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Katke C, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Spustova K, Ryskulov R, Kaplan CN, Gözen I. Colony-like Protocell Superstructures. ACS NANO 2023; 17:3368-3382. [PMID: 36795609 PMCID: PMC9979656 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We report the formation, growth, and dynamics of model protocell superstructures on solid surfaces, resembling single cell colonies. These structures, consisting of several layers of lipidic compartments enveloped in a dome-shaped outer lipid bilayer, emerged as a result of spontaneous shape transformation of lipid agglomerates deposited on thin film aluminum surfaces. Collective protocell structures were observed to be mechanically more stable compared to isolated spherical compartments. We show that the model colonies encapsulate DNA and accommodate nonenzymatic, strand displacement DNA reactions. The membrane envelope is able to disassemble and expose individual daughter protocells, which can migrate and attach via nanotethers to distant surface locations, while maintaining their encapsulated contents. Some colonies feature "exocompartments", which spontaneously extend out of the enveloping bilayer, internalize DNA, and merge again with the superstructure. A continuum elastohydrodynamic theory that we developed suggests that a plausible driving force behind subcompartment formation is attractive van der Waals (vdW) interactions between the membrane and surface. The balance between membrane bending and vdW interactions yields a critical length scale of 236 nm, above which the membrane invaginations can form subcompartments. The findings support our hypotheses that in extension of the "lipid world hypothesis", protocells may have existed in the form of colonies, potentially benefiting from the increased mechanical stability provided by a superstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Katke
- Department
of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Göteborg SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department
of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre
for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Göteborg SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - C. Nadir Kaplan
- Department
of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre
for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
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Alimohamadi H, Ovryn B, Rangamani P. Modeling membrane nanotube morphology: the role of heterogeneity in composition and material properties. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2527. [PMID: 32054874 PMCID: PMC7018976 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane nanotubes are dynamic structures that may connect cells over long distances. Nanotubes are typically thin cylindrical tubes, but they may occasionally have a beaded architecture along the tube. In this paper, we study the role of membrane mechanics in governing the architecture of these tubes and show that the formation of bead-like structures along the nanotubes can result from local heterogeneities in the membrane either due to protein aggregation or due to membrane composition. We present numerical results that predict how membrane properties, protein density, and local tension compete to create a phase space that governs the morphology of a nanotube. We also find that there exists a discontinuity in the energy that impedes two beads from fusing. These results suggest that the membrane-protein interaction, membrane composition, and membrane tension closely govern the tube radius, number of beads, and the bead morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleh Alimohamadi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ben Ovryn
- Department of Physics, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY, 11568, USA
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.
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3
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Sun P, Wu A, Sun N, Qiao X, Shi L, Zheng L. Multiple-Responsive Hierarchical Self-Assemblies of a Smart Supramolecular Complex: Regulation of Noncovalent Interactions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:2791-2799. [PMID: 29397743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We herein report a smart amphiphilic supramolecular complex ([MimA-EDA-MimA]@[DBS]2) with stimuli-responsive self-assembly, constructed by 3-(3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-1-methylimidazolium chloride (MimACl), sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), and ethylenediamine (EDA). The self-assembly of [MimA-EDA-MimA]@[DBS]2 shows triple-sensitivities in response to pH, concentration, and salt. At a low pH, only micelles are formed, which can transform into vesicles spontaneously when the pH increases to 11.8. Vesicles can gradually fuse into vesicle clusters and elongated assemblies with increasing concentration of [MimA-EDA-MimA]@[DBS]2. Chainlike aggregates, ringlike aggregates, or giant vesicles can be formed by adding inorganic salts (i.e., NaCl and NaNO3), which could be derived from the membrane fusion of vesicles. The noncovalent interactions, including π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions, were found to be responsible for the topology evolution of assemblies. Thus, it provides an opportunity to construct smart materials through the regulation of the role of noncovalent interactions in self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education , Jinan 250100, China
| | - Aoli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education , Jinan 250100, China
| | - Na Sun
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education , Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xuanxuan Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education , Jinan 250100, China
| | - Lijuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Ministry of Education and Shanxi Province, Taiyuan University of Technology , Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Liqiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education , Jinan 250100, China
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4
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Nussenzveig HM. Cell membrane biophysics with optical tweezers. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2017; 47:499-514. [PMID: 29164289 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-017-1268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane elastic properties play important roles in regulating cell shape, motility, division and differentiation. Here I review optical tweezer (OT) investigations of membrane surface tension and bending modulus, emphasizing didactic aspects and insights provided for cell biology. OT measurements employ membrane-attached microspheres to extract long cylindrical nanotubes named tethers. The Helfrich-Canham theory yields elastic parameters in terms of tether radius and equilibrium extraction force. It assumes initial point-like microsphere attachment and no cytoskeleton content within tethers. Experimental force-displacement curves reveal violations of those assumptions, and I discuss proposed explanations of such discrepancies, as well as recommended OT protocols. Measurements of elastic parameters for predominant cell types in the central nervous system yield correlations between their values and cell function. Micro-rheology OT experiments extend these correlations to viscoelastic parameters. The results agree with a quasi-universal phenomenological scaling law and are interpreted in terms of the soft glass rheology model. Spontaneously-generated cell nanotube protrusions are also briefly reviewed, emphasizing common features with tethers. Filopodia as well as tunneling nanotubes (TNT), which connect distant cells and allow transfers between their cytoplasms, are discussed, including OT tether pulling from TNTs which mediate communication among bacteria, even of different species. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and prions, opportunistically exploit TNTs for cell-to-cell transmission of infection, indicating that TNTs have an ancient evolutionary origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Moysés Nussenzveig
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil. .,Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Brazil.
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5
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Levental KR, Levental I. Giant plasma membrane vesicles: models for understanding membrane organization. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2015; 75:25-57. [PMID: 26015280 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The organization of eukaryotic membranes into functional domains continues to fascinate and puzzle cell biologists and biophysicists. The lipid raft hypothesis proposes that collective lipid interactions compartmentalize the membrane into coexisting liquid domains that are central to membrane physiology. This hypothesis has proven controversial because such structures cannot be directly visualized in live cells by light microscopy. The recent observations of liquid-liquid phase separation in biological membranes are an important validation of the raft hypothesis and enable application of the experimental toolbox of membrane physics to a biologically complex phase-separated membrane. This review addresses the role of giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) in refining the raft hypothesis and expands on the application of GPMVs as an experimental model to answer some of key outstanding problems in membrane biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandice R Levental
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ilya Levental
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
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6
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Gözen I, Jesorka A. Lipid nanotube networks: Biomimetic Cell-to-Cell Communication and Soft-Matter Technology. NANOFABRICATION 2015. [DOI: 10.1515/nanofab-2015-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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7
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Pontes B, Ayala Y, Fonseca ACC, Romão LF, Amaral RF, Salgado LT, Lima FR, Farina M, Viana NB, Moura-Neto V, Nussenzveig HM. Membrane elastic properties and cell function. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67708. [PMID: 23844071 PMCID: PMC3701085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that the cell membrane, interacting with its attached cytoskeleton, is an important regulator of cell function, exerting and responding to forces. We investigate this relationship by looking for connections between cell membrane elastic properties, especially surface tension and bending modulus, and cell function. Those properties are measured by pulling tethers from the cell membrane with optical tweezers. Their values are determined for all major cell types of the central nervous system, as well as for macrophage. Astrocytes and glioblastoma cells, which are considerably more dynamic than neurons, have substantially larger surface tensions. Resting microglia, which continually scan their environment through motility and protrusions, have the highest elastic constants, with values similar to those for resting macrophage. For both microglia and macrophage, we find a sharp softening of bending modulus between their resting and activated forms, which is very advantageous for their acquisition of phagocytic functions upon activation. We also determine the elastic constants of pure cell membrane, with no attached cytoskeleton. For all cell types, the presence of F-actin within tethers, contrary to conventional wisdom, is confirmed. Our findings suggest the existence of a close connection between membrane elastic constants and cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pontes
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yareni Ayala
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina C. Fonseca
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana F. Romão
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro/Macaé, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Racκele F. Amaral
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo T. Salgado
- Diretoria de Pesquisas, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia R. Lima
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Farina
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathan B. Viana
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vivaldo Moura-Neto
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - H. Moysés Nussenzveig
- LPO-COPEA, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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8
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Liu Y, Cheng Q. Detection of Membrane-Binding Proteins by Surface Plasmon Resonance with an All-Aqueous Amplification Scheme. Anal Chem 2012; 84:3179-86. [DOI: 10.1021/ac203142n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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9
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Stepanyants N, Jeffries GDM, Orwar O, Jesorka A. Radial sizing of lipid nanotubes using membrane displacement analysis. NANO LETTERS 2012; 12:1372-1378. [PMID: 22313341 PMCID: PMC3303199 DOI: 10.1021/nl203983e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We report a novel method for the measurement of lipid nanotube radii. Membrane translocation is monitored between two nanotube-connected vesicles, during the expansion of a receiving vesicle, by observing a photobleached region of the nanotube. We elucidate nanotube radii, extracted from SPE vesicles, enabling quantification of membrane composition and lamellarity. Variances of nanotube radii were measured, showing a growth of 40-56 nm, upon increasing cholesterol content from 0 to 20%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aldo Jesorka
- Tel +46 31-772 6112; fax +46 31-772 2750; e-mail
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10
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Formation of oligovesicular vesicles by micromanipulation. MEMBRANES 2011; 1:265-74. [PMID: 24957868 PMCID: PMC4021875 DOI: 10.3390/membranes1040265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell-sized lipid bilayer membrane vesicles (giant vesicles, GVs) or semi-vesicles were formed from egg yolk phosphatidylcholine on a platinum electrode under applied electric voltage by electroformation. Micromanipulation of the semi-vesicle by first pressing its membrane with a glass microneedle and then withdrawing the needle left a GV in the interior of the vesicle. During the process, an aqueous solution of Ficoll that filled the needle was introduced into the newly formed inner vesicle and remained encapsulated. Approximately 50% of attempted micromanipulation resulted in the formation of an inner daughter vesicle, “microvesiculation”. By repeating the microvesiculation process, multiple inner GVs could be formed in a single parent semi-vesicle. A semi-vesicle with inner GVs could be detached from the electrode by scraping with a microneedle, yielding an oligovesicular vesicle (OVV) with desired inner aqueous contents. Microvesiculation of a GV held on the tip of a glass micropipette was also possible, and this also produced an OVV. Breaking the membrane of the parent semi-vesicle by micromanipulation with a glass needle after microvesiculation, released the inner GVs. This protocol may be used for controlled formation of GVs with desired contents.
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Åmand HL, Boström CL, Lincoln P, Nordén B, Esbjörner EK. Binding of cell-penetrating penetratin peptides to plasma membrane vesicles correlates directly with cellular uptake. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1808:1860-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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12
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Jesorka A, Stepanyants N, Zhang H, Ortmen B, Hakonen B, Orwar O. Generation of phospholipid vesicle-nanotube networks and transport of molecules therein. Nat Protoc 2011; 6:791-805. [PMID: 21637199 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2011.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe micromanipulation and microinjection procedures for the fabrication of soft-matter networks consisting of lipid bilayer nanotubes and surface-immobilized vesicles. These biomimetic membrane systems feature unique structural flexibility and expandability and, unlike solid-state microfluidic and nanofluidic devices prepared by top-down fabrication, they allow network designs with dynamic control over individual containers and interconnecting conduits. The fabrication is founded on self-assembly of phospholipid molecules, followed by micromanipulation operations, such as membrane electroporation and microinjection, to effect shape transformations of the membrane and create a series of interconnected compartments. Size and geometry of the network can be chosen according to its desired function. Membrane composition is controlled mainly during the self-assembly step, whereas the interior contents of individual containers is defined through a sequence of microneedle injections. Networks cannot be fabricated with other currently available methods of giant unilamellar vesicle preparation (large unilamellar vesicle fusion or electroformation). Described in detail are also three transport modes, which are suitable for moving water-soluble or membrane-bound small molecules, polymers, DNA, proteins and nanoparticles within the networks. The fabrication protocol requires ∼90 min, provided all necessary preparations are made in advance. The transport studies require an additional 60-120 min, depending on the transport regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
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13
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Bally M, Bailey K, Sugihara K, Grieshaber D, Vörös J, Städler B. Liposome and lipid bilayer arrays towards biosensing applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2010; 6:2481-97. [PMID: 20925039 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sensitive and selective biosensors for high-throughput screening are having an increasing impact in modern medical care. The establishment of robust protein biosensing platforms however remains challenging, especially when membrane proteins are involved. Although this type of proteins is of enormous relevance since they are considered in >60% of the pharmaceutical drug targets, their fragile nature (i.e., the requirement to preserve their natural lipid environment to avoid denaturation and loss of function) puts strong additional prerequisites onto a successful biochip. In this review, the leading approaches to create lipid membrane-based arrays towards the creation of membrane protein biosensing platforms are described. Liposomes assembled in micro- and nanoarrays and the successful set-ups containing functional membrane proteins, as well as the use of liposomes in networks, are discussed in the first part. Then, the complementary approaches to create cell-mimicking supported membrane patches on a substrate in an array format will be addressed. Finally, the progress in assembling free-standing (functional) lipid bilayers over nanopore arrays for ion channel sensing will be reported. This review illustrates the rapid pace by which advances are being made towards the creation of a heterogeneous biochip for the high-throughput screening of membrane proteins for diagnostics, drug screening, or drug discovery purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bally
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
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Bürgel SC, Guillaume-Gentil O, Zheng L, Vörös J, Bally M. Zirconium ion mediated formation of liposome multilayers. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2010; 26:10995-11002. [PMID: 20507172 DOI: 10.1021/la9047566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipid vesicles have attracted considerable interest as a platform for a variety of biomolecular binding assays, especially in the area of membrane protein sensing. The development of liposome-based biosensors widely relies on the availability of simple and efficient protocols for their surface immobilization. We present a novel approach toward the creation of three-dimensional phospholipid vesicle constructs using multivalent zirconium ions as linkers between the liposomes. Such three-dimensional sensing platforms are likely to play a key role in the development of biosensing devices with increased loading capacity and sensitivity. After demonstrating the affinity of Zr(4+) toward the phospholipids, we formed vesicle multilayers by sequential injections of solutions containing either liposomes or ZrOCl(2). In situ adlayer characterization was carried out by optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurements while imaging was performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy. Multilayers were successfully constructed, and as demonstrated in a model fluorescence-based biomolecular binding assay, the sensor's loading capacity was increased. Furthermore, we observed that lipid exchange between the vesicles is promoted in the presence of Zr(4+) and that addition of a phosphate-containing buffer leads to adlayer loosening and creation of lipidic tubular structures. The approach presented here could be applied to the study of membrane proteins in a highly sensitive manner due to the increased surface area or to produce functional coatings for controlled drug release and host response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian C Bürgel
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH and University Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Hurtig J, Chiu DT, Önfelt B. Intercellular nanotubes: insights from imaging studies and beyond. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2010; 2:260-76. [PMID: 20166114 PMCID: PMC5602582 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is critical to the development, maintenance, and function of multicellular organisms. Classical mechanisms for intercellular communication include secretion of molecules into the extracellular space and transport of small molecules through gap junctions. Recent reports suggest that cells also can communicate over long distances via a network of transient intercellular nanotubes. Such nanotubes have been shown to mediate intercellular transfer of organelles as well as membrane components and cytoplasmic molecules. Moreover, intercellular nanotubes have been observed in vivo and have been shown to enhance the transmission of pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and prions in vitro. These studies indicate that intercellular nanotubes may play a role both in normal physiology and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Hurtig
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel T. Chiu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Microbiology Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Cell Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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HAMLET interacts with lipid membranes and perturbs their structure and integrity. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9384. [PMID: 20186341 PMCID: PMC2826418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell membrane interactions rely on lipid bilayer constituents and molecules inserted within the membrane, including specific receptors. HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) is a tumoricidal complex of partially unfolded alpha-lactalbumin (HLA) and oleic acid that is internalized by tumor cells, suggesting that interactions with the phospholipid bilayer and/or specific receptors may be essential for the tumoricidal effect. This study examined whether HAMLET interacts with artificial membranes and alters membrane structure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show by surface plasmon resonance that HAMLET binds with high affinity to surface adherent, unilamellar vesicles of lipids with varying acyl chain composition and net charge. Fluorescence imaging revealed that HAMLET accumulates in membranes of vesicles and perturbs their structure, resulting in increased membrane fluidity. Furthermore, HAMLET disrupted membrane integrity at neutral pH and physiological conditions, as shown by fluorophore leakage experiments. These effects did not occur with either native HLA or a constitutively unfolded Cys-Ala HLA mutant (rHLA(all-Ala)). HAMLET also bound to plasma membrane vesicles formed from intact tumor cells, with accumulation in certain membrane areas, but the complex was not internalized by these vesicles or by the synthetic membrane vesicles. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The results illustrate the difference in membrane affinity between the fatty acid bound and fatty acid free forms of partially unfolded HLA and suggest that HAMLET engages membranes by a mechanism requiring both the protein and the fatty acid. Furthermore, HAMLET binding alters the morphology of the membrane and compromises its integrity, suggesting that membrane perturbation could be an initial step in inducing cell death.
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Jelinek R, Silbert L. Biomimetic approaches for studying membrane processes. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2009; 5:811-8. [PMID: 19603114 DOI: 10.1039/b907223n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This short review focuses on recent innovative systems and experimental approaches designed to investigate membrane processes and biomolecular interactions associated with membranes. Our emphasis is on "biomimetics" which reflects the significance and contributions of the chemistry/biology interface in addressing complex biological questions. We have not limited this review to discussion of new "sensors" or "assays"per se, but rather we tried to review new concepts employed for analysis of membrane processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raz Jelinek
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
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Bauer B, Davidson M, Orwar O. Proteomic Analysis of Plasma Membrane Vesicles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2009; 48:1656-9. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.200803898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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20
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Complex Nanotube-Liposome Networks. Methods Enzymol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(09)64015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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21
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West J, Manz A, Dittrich PS. Massively parallel production of lipid microstructures. LAB ON A CHIP 2008; 8:1852-5. [PMID: 18941685 DOI: 10.1039/b811448j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we describe a simple and inexpensive microfluidic system for the production of lipid tubules and vesicles. The system incorporates a central microporous membrane for interfacing lipid films with aqueous flows. Hydrodynamic drag was used for the parallel elongation of high axial ratio lipid tubules with uniform 1.5 +/- 0.5 microm diameters. Alternatively, electrokinetic operation was used for the rapid and continuous production of vast numbers of lipid vesicles with diameters ranging from 1 to 3 microm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan West
- Institute for Analytical Sciences, Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, D-44139, Dortmund, Germany
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22
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Liu Q, Wang Y, Li W, Wu L. Vesicular aggregation and morphologic evolvement of a flexible-rigid block hydrogen-bonding complex. POLYMER 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2008.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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23
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Wüstner D. Free-cholesterol loading does not trigger phase separation of the fluorescent sterol dehydroergosterol in the plasma membrane of macrophages. Chem Phys Lipids 2008; 154:129-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2008.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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24
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Hurtig J, Orwar O. Injection and transport of bacteria in nanotube-vesicle networks. SOFT MATTER 2008; 4:1515-1520. [PMID: 32907119 DOI: 10.1039/b800333e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microinjection of bacteria (the MG1655 strain of E. coli) into unilamellar lipid vesicles contained in surface-immobilized nanotube-vesicle networks is demonstrated. The density of bacteria can be controlled from a single bacterium up to several thousands of bacteria per injected vesicle. The bacteria retain flagellar motion and propulsion. The bacteria (approximately 2 × 0.8 μm) cannot escape from one vesicle to another as the size of the nanotubes is too small (∼200 nm in diameter) to allow for entry. Bacteria can, however, be moved from one vesicle to another in a nanotube-vesicle network by using Marangoni flows. Thus, single or several species can be transferred to a neighboring vesicle at will. The technique offers new possibilities for live matter functionalization into synthetic host networks, and may provide means for studying the effect of compartmentalization and perfusion of chemical species on a single bacterium. Furthermore, it may serve as an experimental model to study how vesicle-encapsulated bacteria evade destruction in macrophages or how bacteria surf along thin membrane nanotubes toward connected macrophage cell bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Hurtig
- Chalmers University of Technology, Dept Chemical and Biological Engineering, Kemivägen 10, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Owe Orwar
- Chalmers University of Technology, Dept Chemical and Biological Engineering, Kemivägen 10, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
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West J, Manz A, Dittrich PS. Lipid nanotubule fabrication by microfluidic tweezing. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:6754-6758. [PMID: 18503287 DOI: 10.1021/la8004823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There is currently great interest in the development of lipid enclosed systems with complex geometrical arrangements that mimic cellular compartments. With biochemical functionalization, these soft matter devices can be used to probe deeper into life's transport dominated biochemical operations. In this paper, we present a novel tool for machining lipid nanotubules by microfluidic tweezing. A bilayer poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) device was designed with a lipid reservoir that was loaded by capillary action for lipid film deposition. The lipid reservoir is vertically separated from an upper flow for controlled material wetting and the formation of giant tubule bodies. Three fluidic paths are interfaced for introduction of the giant tubules into the high velocity center of a parabolic flow profile for exposure to hydrodynamic shear stresses. At local velocities approximating 2 mm s (-1), a 300-500 nm diameter jet of lipid material was tweezed from the giant tubule body and elongated with the flow. The high velocity flow provides uniform drag for the rapid and continuous fabrication of lipid nanotubules with tremendous axial ratios. Below a critical velocity, a remarkable shape transformation occurred and the projected lipid tubule grew until a constant 3.6 mum diameter tubule was attained. These lipid tubules could be wired for the construction of advanced lifelike bioreactor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan West
- Institute for Analytical Sciences, Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
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26
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Davis DM, Sowinski S. Membrane nanotubes: dynamic long-distance connections between animal cells. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2008; 9:431-6. [PMID: 18431401 DOI: 10.1038/nrm2399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Membrane nanotubes are transient long-distance connections between cells that can facilitate intercellular communication (for example, by trafficking vesicles or transmitting calcium-mediated signals), but they can also contribute to pathologies (for example, by directing the spread of viruses). Recent data have revealed considerable heterogeneity in their structures, processes of formation and functional properties, in part dependent on the cell types involved. Despite recent progress in this young research field, further research is sorely needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Davis
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Zepik HH, Walde P, Kostoryz EL, Code J, Yourtee DM. Lipid vesicles as membrane models for toxicological assessment of xenobiotics. Crit Rev Toxicol 2008; 38:1-11. [PMID: 18161501 DOI: 10.1080/10408440701524519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally animals and cell cultures have been used to assess the toxic potential of xenobiotics on cell membranes. In search for more reproducible, quantitative, cost- and time-effective assays, toxicologists have recently become interested in biomimetic lipid vesicle-based test systems. Lipid vesicles (liposomes) have long been appreciated as simple cell membrane models in biochemical and biophysical studies providing a good understanding of the physicochemical properties of liposome systems. More recently a number of reports have been published on the interactions of toxic substances with vesicles. Literature reports on liposome assays have appeared for widely different classes of xenobiotics, such as dental materials, antibiotics, detergents, and peptides. In this review we focus on those reports that contain a quantitative and significant correlation with more established toxicological tests like cell culture assays. We provide an introduction to the structure and main characteristics of vesicles and related lipid aggregates. The two main assays presented are leakage of fluorescence dyes and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the solid-ordered/liquid-disordered main phase transition temperature (Tm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut H Zepik
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Yamada A, Le Berre M, Yoshikawa K, Baigl D. Spontaneous generation of giant liposomes from an oil/water interface. Chembiochem 2008; 8:2215-8. [PMID: 17960744 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200700473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Yamada
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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Jesorka A, Orwar O. Liposomes: technologies and analytical applications. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2008; 1:801-32. [PMID: 20636098 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.anchem.1.031207.112747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes are structurally and functionally some of the most versatile supramolecular assemblies in existence. Since the beginning of active research on lipid vesicles in 1965, the field has progressed enormously and applications are well established in several areas, such as drug and gene delivery. In the analytical sciences, liposomes serve a dual purpose: Either they are analytes, typically in quality-assessment procedures of liposome preparations, or they are functional components in a variety of new analytical systems. Liposome immunoassays, for example, benefit greatly from the amplification provided by encapsulated markers, and nanotube-interconnected liposome networks have emerged as ultrasmall-scale analytical devices. This review provides information about new developments in some of the most actively researched liposome-related topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
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30
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Chan YHM, Boxer SG. Model membrane systems and their applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2007; 11:581-7. [PMID: 17976391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of biological membranes has motivated the development of a wide variety of simpler model systems whose size, geometry, and composition can be tailored with great precision. Approaches highlighted in this review are illustrated in Figure 1 including vesicles, supported bilayers, and hybrid membrane systems. These have been used to study problems ranging from phase behavior to membrane fusion. Experimental membrane models continue to advance in complexity with respect to architecture, size, and composition, as do computer simulations of their properties and dynamics. Analytical techniques such as imaging secondary ion mass spectrometry have also been developed and refined to give increasing spatial resolution and information content on membrane composition and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee-Hung M Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5080, USA
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