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Zhao T, Tan Y, Li Y, Wang X. Ionic fuel-powered hydrogel actuators for soft robotics. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 677:739-749. [PMID: 39121658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Hydrogel actuators powered by chemical fuels are pivotal in autonomous soft robotics. Nevertheless, chemical waste accumulation caused by chemical fuels hampers the development of programmable and reusable hydrogel actuating systems. We propose the concept of ionic fuel-powered soft robotics which are constructed by programmable salt-responsive actuators and use waste-free ionic fuels. EXPERIMENTS Herein, soft hydrogel actuators were developed by orchestrating the Janus bilayer hydrogels' capacity for swelling and shrinking. Decomposable and easily removable ionic fuels were applied to power the actuators. Swelling tests were used to evaluate the deformability of the hydrogels. Tensile tests were performed to investigate the modulus of the hydrogels. The bonded interface composed of the interpenetrating polymer chains from both hydrogel layers bilayer was evidenced by the optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The ionic conductivities of solutions were determined by a conductivity meter. Furthermore, a range of biomimetic soft robots with various shapes and asymmetrical structures have been designed and fabricated to execute complex functions. FINDINGS The programmable actuators powered by ionic fuel exhibit adjustable bending orientations, amplitudes, and durations, along with consistent cyclic actuations enabled by replenishment of the fuel without noticeable loss in performance. Many life-like programmable soft robotic systems were designed, indicating spatiotemporally controllable functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Yu Tan
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Yitan Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China.
| | - Xu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China.
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2
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Zhao P, Xu L, Li B, Zhao Y, Zhao Y, Lu Y, Cao M, Li G, Weng TC, Wang H, Zheng Y. Non-Equilibrium Assembly of Atomically-Precise Copper Nanoclusters. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311818. [PMID: 38294175 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Accurate structure control in dissipative assemblies (DSAs) is vital for precise biological functions. However, accuracy and functionality of artificial DSAs are far from this objective. Herein, a novel approach is introduced by harnessing complex chemical reaction networks rooted in coordination chemistry to create atomically-precise copper nanoclusters (CuNCs), specifically Cu11(µ9-Cl)(µ3-Cl)3L6Cl (L = 4-methyl-piperazine-1-carbodithioate). Cu(I)-ligand ratio change and dynamic Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic/coordination interactions enable the reorganization of CuNCs into metastable CuL2, finally converting into equilibrium [CuL·Y]Cl (Y = MeCN/H2O) via Cu(I) oxidation/reorganization and ligand exchange process. Upon adding ascorbic acid (AA), the system goes further dissipative cycles. It is observed that the encapsulated/bridging halide ions exert subtle influence on the optical properties of CuNCs and topological changes of polymeric networks when integrating CuNCs as crosslink sites. CuNCs duration/switch period could be controlled by varying the ions, AA concentration, O2 pressure and pH. Cu(I)-Cu(I) metallophilic and coordination interactions provide a versatile toolbox for designing delicate life-like materials, paving the way for DSAs with precise structures and functionalities. Furthermore, CuNCs can be employed as modular units within polymers for materials mechanics or functionalization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Linjie Xu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Bohan Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yuanfeng Zhao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yingshuai Zhao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yan Lu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Minghui Cao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Guoqi Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tsu-Chien Weng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Informatics, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Yijun Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
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3
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Preuss MD, Schnitzer T, Jansen SAH, Meskers SCJ, Kuster THR, Lou X, Meijer EW, Vantomme G. Functionalization of Supramolecular Polymers by Dynamic Covalent Boroxine Chemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402644. [PMID: 38716788 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402644] [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: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Molecular scaffolds that enable the combinatorial synthesis of new supramolecular building blocks are promising targets for the construction of functional molecular systems. Here, we report a supramolecular scaffold based on boroxine that enables the formation of chiral and ordered 1D supramolecular polymers, which can be easily functionalized for circularly polarized luminescence. The boroxine monomers are quantitatively synthesized in situ, both in bulk and in solution, from boronic acid precursors and cooperatively polymerize into 1D helical aggregates stabilized by threefold hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking. We then demonstrate amplification of asymmetry in the co-assembly of chiral/achiral monomers and the co-condensation of chiral/achiral precursors in classical and in situ sergeant-and-soldiers experiments, respectively, showing fast boronic acid exchange reactions occurring in the system. Remarkably, co-condensation of pyrene boronic acid with a hydrogen-bonding chiral boronic acid results in chiral pyrene aggregation with circularly polarized excimer emission and g-values in the order of 10-3. Yet, the electron deficiency of boron in boroxine makes them chemically addressable by nucleophiles, but also sensitive to hydrolysis. With this sensitivity in mind, we provide first insights into the prospects offered by boroxine-based supramolecular polymers to make chemically addressable, functional, and adaptive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco D Preuss
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Schnitzer
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stef A H Jansen
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan C J Meskers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Molecular Materials and Nanosystems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tom H R Kuster
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Xianwen Lou
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - E W Meijer
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- School of Chemistry and RNA Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW-2052, Australia
| | - Ghislaine Vantomme
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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4
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Gibson W, Mulvey JT, Das S, Selmani S, Merham JG, Rakowski AM, Schwartz E, Hochbaum AI, Guan Z, Green JR, Patterson JP. Observing the Dynamics of an Electrochemically Driven Active Material with Liquid Electron Microscopy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11898-11909. [PMID: 38648551 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical liquid electron microscopy has revolutionized our understanding of nanomaterial dynamics by allowing for direct observation of their electrochemical production. This technique, primarily applied to inorganic materials, is now being used to explore the self-assembly dynamics of active molecular materials. Our study examines these dynamics across various scales, from the nanoscale behavior of individual fibers to the micrometer-scale hierarchical evolution of fiber clusters. To isolate the influences of the electron beam and electrical potential on material behavior, we conducted thorough beam-sample interaction analyses. Our findings reveal that the dynamics of these active materials at the nanoscale are shaped by their proximity to the electrode and the applied electrical current. By integrating electron microscopy observations with reaction-diffusion simulations, we uncover that local structures and their formation history play a crucial role in determining assembly rates. This suggests that the emergence of nonequilibrium structures can locally accelerate further structural development, offering insights into the behavior of active materials under electrochemical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyeth Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Justin T Mulvey
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Swetamber Das
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, United States
| | - Serxho Selmani
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jovany G Merham
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Alexander M Rakowski
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Eric Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Allon I Hochbaum
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Zhibin Guan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jason R Green
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, United States
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, United States
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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5
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Sarkar A, Dúzs B, Walther A. Fuel-Driven Enzymatic Reaction Networks to Program Autonomous Thiol/Disulfide Redox Systems. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10281-10285. [PMID: 38569008 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fuel-driven dissipative formation of disulfide bonds using competing oxidative activation and reductive deactivation presents a possibly very versatile avenue for autonomous materials design. However, this is challenging to realize because of the direct annihilation of oxidizing fuel and a deactivating reducing agent. We overcome this challenge by introducing a redox-based enzymatic reaction network (ERN), enabling the dissipative disulfide formation for molecularly dissolved thiols in a fully autonomous manner. Moreover, the ERN allows for programming hydrogel lifetimes by utilizing thiol-terminated star polymers (sPEG-SH). The ERN can be customized to operate with aliphatic and aromatic thiols and should thus be broadly applicable to functional thiols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aritra Sarkar
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Brigitta Dúzs
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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6
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Torigoe S, Nagao K, Kubota R, Hamachi I. Emergence of Dynamic Instability by Hybridizing Synthetic Self-Assembled Dipeptide Fibers with Surfactant Micelles. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5799-5805. [PMID: 38407066 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Supramolecular chemistry currently faces the challenge of controlling nonequilibrium dynamics such as the dynamic instability of microtubules. In this study, we explored the emergence of dynamic instability through the hybridization of peptide-type supramolecular nanofibers with surfactant micelles. Using real-time confocal imaging, we discovered that the addition of micelles to nanofibers induced the simultaneous but asynchronous growth and shrinkage of nanofibers during which the total number of fibers decreased monotonically. This dynamic phenomenon unexpectedly persisted for 6 days and was driven not by chemical reactions but by noncovalent supramolecular interactions between peptide-type nanofibers and surfactant micelles. This study demonstrates a strategy for inducing autonomous supramolecular dynamics, which will open up possibilities for developing soft materials applicable to biomedicine and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Torigoe
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Nagao
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
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7
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Kubota R, Hamachi I. Cell-Like Synthetic Supramolecular Soft Materials Realized in Multicomponent, Non-/Out-of-Equilibrium Dynamic Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306830. [PMID: 38018341 PMCID: PMC10885657 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Living cells are complex, nonequilibrium supramolecular systems capable of independently and/or cooperatively integrating multiple bio-supramolecules to execute intricate physiological functions that cannot be accomplished by individual biomolecules. These biological design strategies offer valuable insights for the development of synthetic supramolecular systems with spatially controlled hierarchical structures, which, importantly, exhibit cell-like responses and functions. The next grand challenge in supramolecular chemistry is to control the organization of multiple types of supramolecules in a single system, thus integrating the functions of these supramolecules in an orthogonal and/or cooperative manner. In this perspective, the recent progress in constructing multicomponent supramolecular soft materials through the hybridization of supramolecules, such as self-assembled nanofibers/gels and coacervates, with other functional molecules, including polymer gels and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, results show that these materials exhibit bioinspired responses to stimuli, such as bidirectional rheological responses of supramolecular double-network hydrogels, temporal stimulus pattern-dependent responses of synthetic coacervates, and 3D hydrogel patterning in response to reaction-diffusion processes are presented. Autonomous active soft materials with cell-like responses and spatially controlled structures hold promise for diverse applications, including soft robotics with directional motion, point-of-care disease diagnosis, and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, 615-8530, Japan
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8
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Hurst PJ, Mulvey JT, Bone RA, Selmani S, Hudson RF, Guan Z, Green JR, Patterson JP. CryoEM reveals the complex self-assembly of a chemically driven disulfide hydrogel. Chem Sci 2024; 15:1106-1116. [PMID: 38239701 PMCID: PMC10793653 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05790a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the adaptability of biological materials, a variety of synthetic, chemically driven self-assembly processes have been developed that result in the transient formation of supramolecular structures. These structures form through two simultaneous reactions, forward and backward, which generate and consume a molecule that undergoes self-assembly. The dynamics of these assembly processes have been shown to differ from conventional thermodynamically stable molecular assemblies. However, the evolution of nanoscale morphologies in chemically driven self-assembly and how they compare to conventional assemblies has not been resolved. Here, we use a chemically driven redox system to separately carry out the forward and backward reactions. We analyze the forward and backward reactions both sequentially and synchronously with time-resolved cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoEM). Quantitative image analysis shows that the synchronous process is more complex and heterogeneous than the sequential process. Our key finding is that a thermodynamically unstable stacked nanorod phase, briefly observed in the backward reaction, is sustained for ∼6 hours in the synchronous process. Kinetic Monte Carlo modeling show that the synchronous process is driven by multiple cycles of assembly and disassembly. The collective data suggest that chemically driven self-assembly can create sustained morphologies not seen in thermodynamically stable assemblies by kinetically stabilizing transient intermediates. This finding provides plausible design principles to develop and optimize supramolecular materials with novel properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Joshua Hurst
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Justin T Mulvey
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Rebecca A Bone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston Boston Massachusetts 02125 USA
| | - Serxho Selmani
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Redford F Hudson
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Zhibin Guan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Jason R Green
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston Boston Massachusetts 02125 USA
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts Boston Boston Massachusetts 02125 USA
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine Irvine California 92697 USA
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9
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Wang H, Song Y, Wang W, Chen N, Hu B, Liu X, Zhang Z, Yu Z. Organelle-Mediated Dissipative Self-Assembly of Peptides in Living Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:330-341. [PMID: 38113388 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09202] [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: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Implementing dissipative assembly in living systems is meaningful for creation of living materials or even artificial life. However, intracellular dissipative assembly remains scarce and is significantly impeded by the challenges lying in precisely operating chemical reaction cycles under complex physiological conditions. Here, we develop organelle-mediated dissipative self-assembly of peptides in living cells fueled by GSH, via the design of a mitochondrion-targeting and redox-responsive hexapeptide. While the hexapeptide undergoes efficient redox-responsive self-assembly, the addition of GSH into the peptide solution in the presence of mitochondrion-biomimetic liposomes containing hydrogen peroxide allows for transient assembly of peptides. Internalization of the peptide by LPS-stimulated macrophages leads to the self-assembly of the peptide driven by GSH reduction and the association of the peptide assemblies with mitochondria. The association facilitates reversible oxidation of the reduced peptide by mitochondrion-residing ROS and thereby dissociates the peptide from mitochondria to re-enter the cytoplasm for GSH reduction. The metastable peptide-mitochondrion complexes prevent the thermodynamically equilibrated self-assembly, thus establishing dissipative assembly of peptides in stimulated macrophages. The entire dissipative self-assembling process allows for elimination of elevated ROS and decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Creating dissipative self-assembling systems assisted by internal structures provides new avenues for the development of living materials or medical agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yanqiu Song
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Weishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ninglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Binbin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
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10
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Roy S, Pillai PP. What Triggers the Dynamic Self-Assembly of Molecules and Materials? LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:12967-12974. [PMID: 37672384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic self-assembly has emerged as one of the reliable approaches to create complex materials with more life-like functions. In a typical dynamic self-assembly process, the external triggers activate the building blocks to initiate the assembly step to form transiently stable higher-order structures. These external triggers provide a constant supply of energy to maintain the transiently stable self-assembled states. The withdrawal or consumption of the trigger deactivates the building block in the aggregates, thereby initiating the disassembly step. A precise control over the interplay between the deterministic and nondeterministic forces is the key to achieving a dynamic self-assembly process. This demands the appropriate choice of building blocks as well as triggers, which has led to the development of a wide range of triggers in dynamic self-assembly. Through this Perspective, we intend to highlight the functional diversities, prospects, and challenges associated with different classes of "triggers" by bringing them under one platform. Such treatment will help us to identify the missing features and deduce a guideline for the development of ideal triggers. A few of the desirable features that a trigger should possess, along with probable ways to achieve them, are discussed, as well. In summary, the Perspective covers many intriguing aspects of triggers that can be helpful for researchers to achieve precise spatiotemporal control over various interparticle interactions, which is essential to obtaining the desired outcome from a dynamic self-assembly process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411 008, India
| | - Pramod P Pillai
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411 008, India
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