UMR-CNRS 8232), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Eliezer Jager
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li J, Chen S, Xu B, He Z, Yuan Q, Gan W. Temperature-Modulated Evolution of Surface Structures Induces Significant Enhancement of Two-Photon Fluorescent Emission from a Dye Molecule. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:6400-6409. [PMID: 38914939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence is an essential property of molecules and materials that plays a pivotal role across various areas such as lighting, sensing, imaging, and other applications. For instance, temperature-sensitive fluorescence emission is widely utilized for chemo-/biosensing but usually decreases the intensity upon the increase in temperature. In this study, we observed a temperature-induced enhancement of up to ∼150 times in two-photon fluorescence (TPF) emission from a dye molecule, 4-(4-diethylaminostyry)-1-methylpyridinium iodide (D289), as it interacted with binary complex vesicles composed of two commonly applied surfactants: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). By employing second harmonic generation (SHG) and TPF techniques, we clearly revealed the temperature-dependent kinetic behavior of D289 on the surface of the vesicles and utilized it to interpret the origin of the significant TPF enhancement. Additionally, we also demonstrated a similar heating-induced enhancement of the TPF emission from D289 on the membrane of phospholipid vesicles, indicating the potential application of TPF in temperature sensing in the biology systems. The embedding of D289 in the tightly packed alkane chains was identified as the key factor in enhancing the TPF emission from D289. This finding may provide valuable information for synthesizing fluorescence materials with a high optical yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shujiao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Baomei Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zikai He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qunhui Yuan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Gan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), University Town, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang W, Xu H, Gao Z, Wu Z, Zhao Z, Wang J, Wu Y, Ke H, Mao C, Wan M, Zhou M. Artificial Neutrophils Against Vascular Graft Infection. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402768. [PMID: 38874399 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Efficient neutrophil migration to infection sites plays a vital role in the body's defense against bacterial infections and natural immune responses. Neutrophils have a short lifespan and cannot be mass-cultured in vitro. Therefore, developing more stable artificial neutrophils (AN) in a controllable manner has become a research focus. However, existing AN lack chemotaxis, which is the ability to migrate toward high-signal-concentration positions in a dynamic blood- flow environment. Supplying AN with chemotaxis is key to designing AN that are more similar to natural neutrophils in terms of morphology and function. In this study, micrometer-sized, spherical, biocompatible AN are developed. These AN consist of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles encapsulating two enzymes, coacervate droplet frameworks, and outer phospholipid bilayers carrying enzymes. The AN exhibit responsiveness to elevated hydrogen peroxide levels at inflammation sites, actively chemotaxing toward these sites along concentration gradients. They also demonstrate effective combat against Staphylococcus aureus infections. The capabilities of the AN are further validated through in vitro experiments and in vivo evaluations using vascular graft infection models. This study replicates natural neutrophils in terms of chemical composition, functionality, and physiological impact. It introduces new ideas for advancing the development of advanced artificial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Huizi Xu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zichun Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yawen Wu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haifeng Ke
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Institute for Life and Health, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huster D, Maiti S, Herrmann A. Phospholipid Membranes as Chemically and Functionally Tunable Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312898. [PMID: 38456771 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The sheet-like lipid bilayer is the fundamental structural component of all cell membranes. Its building blocks are phospholipids and cholesterol. Their amphiphilic structure spontaneously leads to the formation of a bilayer in aqueous environment. Lipids are not just structural elements. Individual lipid species, the lipid membrane structure, and lipid dynamics influence and regulate membrane protein function. An exciting field is emerging where the membrane-associated material properties of different bilayer systems are used in designing innovative solutions for widespread applications across various fields, such as the food industry, cosmetics, nano- and biomedicine, drug storage and delivery, biotechnology, nano- and biosensors, and computing. Here, the authors summarize what is known about how lipids determine the properties and functions of biological membranes and how this has been or can be translated into innovative applications. Based on recent progress in the understanding of membrane structure, dynamics, and physical properties, a perspective is provided on how membrane-controlled regulation of protein functions can extend current applications and even offer new applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Huster
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16/18, D-04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, 400 005, India
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department Chemistry and Biochemistry, SupraFAB, Altensteinstr. 23a, D-14195, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dimitriou P, Li J, Jamieson WD, Schneider JJ, Castell OK, Barrow DA. Manipulation of encapsulated artificial phospholipid membranes using sub-micellar lysolipid concentrations. Commun Chem 2024; 7:120. [PMID: 38824266 PMCID: PMC11144220 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01209-z] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Droplet Interface Bilayers (DIBs) constitute a commonly used model of artificial membranes for synthetic biology research applications. However, their practical use is often limited by their requirement to be surrounded by oil. Here we demonstrate in-situ bilayer manipulation of submillimeter, hydrogel-encapsulated droplet interface bilayers (eDIBs). Monolithic, Cyclic Olefin Copolymer/Nylon 3D-printed microfluidic devices facilitated the eDIB formation through high-order emulsification. By exposing the eDIB capsules to varying lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) concentrations, we investigated the interaction of lysolipids with three-dimensional DIB networks. Micellar LPC concentrations triggered the bursting of encapsulated droplet networks, while at lower concentrations the droplet network endured structural changes, precisely affecting the membrane dimensions. This chemically-mediated manipulation of enclosed, 3D-orchestrated membrane mimics, facilitates the exploration of readily accessible compartmentalized artificial cellular machinery. Collectively, the droplet-based construct can pose as a chemically responsive soft material for studying membrane mechanics, and drug delivery, by controlling the cargo release from artificial cell chassis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pantelitsa Dimitriou
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - Jin Li
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - William David Jamieson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Kind Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Johannes Josef Schneider
- Institute of Applied Mathematics and Physics, School of Engineering, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Technikumstr. 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kieran Castell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Kind Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - David Anthony Barrow
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Elizebath D, Vedhanarayanan B, Dhiman A, Mishra RK, Ramachandran CN, Lin TW, Praveen VK. Spontaneous Curvature Induction in an Artificial Bilayer Membrane. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403900. [PMID: 38459961 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403900] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining lipid asymmetry across membrane leaflets is critical for functions like vesicular traffic and organelle homeostasis. However, a lack of molecular-level understanding of the mechanisms underlying membrane fission and fusion processes in synthetic systems precludes their development as artificial analogs. Here, we report asymmetry induction of a bilayer membrane formed by an extended π-conjugated molecule with oxyalkylene side chains bearing terminal tertiary amine moieties (BA1) in water. Autogenous protonation of the tertiary amines in the periphery of the bilayer by water induces anisotropic curvature, resulting in membrane fission to form vesicles and can be monitored using time-dependent spectroscopy and microscopy. Interestingly, upon loss of the induced asymmetry by extensive protonation using an organic acid restored bilayer membrane. The mechanism leading to the compositional asymmetry in the leaflet and curvature induction in the membrane is validated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Studies extended to control molecules having changes in hydrophilic (BA2) and hydrophobic (BA3) segments provide insight into the delicate nature of molecular scale interactions in the dynamic transformation of supramolecular structures. The synergic effect of hydrophobic interaction and the hydrated state of BA1 aggregates provide dynamicity and unusual stability. Our study unveils mechanistic insight into the dynamic transformation of bilayer membranes into vesicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drishya Elizebath
- Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695019, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Balaraman Vedhanarayanan
- Department of Chemistry, Tunghai University, No. 1727, Section 4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City, 40704, Taiwan
| | - Angat Dhiman
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695019, India
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand (NITUK), Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, 246174, India
| | - C N Ramachandran
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Tsung-Wu Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tunghai University, No. 1727, Section 4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City, 40704, Taiwan
| | - Vakayil K Praveen
- Chemical Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695019, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Komáromy D, Monzón DM, Marić I, Monreal Santiago G, Ottelé J, Altay M, Schaeffer G, Otto S. Generalist versus Specialist Self-Replicators. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303837. [PMID: 38294075 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303837] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Darwinian evolution, including the selection of the fittest species under given environmental conditions, is a major milestone in the development of synthetic living systems. In this regard, generalist or specialist behavior (the ability to replicate in a broader or narrower, more specific food environment) are of importance. Here we demonstrate generalist and specialist behavior in dynamic combinatorial libraries composed of a peptide-based and an oligo(ethylene glycol) based building block. Three different sets of macrocyclic replicators could be distinguished based on their supramolecular organization: two prepared from a single building block as well as one prepared from an equimolar mixture of them. Peptide-containing hexamer replicators were found to be generalists, i. e. they could replicate in a broad range of food niches, whereas the octamer peptide-based replicator and hexameric ethyleneoxide-based replicator were proven to be specialists, i. e. they only replicate in very specific food niches that correspond to their composition. However, sequence specificity cannot be demonstrated for either of the generalist replicators. The generalist versus specialist nature of these replicators was linked to their supramolecular organization. Assembly modes that accommodate structurally different building blocks lead to generalist replicators, while assembly modes that are more restrictive yield specialist replicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Komáromy
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diego M Monzón
- Instituto de Bio-Orgánica "Antonio González" (IUBO-AG), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ivana Marić
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillermo Monreal Santiago
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Ottelé
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Meniz Altay
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gaël Schaeffer
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sijbren Otto
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Luo ZH, Chen C, Zhao QH, Deng NN. Functional metal-phenolic cortical cytoskeleton for artificial cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4047. [PMID: 38363847 PMCID: PMC10871533 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Cortex-like cytoskeleton, a thin layer of cross-linked cytoplasmic proteins underlying the cell membrane, plays an essential role in modulating membrane behavior and cell surface properties. However, bottom-up construction of functional cortex-like cytoskeleton in artificial cells remains a challenge. Here, we present metal-phenolic networks as artificial cortical cytoskeletons in liposome-based artificial cells. The metal-phenolic cytoskeleton-reinforced artificial cells exhibit long-term stability, enhanced resistance to a variety of harsh environments, tunable permeability, and well-controlled morphologies. We anticipate that our stable artificial cell models will stride forward to practical applications of liposome-based microsystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hong Luo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qi-Hong Zhao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan-Nan Deng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Sichuan Research Institute, Chengdu 610213, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hu Q, Lan H, Tian Y, Li X, Wang M, Zhang J, Yu Y, Chen W, Kong L, Guo Y, Zhang Z. Biofunctional coacervate-based artificial protocells with membrane-like and cytoplasm-like structures for the treatment of persistent hyperuricemia. J Control Release 2024; 365:176-192. [PMID: 37992873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.030] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Coacervate droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to enrich biomacromolecules while preserving their bioactivities. However, there are challenges to develop coacervate droplets as delivery vesicles for therapeutics resulting from the lack of physiological stability and inherent lack of membranes in coacervate droplets. Herein, polylysine-polynucleotide complex coacervate droplets with favorable physiological stability are formulated to efficiently and facilely concentrate small molecules, biomacromolecules and nanoparticles without organic solvents. To improve the biocompatibility, the PEGylated phospholipid membrane is further coated on the surface of the coacervate droplets to prepare coacervate-based artificial protocells (ArtPC) with membrane-like and cytoplasm-like structures. The ArtPC can confine the cyclic catalytic system of uricase and catalase inside to degrade uric acid and deplete the toxicity of H2O2. This biofunctional ArtPC effectively reduces blood uric acid levels and prevents renal injuries in mice with persistent hyperuricemia. The ArtPC-based therapy can bridge the disciplines of synthetic biology, pharmaceutics and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Hu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hongbing Lan
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yinmei Tian
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yulin Yu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Li Kong
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Engineering Research Centre for Novel Drug Delivery System, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gutierrez B, Aggarwal T, Erguven H, Stone MRL, Guo C, Bellomo A, Abramova E, Stevenson ER, Laskin DL, Gow AJ, Izgu EC. Direct assessment of nitrative stress in lipid environments: Applications of a designer lipid-based biosensor for peroxynitrite. iScience 2023; 26:108567. [PMID: 38144454 PMCID: PMC10746523 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid membranes and lipid-rich organelles are targets of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a highly reactive species generated under nitrative stress. We report a membrane-localized phospholipid (DPPC-TC-ONOO-) that allows the detection of ONOO- in diverse lipid environments: biomimetic vesicles, mammalian cell compartments, and within the lung lining. DPPC-TC-ONOO- and POPC self-assemble to membrane vesicles that fluorogenically and selectively respond to ONOO-. DPPC-TC-ONOO-, delivered through lipid nanoparticles, allowed for ONOO- detection in the endoplasmic reticulum upon cytokine-induced nitrative stress in live mammalian cells. It also responded to ONOO- within lung tissue murine models upon acute lung injury. We observed nitrative stress around bronchioles in precision cut lung slices exposed to nitrogen mustard and in pulmonary macrophages following intratracheal bleomycin challenge. Results showed that DPPC-TC-ONOO- functions specifically toward iNOS, a key enzyme modulating nitrative stress, and offers significant advantages over its hydrophilic analog in terms of localization and signal generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Gutierrez
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Tushar Aggarwal
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Huseyin Erguven
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - M. Rhia L. Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Alyssa Bellomo
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Elena Abramova
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Emily R. Stevenson
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Debra L. Laskin
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Andrew J. Gow
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Enver Cagri Izgu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Powers J, Jang Y. Advancing Biomimetic Functions of Synthetic Cells through Compartmentalized Cell-Free Protein Synthesis. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5539-5550. [PMID: 37962115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial constructs that mimic the structures and functions of living cells. They are attractive for studying diverse biochemical processes and elucidating the origins of life. While creating a living synthetic cell remains a grand challenge, researchers have successfully synthesized hundreds of unique synthetic cell platforms. One promising approach to developing more sophisticated synthetic cells is to integrate cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) mechanisms into vesicle platforms. This makes it possible to create synthetic cells with complex biomimetic functions such as genetic circuits, autonomous membrane modifications, sensing and communication, and artificial organelles. This Review explores recent advances in the use of CFPS to impart advanced biomimetic structures and functions to bottom-up synthetic cell platforms. We also discuss the potential applications of synthetic cells in biomedicine as well as the future directions of synthetic cell research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Powers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arnold DP, Takatori SC. Bio-enabled Engineering of Multifunctional "Living" Surfaces. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37294942 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Through the magic of "active matter"─matter that converts chemical energy into mechanical work to drive emergent properties─biology solves a myriad of seemingly enormous physical challenges. Using active matter surfaces, for example, our lungs clear an astronomically large number of particulate contaminants that accompany each of the 10,000 L of air we respire per day, thus ensuring that the lungs' gas exchange surfaces remain functional. In this Perspective, we describe our efforts to engineer artificial active surfaces that mimic active matter surfaces in biology. Specifically, we seek to assemble the basic active matter components─mechanical motor, driven constituent, and energy source─to design surfaces that support the continuous operation of molecular sensing, recognition, and exchange. The successful realization of this technology would generate multifunctional, "living" surfaces that combine the dynamic programmability of active matter and the molecular specificity of biological surfaces and apply them to applications in biosensors, chemical diagnostics, and other surface transport and catalytic processes. We describe our recent efforts in bio-enabled engineering of living surfaces through the design of molecular probes to understand and integrate native biological membranes into synthetic materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Arnold
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Sho C Takatori
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ji Y, Lin Y, Qiao Y. Plant Cell-Inspired Membranization of Coacervate Protocells with a Structured Polysaccharide Layer. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37267599 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The design of compartmentalized colloids that exhibit biomimetic properties is providing model systems for developing synthetic cell-like entities (protocells). Inspired by the cell walls in plant cells, we developed a method to prepare membranized coacervates as protocell models by coating membraneless liquid-like microdroplets with a protective layer of rigid polysaccharides. Membranization not only endowed colloidal stability and prevented aggregation and coalescence but also facilitated selective biomolecule sequestration and chemical exchange across the membrane. The polysaccharide wall surrounding coacervate protocells acted as a stimuli-responsive structural barrier that enabled enzyme-triggered membrane lysis to initiate internalization and killing of Escherichia coli. The membranized coacervates were capable of spatial organization into structured tissue-like protocell assemblages, offering a means to mimic metabolism and cell-to-cell communication. We envision that surface engineering of protocells as developed in this work generates a platform for constructing advanced synthetic cell mimetics and sophisticated cell-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanglimin Ji
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lete M, Hoffmann M, Schomann N, Martínez-Castillo A, Peccati F, Konietzny PB, Delgado S, Snyder NL, Jiménez-Oses G, Abrescia NGA, Ardá A, Hartmann L, Jiménez-Barbero J. Molecular Recognition of Glycan-Bearing Glycomacromolecules Presented at Membrane Surfaces by Lectins: An NMR View. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:16883-16895. [PMID: 37214724 PMCID: PMC10193412 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lectin-glycan interactions are at the heart of a multitude of biological events. Glycans are usually presented in a multivalent manner on the cell surface as part of the so-called glycocalyx, where they interact with other entities. This multivalent presentation allows us to overcome the typical low affinities found for individual glycan-lectin interactions. Indeed, the presentation of glycans may drastically impact their binding by lectins, highly affecting the corresponding binding affinity and even selectivity. In this context, we herein present the study of the interaction of a variety of homo- and heteromultivalent lactose-functionalized glycomacromolecules and their lipid conjugates with two human galectins. We have employed as ligands the glycomacromolecules, as well as liposomes decorated with those structures, to evaluate their interactions in a cell-mimicking environment. Key details of the interaction have been unravelled by NMR experiments, both from the ligand and receptor perspectives, complemented by cryo-electron microscopy methods and molecular dynamics simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta
G. Lete
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Miriam Hoffmann
- Department
of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Nils Schomann
- Department
of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Ane Martínez-Castillo
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Francesca Peccati
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Patrick B. Konietzny
- Department
of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Sandra Delgado
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nicole L. Snyder
- Department
of Chemistry, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035, United States
| | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Oses
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao 48009, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nicola G. A. Abrescia
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao 48009, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas
y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos
III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ana Ardá
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao 48009, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Laura Hartmann
- Department
of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Jesús Jiménez-Barbero
- CIC
bioGUNE, Basque Research
& Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao 48009, Bizkaia, Spain
- Department
of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, EHU-UPV, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid 28029, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fracassi A, Podolsky KA, Pandey S, Xu C, Hutchings J, Seifert S, Baiz CR, Sinha SK, Devaraj NK. Characterizing the Self-Assembly Properties of Monoolein Lipid Isosteres. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:1771-1779. [PMID: 36795462 PMCID: PMC9986874 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Living cells feature lipid compartments which exhibit a variety of shapes and structures that assist essential cellular processes. Many natural cell compartments frequently adopt convoluted nonlamellar lipid architectures that facilitate specific biological reactions. Improved methods for controlling the structural organization of artificial model membranes would facilitate investigations into how membrane morphology affects biological functions. Monoolein (MO) is a single-chain amphiphile which forms nonlamellar lipid phases in aqueous solution and has wide applications in nanomaterial development, the food industry, drug delivery, and protein crystallization. However, even if MO has been extensively studied, simple isosteres of MO, while readily accessible, have seen limited characterization. An improved understanding of how relatively minor changes in lipid chemical structure affect self-assembly and membrane topology could instruct the construction of artificial cells and organelles for modeling biological structures and facilitate nanomaterial-based applications. Here, we investigate the differences in self-assembly and large-scale organization between MO and two MO lipid isosteres. We show that replacing the ester linkage between the hydrophilic headgroup and hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain with a thioesther or amide functional group results in the assembly of lipid structures with different phases not resembling those formed by MO. Using light and cryo-electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and infrared spectroscopy, we demonstrate differences in the molecular ordering and large-scale architectures of the self-assembled structures made from MO and its isosteric analogues. These results improve our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of lipid mesophase assembly and may facilitate the development of MO-based materials for biomedicine and as model lipid compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Fracassi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California92093, United States
| | - Kira A Podolsky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California92093, United States
| | - Sudip Pandey
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mayer Hall Addition 4561, La Jolla, California92093, United States
| | - Cong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th St. Stop A5300, Austin, Texas78712-1224, United States
| | - Joshua Hutchings
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California92093, United States
| | - Soenke Seifert
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois60439, United States
| | - Carlos R Baiz
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th St. Stop A5300, Austin, Texas78712-1224, United States
| | - Sunil K Sinha
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mayer Hall Addition 4561, La Jolla, California92093, United States
| | - Neal K Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, La Jolla, California92093, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zuo J, Zhu E, Yin W, Yao C, Liao J, Ping X, Zhu Y, Cai X, Rao Y, Feng H, Zhang K, Qian Z. Long-term spatiotemporal and highly specific imaging of the plasma membrane of diverse plant cells using a near-infrared AIE probe. Chem Sci 2023; 14:2139-2148. [PMID: 36845931 PMCID: PMC9945320 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc05727a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent probes are valuable tools to visualize plasma membranes intuitively and clearly and their related physiological processes in a spatiotemporal manner. However, most existing probes have only realized the specific staining of the plasma membranes of animal/human cells within a very short time period, while almost no fluorescent probes have been developed for the long-term imaging of the plasma membranes of plant cells. Herein, we designed an AIE-active probe with NIR emission to achieve four-dimensional spatiotemporal imaging of the plasma membranes of plant cells based on a collaboration approach involving multiple strategies, demonstrated long-term real-time monitoring of morphological changes of plasma membranes for the first time, and further proved its wide applicability to plant cells of different types and diverse plant species. In the design concept, three effective strategies including the similarity and intermiscibility principle, antipermeability strategy and strong electrostatic interactions were combined to allow the probe to specifically target and anchor the plasma membrane for an ultralong amount of time on the premise of guaranteeing its sufficiently high aqueous solubility. The designed APMem-1 can quickly penetrate cell walls to specifically stain the plasma membranes of all plant cells in a very short time with advanced features (ultrafast staining, wash-free, and desirable biocompatibility) and the probe shows excellent plasma membrane specificity without staining other areas of the cell in comparison to commercial FM dyes. The longest imaging time of APMem-1 can be up to 10 h with comparable performance in both imaging contrast and imaging integrity. The validation experiments on different types of plant cells and diverse plants convincingly proved the universality of APMem-1. The development of plasma membrane probes with four-dimensional spatial and ultralong-term imaging ability provides a valuable tool to monitor the dynamic processes of plasma membrane-related events in an intuitive and real-time manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zuo
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Engao Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Wenjing Yin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Chuangye Yao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Jiajia Liao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Xinni Ping
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Xuting Cai
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Yuchun Rao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Hui Feng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Kewei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Zhaosheng Qian
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cheng X, Huang J, Wang R, Xu Y, Wu N, Zhou J, Liu X, Wang H, Chen H. Inorganic-organic coprecipitation: spontaneous formation of enclosed and porous silica compartments with enriched biopolymers. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:2394-2401. [PMID: 36651126 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05320a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We show that it is possible to spontaneously form all-enclosed compartments with microporous shells and enriched biopolymers via simple coprecipitation of silica and biopolymers. The reaction involves mild conditions and tolerates the random mixing of multiple reagents. Such a synthetic advance points to a new direction for resolving the chicken-egg dilemma of how the early life forms were hosted: without a physical barrier it would be difficult to maintain organized reactions, but without organized reactions, it would be difficult to create a cell membrane. In our synthesis, the divalent cation Ca2+ plays a critical role in the co-precipitation and in creating hollow compartments after simple dilution with water. The precursor of silica, poly(silicic acid), is a negatively charged, cross-linked polymer. It could be co-precipitated with negatively charged biopolymers such as DNA and proteins, whereas the remaining silica precursor forms a conformal and microporous shell on the surface of the initial precipitate. After etching, the biopolymers are retained inside the hollow compartments. The fact that multiple favorable conditions are easily brought together in enclosed compartments opens new possibilities in theorizing the host of early life forms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis (IAS) and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Centre for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Ruoxu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis (IAS) and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Centre for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Nan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China.
| | - Xueyang Liu
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis (IAS) and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Centre for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Johansen NT, Tidemand FG, Pedersen MC, Arleth L. Travel light: Essential packing for membrane proteins with an active lifestyle. Biochimie 2023; 205:3-26. [PMID: 35963461 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We review the considerable progress during the recent decade in the endeavours of designing, optimising, and utilising carrier particle systems for structural and functional studies of membrane proteins in near-native environments. New and improved systems are constantly emerging, novel studies push the perceived limits of a given carrier system, and specific carrier systems consolidate and entrench themselves as the system of choice for particular classes of target membrane protein systems. This review covers the most frequently used carrier systems for such studies and emphasises similarities and differences between these systems as well as current trends and future directions for the field. Particular interest is devoted to the biophysical properties and membrane mimicking ability of each system and the manner in which this may impact an embedded membrane protein and an eventual structural or functional study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Tidemand Johansen
- Section for Transport Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C, 1871, Denmark.
| | - Frederik Grønbæk Tidemand
- Section for Transport Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C, 1871, Denmark
| | - Martin Cramer Pedersen
- Condensed Matter Physics, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen E, 2100, Denmark
| | - Lise Arleth
- Condensed Matter Physics, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen E, 2100, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lu J, Jiang G, Zhang H, Qian B, Zhu H, Gu Q, Yan Y, Liu JZ, Freeman BD, Jiang L, Wang H. An artificial sodium-selective subnanochannel. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabq1369. [PMID: 36706186 PMCID: PMC9882983 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Single-ion selectivity with high precision has long been pursued for fundamental bioinspired engineering and applications such as in ion separation and energy conversion. However, it remains a challenge to develop artificial ion channels to achieve single-ion selectivity comparable to their biological analogs, especially for high Na+/K+ selectivity. Here, we report an artificial sodium channel by subnanoconfinement of 4'-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ethers (15C5s) into ~6-Å-sized metal-organic framework subnanochannel (MOFSNC). The resulting 15C5-MOFSNC shows an unprecedented Na+/K+ selectivity of tens to 102 and Na+/Li+ selectivity of 103 under multicomponent permeation conditions, comparable to biological sodium channels. A co-ion-responsive single-file transport mechanism in 15C-MOFSNC is proposed for the preferential transport of Na+ over K+ due to the synergetic effects of size exclusion, charge selectivity, local hydrophobicity, and preferential binding with functional groups. This study provides an alternative strategy for developing potential single-ion selective channels and membranes for many applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Gengping Jiang
- Department of Applied Physics, College of Science, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Huacheng Zhang
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Binbin Qian
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Haijin Zhu
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Qinfen Gu
- ANSTO, Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Rd., Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Yuan Yan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jefferson Zhe Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Benny D. Freeman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Huanting Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang Y, Cans AS. Artificial Cells for Dissecting Exocytosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2565:261-279. [PMID: 36205900 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2671-9_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of vesicles and exocytosis release of neurotransmitters into the extracellular space for detection and chemical signal decoding by neighboring cells is the key process in neuronal communication. It is important to understand what regulates exocytosis because the amount of neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft has a direct impact on brain function such as cognition learning and memory as well as on brain malfunctions. Much success in molecular biology can be credited for the existence of simplified model systems. Therefore, for gaining deeper insights into the details of exocytosis and what controls vesicle-mediated neurotransmission, functional artificial cells for exocytosis have been developed that can be used for studying various biophysical aspects and roles of molecules affecting exocytosis, which is difficult to study in living cells. Here, we describe the design and fabrication of specific artificial cell models and how chemical measurements at these cells can be implemented for probing dynamics of the exocytosis fusion pore and its effect on the regulation of neurochemical release. We introduce bottom-up synthetic methods for constructing model cells using protein-free giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) as starting material, which allows further tuning of molecular complexity in a manner that is not possible in living cells and therefore can be used for dissecting the role of essential molecular components affecting the exocytosis process. The experimental setup uses microscopy video recording, micromanipulation and microelectroinjection techniques, and amperometry detection to study neurotransmitter release from these cells mimicking exocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmo Wang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ann-Sofie Cans
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Du H, Kalem S, Huin C, Illy N, Tresset G, Giacomelli FC, Guégan P. Engineering of ion permeable planar membranes and polymersomes based on β-cyclodextrin-cored star copolymers. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 630:465-476. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.09.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
22
|
Rahimnejad M, Rasouli F, Jahangiri S, Ahmadi S, Rabiee N, Ramezani Farani M, Akhavan O, Asadnia M, Fatahi Y, Hong S, Lee J, Lee J, Hahn SK. Engineered Biomimetic Membranes for Organ-on-a-Chip. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5038-5059. [PMID: 36347501 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems are engineered nanobiosystems to mimic the physiochemical environment of a specific organ in the body. Among various components of OOC systems, biomimetic membranes have been regarded as one of the most important key components to develop controllable biomimetic bioanalysis systems. Here, we review the preparation and characterization of biomimetic membranes in comparison with the features of the extracellular matrix. After that, we review and discuss the latest applications of engineered biomimetic membranes to fabricate various organs on a chip, such as liver, kidney, intestine, lung, skin, heart, vasculature and blood vessels, brain, and multiorgans with perspectives for further biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Rahimnejad
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Fariba Rasouli
- Bioceramics and Implants Laboratory, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14174-66191, Iran
| | - Sepideh Jahangiri
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sepideh Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11155-9161, Iran.,School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Omid Akhavan
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11155-9161, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asadnia
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Sanghoon Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Jungho Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lomba-Riego L, Calvino-Sanles E, Brea RJ. In situ synthesis of artificial lipids. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 71:102210. [PMID: 36116189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Lipids constitute one of the most enigmatic family of biological molecules. Although the importance of lipids as basic units of compartmental structure and energy storage is well-acknowledged, deciphering the biosynthesis and precise roles of specific lipid species has been challenging. To better understand the structure and function of these biomolecules, there is a burgeoning interest in developing strategies to produce noncanonical lipids in a controlled manner. This review covers recent advances in the area of in situ generation of synthetic lipids. Specifically, we report several approaches that constitute a powerful toolbox for achieving noncanonical lipid synthesis. We describe how these methodologies enable the direct construction of synthetic lipids, helping to address fundamental questions related to the cell biology of lipid biosynthesis, trafficking, and signaling. We envision that highlighting the current advances in artificial lipid synthesis will pave the way for broader interest into this emerging class of biomimetic molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lomba-Riego
- Biomimetic Membrane Chemistry (BioMemChem) Group, Centro de Investigacións Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña, Rúa As Carballeiras, 15701, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Esther Calvino-Sanles
- Biomimetic Membrane Chemistry (BioMemChem) Group, Centro de Investigacións Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña, Rúa As Carballeiras, 15701, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Roberto J Brea
- Biomimetic Membrane Chemistry (BioMemChem) Group, Centro de Investigacións Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña, Rúa As Carballeiras, 15701, A Coruña, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jiang W, Wu Z, Gao Z, Wan M, Zhou M, Mao C, Shen J. Artificial Cells: Past, Present and Future. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15705-15733. [PMID: 36226996 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Artificial cells are constructed to imitate natural cells and allow researchers to explore biological process and the origin of life. The construction methods for artificial cells, through both top-down or bottom-up approaches, have achieved great progress over the past decades. Here we present a comprehensive overview on the development of artificial cells and their properties and applications. Artificial cells are derived from lipids, polymers, lipid/polymer hybrids, natural cell membranes, colloidosome, metal-organic frameworks and coacervates. They can be endowed with various functions through the incorporation of proteins and genes on the cell surface or encapsulated inside of the cells. These modulations determine the properties of artificial cells, including producing energy, cell growth, morphology change, division, transmembrane transport, environmental response, motility and chemotaxis. Multiple applications of these artificial cells are discussed here with a focus on therapeutic applications. Artificial cells are used as carriers for materials and information exchange and have been shown to function as targeted delivery systems of personalized drugs. Additionally, artificial cells can function to substitute for cells with impaired function. Enzyme therapy and immunotherapy using artificial cells have been an intense focus of research. Finally, prospects of future development of cell-mimic properties and broader applications are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jiang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Evolution of Proliferative Model Protocells Highly Responsive to the Environment. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101635. [PMID: 36295070 PMCID: PMC9605134 DOI: 10.3390/life12101635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss various methods of reproducing life dynamics using a constructive approach. An increase in the structural complexity of a model protocell is accompanied by an increase in the stage of reproduction of a compartment (giant vesicle; GV) from simple reproduction to linked reproduction with the replication of information molecules (DNA), and eventually to recursive proliferation of a model protocell. An encounter between a plural protic catalyst (C) and DNA within a GV membrane containing a plural cationic lipid (V) spontaneously forms a supramolecular catalyst (C@DNA) that catalyzes the production of cationic membrane lipid V. The local formation of V causes budding deformation of the GV and equivolume divisions. The length of the DNA strand influences the frequency of proliferation, associated with the emergence of a primitive information flow that induces phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental conditions. A predominant protocell appears from the competitive proliferation of protocells containing DNA with different strand lengths, leading to an evolvable model protocell. Recently, peptides of amino acid thioesters have been used to construct peptide droplets through liquid–liquid phase separation. These droplets grew, owing to the supply of nutrients, and were divided repeatedly under a physical stimulus. This proposed chemical system demonstrates a new perspective of the origins of membraneless protocells, i.e., the “droplet world” hypothesis. Proliferative model protocells can be regarded as autonomous supramolecular machines. This concept of this review may open new horizons of “evolution” for intelligent supramolecular machines and robotics.
Collapse
|
26
|
Lou J, Sagar R, Best MD. Metabolite-Responsive Liposomes Employing Synthetic Lipid Switches Driven by Molecular Recognition Principles. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:2882-2891. [PMID: 36174148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The ability to exert control over lipid properties, including structure, charge, function, and self-assembly characteristics is a powerful tool that can be implemented to achieve a wide range of biomedical applications. Examples in this arena include the development of caged lipids for controlled activation of signaling properties, metabolic labeling strategies for tracking lipid biosynthesis, lipid activity probes for identifying cognate binding partners, approaches for in situ membrane assembly, and liposome triggered release strategies. In this Account, we describe recent advancements in the latter area entailing the development of stimuli-responsive liposomes through programmable changes to lipid self-assembly properties, which can be harnessed to drive the release of encapsulated contents toward applications including drug delivery. We will focus on an emerging paradigm involving liposomal platforms that are sensitized toward chemical agents ranging from metal cations to small organic molecules that exhibit dysregulation in disease states. This has been achieved by developing synthetic lipid switches that are designed to undergo programmed conformational changes upon the recognition of specific target analytes. These structural alterations are leveraged to perturb the packing of lipids within the membrane and thereby drive the release of encapsulated contents.We provide an overview of the inspiration, design, and characterization of liposomes that selectively respond to wide-ranging target analytes. This series of studies began with the development of calcium-responsive liposomes utilizing a lipid switch inspired by sensors including indo-1. Following this successful demonstration, we next showed that the selectivity of the lipid switch could be altered among different metal cations by producing a liposomal platform for which release is induced through zinc binding. Our next goal was to develop metabolite-responsive liposomes in which switching is driven by molecular recognition events involving phosphorylated small molecules. In this work, screening of lipid switches designed to interact with phosphorylated metabolites led to the identification of liposomal formulations that selectivity release contents in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Finally, we were able to modulate the metabolite selectivity by rationally designing a modified lipid switch structure that is activated through complexation of inositol-(1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3). These projects show the progression of our approaches for liposome release triggered by molecular recognition principles, building from ion-responsive lipid switches to structures that are activated by small molecules. These "smart" liposomal platforms provide an important addition to the toolbox for controlled cargo release since they respond to ions or small molecules that are commonly overproduced by diseased cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinchao Lou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Ruhani Sagar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Michael D Best
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, 1420 Circle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
![]()
Mucus hydrogels at biointerfaces are crucial for protecting
against
foreign pathogens and for the biological functions of the underlying
cells. Since mucus can bind to and host both viruses and bacteria,
establishing a synthetic model system that can emulate the properties
and functions of native mucus and can be synthesized at large scale
would revolutionize the mucus-related research that is essential for
understanding the pathways of many infectious diseases. The synthesis
of such biofunctional hydrogels in the laboratory is highly challenging,
owing to their complex chemical compositions and the specific chemical
interactions that occur throughout the gel network. In this perspective,
we discuss the basic chemical structures and diverse physicochemical
interactions responsible for the unique properties and functions of
mucus hydrogels. We scrutinize the different approaches for preparing
mucus-inspired hydrogels, with specific examples. We also discuss
recent research and what it reveals about the challenges that must
be addressed and the opportunities to be considered to achieve desirable de novo synthetic mucus hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raju Bej
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Signal processing and generation of bioactive nitric oxide in a model prototissue. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5254. [PMID: 36068269 PMCID: PMC9448809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32941-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The design and construction of synthetic prototissues from integrated assemblies of artificial protocells is an important challenge for synthetic biology and bioengineering. Here we spatially segregate chemically communicating populations of enzyme-decorated phospholipid-enveloped polymer/DNA coacervate protocells in hydrogel modules to construct a tubular prototissue-like vessel capable of modulating the output of bioactive nitric oxide (NO). By decorating the protocells with glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase or catalase and arranging different modules concentrically, a glucose/hydroxyurea dual input leads to logic-gate signal processing under reaction-diffusion conditions, which results in a distinct NO output in the internal lumen of the model prototissue. The NO output is exploited to inhibit platelet activation and blood clot formation in samples of plasma and whole blood located in the internal channel of the device, thereby demonstrating proof-of-concept use of the prototissue-like vessel for anticoagulation applications. Our results highlight opportunities for the development of spatially organized synthetic prototissue modules from assemblages of artificial protocells and provide a step towards the organization of biochemical processes in integrated micro-compartmentalized media, micro-reactor technology and soft functional materials. A challenge for synthetic biology is the design and construction of prototissue. Here, the authors spatially segregate layers of enzyme-decorated coacervate protocells as a model prototissue capable of chemical signal processing and modulating outputs of nitric oxide to inhibit blood clot formation.
Collapse
|
29
|
Li J, Jamieson WD, Dimitriou P, Xu W, Rohde P, Martinac B, Baker M, Drinkwater BW, Castell OK, Barrow DA. Building programmable multicompartment artificial cells incorporating remotely activated protein channels using microfluidics and acoustic levitation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4125. [PMID: 35840619 PMCID: PMC9287423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular compartments are functional units that support the metabolism within living cells, through spatiotemporal regulation of chemical reactions and biological processes. Consequently, as a step forward in the bottom-up creation of artificial cells, building analogous intracellular architectures is essential for the expansion of cell-mimicking functionality. Herein, we report the development of a droplet laboratory platform to engineer complex emulsion-based, multicompartment artificial cells, using microfluidics and acoustic levitation. Such levitated models provide free-standing, dynamic, definable droplet networks for the compartmentalisation of chemical species. Equally, they can be remotely operated with pneumatic, heating, and magnetic elements for post-processing, including the incorporation of membrane proteins; alpha-hemolysin; and mechanosensitive channel of large-conductance. The assembly of droplet networks is three-dimensionally patterned with fluidic input configurations determining droplet contents and connectivity, whilst acoustic manipulation can be harnessed to reconfigure the droplet network in situ. The mechanosensitive channel can be repeatedly activated and deactivated in the levitated artificial cell by the application of acoustic and magnetic fields to modulate membrane tension on demand. This offers possibilities beyond one-time chemically mediated activation to provide repeated, non-contact, control of membrane protein function. Collectively, this expands our growing capability to program and operate increasingly sophisticated artificial cells as life-like materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - William D Jamieson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Wen Xu
- Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Aberconway Building, Colum Dr, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK
| | - Paul Rohde
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinhurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinhurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Matthew Baker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bruce W Drinkwater
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK.
| | - Oliver K Castell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK.
| | - David A Barrow
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Imai M, Sakuma Y, Kurisu M, Walde P. From vesicles toward protocells and minimal cells. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4823-4849. [PMID: 35722879 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01695d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to ordinary condensed matter systems, "living systems" are unique. They are based on molecular compartments that reproduce themselves through (i) an uptake of ingredients and energy from the environment, and (ii) spatially and timely coordinated internal chemical transformations. These occur on the basis of instructions encoded in information molecules (DNAs). Life originated on Earth about 4 billion years ago as self-organised systems of inorganic compounds and organic molecules including macromolecules (e.g. nucleic acids and proteins) and low molar mass amphiphiles (lipids). Before the first living systems emerged from non-living forms of matter, functional molecules and dynamic molecular assemblies must have been formed as prebiotic soft matter systems. These hypothetical cell-like compartment systems often are called "protocells". Other systems that are considered as bridging units between non-living and living systems are called "minimal cells". They are synthetic, autonomous and sustainable reproducing compartment systems, but their constituents are not limited to prebiotic substances. In this review, we focus on both membrane-bounded (vesicular) protocells and minimal cells, and provide a membrane physics background which helps to understand how morphological transformations of vesicle systems might have happened and how vesicle reproduction might be coupled with metabolic reactions and information molecules. This research, which bridges matter and life, is a great challenge in which soft matter physics, systems chemistry, and synthetic biology must take joined efforts to better understand how the transformation of protocells into living systems might have occurred at the origin of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Imai
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan.
| | - Yuka Sakuma
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan.
| | - Minoru Kurisu
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan.
| | - Peter Walde
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Natsume Y. Thermo-Statistical Effects of Inclusions on Vesicles: Division into Multispheres and Polyhedral Deformation. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12060608. [PMID: 35736315 PMCID: PMC9229943 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12060608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The construction of simple cellular models has attracted much attention as a way to explore the origin of life or elucidate the mechanisms of cell division. In the absence of complex regulatory systems, some bacteria spontaneously divide through thermostatistically elucidated mechanisms, and incorporating these simple physical principles could help to construct primitive or artificial cells. Because thermodynamic interactions play an essential role in such mechanisms, this review discusses the thermodynamic aspects of spontaneous division models of vesicles that contain a high density of inclusions, with their membrane serving as a boundary. Vesicles with highly dense inclusions are deformed according to the volume-to-area ratio. The phase separation of beads at specific intermediate volume fractions and the associated polyhedral deformation of the membrane are considered in relation to the Alder transition. Current advances in the development of a membrane-growth vesicular model are summarized. The thermostatistical understanding of these mechanisms could become a cornerstone for the construction of vesicular models that display spontaneous cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuno Natsume
- Schoolteacher Training Course/Natural Sciences, Cooperative Faculty of Education, Utsunomiya University, Mine-machi 350, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan;
- Institute for Promotion of Research Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Mine-machi 350, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lou J, Schuster JA, Barrera FN, Best MD. ATP-Responsive Liposomes via Screening of Lipid Switches Designed to Undergo Conformational Changes upon Binding Phosphorylated Metabolites. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:3746-3756. [PMID: 35171601 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Liposomal delivery vehicles can dramatically enhance drug transport. However, their clinical application requires enhanced control over content release at diseased sites. For this reason, triggered release strategies have been explored, although a limited toolbox of stimuli has thus far been developed. Here, we report a novel strategy for stimuli-responsive liposomes that release encapsulated contents in the presence of phosphorylated small molecules. Our formulation efforts culminated in selective cargo release driven by ATP, a universal energy source that is upregulated in diseases such as cancer. Specifically, we developed lipid switches 1a-b bearing two ZnDPA units designed to undergo substantial conformational changes upon ATP binding, thereby disrupting membrane packing and triggering the release of encapsulated contents. Dye leakage assays using the hydrophobic dye Nile red validated that ATP-driven release was selective over 11 similar phosphorylated metabolites, and release of the hydrophilic dye calcein was also achieved. Multiple alternative lipid switch structures were synthesized and studied (1c-d and 2), which provided insights into the structural features that render 1a-b selective toward ATP-driven release. Importantly, analysis of cellular delivery using fluorescence microscopy in conjunction with pharmacological ATP manipulation showed that liposome delivery was specific, as it increased upon intracellular ATP accumulation, and was inhibited by ATP downregulation. Our new approach shows strong prospects for enhancing the selectivity of release and payload delivery to diseased cells driven by metabolites such as ATP, providing an exciting new paradigm for controlled release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinchao Lou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Jennifer A Schuster
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Michael D Best
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
As the remit of chemistry expands beyond molecules to systems, new synthetic targets appear on the horizon. Among these, life represents perhaps the ultimate synthetic challenge. Building on an increasingly detailed understanding of the inner workings of living systems and advances in organic synthesis and supramolecular chemistry, the de novo synthesis of life (i.e., the construction of a new form of life based on completely synthetic components) is coming within reach. This Account presents our first steps in the journey toward this long-term goal. The synthesis of life requires the functional integration of different subsystems that harbor the different characteristics that are deemed essential to life. The most important of these are self-replication, metabolism, and compartmentalization. Integrating these features into a single system, maintaining this system out of equilibrium, and allowing it to undergo Darwinian evolution should ideally result in the emergence of life. Our journey toward de novo life started with the serendipitous discovery of a new mechanism of self-replication. We found that self-assembly in a mixture of interconverting oligomers is a general way of achieving self-replication, where the assembly process drives the synthesis of the very molecules that assemble. Mechanically induced breakage of the growing replicating assemblies resulted in their exponential growth, which is an important enabler for achieving Darwinian evolution. Through this mechanism, the self-replication of compounds containing peptides, nucleobases, and fully synthetic molecules was achieved. Several examples of evolutionary dynamics have been observed in these systems, including the spontaneous diversification of replicators allowing them to specialize on different food sets, history dependence of replicator composition, and the spontaneous emergence of parasitic behavior. Peptide-based replicator assemblies were found to organize their peptide units in space in a manner that, inadvertently, gives rise to microenvironments that are capable of catalysis of chemical reactions or binding-induced activation of cofactors. Among the reactions that can be catalyzed by the replicators are ones that produce the precursors from which these replicators grow, amounting to the first examples of the assimilation of a proto-metabolism. Operating these replicators in a chemically fueled out-of-equilibrium replication-destruction regime was found to promote an increase in their molecular complexity. Fueling counteracts the inherent tendency of replicators to evolve toward lower complexity (caused by the fact that smaller replicators tend to replicate faster). Among the remaining steps on the road to de novo life are now to assimilate compartmentalization and achieve open-ended evolution of the resulting system. Success in the synthesis of de novo life, once obtained, will have far-reaching implications for our understanding of what life is, for the search for extraterrestrial life, for how life may have originated on earth, and for every-day life by opening up new vistas in the form living technology and materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijbren Otto
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhou X, Zhang Y, Kang K, Zhu N, Cheng J, Yi Q, Wu Y. Artificial cell membrane camouflaged immunomagnetic nanoparticles for enhanced circulating tumor cells isolation. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3119-3125. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02676c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Precise and specific circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolation is heavily interfered by blood cells and proteins. Though satisfactory results have been achieved by some cell membrane-derived platforms, following limitations have...
Collapse
|
35
|
Moinpour M, Fracassi A, Brea RJ, Salvador-Castell M, Pandey S, Edwards MM, Seifert S, Joseph S, Sinha SK, Devaraj NK. Controlling Protein Enrichment in Lipid Sponge Phase Droplets using SNAP-tag Bioconjugation. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100624. [PMID: 34936727 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
All cells use organized lipid compartments to facilitate specific biological functions. Membrane-bound organelles create defined spatial environments that favor unique chemical reactions while isolating incompatible biological processes. Despite the fundamental role of cellular organelles, there is a scarcity of methods for preparing functional artificial lipid-based compartments. Here, we demonstrate a robust bioconjugation system for sequestering proteins into zwitterionic lipid sponge phase droplets. Incorporation of benzylguanine (BG)-modified phospholipids that form stable covalent linkages with an O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (SNAP-tag) fusion protein enables programmable control of protein capture. We show that this methodology can be used to anchor hydrophilic proteins at the lipid-aqueous interface, concentrating them within an accessible but protected chemical environment. SNAP-tag technology enables the integration of proteins that regulate complex biological functions in lipid sponge phase droplets, and should facilitate the development of advanced lipid-based artificial organelles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahta Moinpour
- UCSD: University of California San Diego, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNITED STATES
| | - Alessandro Fracassi
- UCSD: University of California San Diego, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNITED STATES
| | - Roberto J Brea
- University of A Coruna: Universidade da Coruna, Chemistry, SPAIN
| | | | - Sudip Pandey
- UCSD: University of California San Diego, Physics, UNITED STATES
| | - Madison M Edwards
- UCSD: University of California San Diego, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNITED STATES
| | - Soenke Seifert
- Argonne National Laboratory, Xray science division, UNITED STATES
| | - Simpson Joseph
- UCSD: University of California San Diego, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNITED STATES
| | - Sunil K Sinha
- UCSD: University of California San Diego, Physics, UNITED STATES
| | - Neal Krishna Devaraj
- University of California, San Diego, Chemistry and Biochemistry, 9500 Gilman Drive, Urey Hall 4120, 92093, La Jolla, UNITED STATES
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hirata Y, Matsuo M, Kurihara K, Suzuki K, Nonaka S, Sugawara T. Colocalization Analysis of Lipo-Deoxyribozyme Consisting of DNA and Protic Catalysts in a Vesicle-Based Protocellular Membrane Investigated by Confocal Microscopy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1364. [PMID: 34947896 PMCID: PMC8707093 DOI: 10.3390/life11121364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The linkage between the self-reproduction of compartments and the replication of DNA in a compartment is a crucial requirement for cellular life. In our giant vesicle (GV)-based model protocell, this linkage is achieved through the action of a supramolecular catalyst composed of membrane-intruded DNA and amphiphilic acid catalysts (C@DNA) in a GV membrane. In this study, we examined colocalization analysis for the formation of the supramolecular catalyst using a confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscope with high sensitivity and resolution. Red fluorescence spots emitted from DNA tagged with Texas Red (Texas Red-DNA) were observed in a GV membrane stained with phospholipid tagged with BODIPY (BODIPY-HPC). To our knowledge, this is the first direct observation of DNA embedded in a GV-based model protocellular membrane containing cationic lipids. Colocalization analysis based on a histogram of frequencies of "normalized mean deviation product" revealed that the frequencies of positively correlated [lipophilic catalyst tagged with BODIPY (BODIPY-C) and Texas Red-DNA] were significantly higher than those of [BODIPY-HPC and Texas Red-DNA]. This result demonstrates the spontaneous formation of C@DNA in the GV membrane, which serves as a lipo-deoxyribozyme for producing membrane lipids from its precursor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuiko Hirata
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka 259-1293, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Muneyuki Matsuo
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Hiroshima, Japan;
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan; (K.K.); (S.N.)
| | - Kensuke Kurihara
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan; (K.K.); (S.N.)
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka 259-1293, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Shigenori Nonaka
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Aichi, Japan; (K.K.); (S.N.)
- National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tadashi Sugawara
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kanagawa University, Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka 259-1293, Kanagawa, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|