1
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Zhao Z, Satarifard V, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Membrane nanotubes transform into double-membrane sheets at condensate droplets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321579121. [PMID: 38900795 PMCID: PMC11214096 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321579121] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular membranes exhibit a multitude of highly curved morphologies such as buds, nanotubes, cisterna-like sheets defining the outlines of organelles. Here, we mimic cell compartmentation using an aqueous two-phase system of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) encapsulated in giant vesicles. Upon osmotic deflation, the vesicle membrane forms nanotubes, which undergo surprising morphological transformations at the liquid-liquid interfaces inside the vesicles. At these interfaces, the nanotubes transform into cisterna-like double-membrane sheets (DMS) connected to the mother vesicle via short membrane necks. Using super-resolution (stimulated emission depletion) microscopy and theoretical considerations, we construct a morphology diagram predicting the tube-to-sheet transformation, which is driven by a decrease in the free energy. Nanotube knots can prohibit the tube-to-sheet transformation by blocking water influx into the tubes. Because both nanotubes and DMSs are frequently formed by cellular membranes, understanding the formation and transformation between these membrane morphologies provides insight into the origin and evolution of cellular organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Zhao
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam14476, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology e.V., Jena07745, Germany
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena07743, Germany
| | - Vahid Satarifard
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam14476, Germany
- Yale Institute for Network Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT06520
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam14476, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam14476, Germany
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2
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Weakly HMJ, Wilson KJ, Goetz GJ, Pruitt EL, Li A, Xu L, Keller SL. Several common methods of making vesicles (except an emulsion method) capture intended lipid ratios. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.21.581444. [PMID: 38948736 PMCID: PMC11212916 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.21.581444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Researchers choose different methods of making giant unilamellar vesicles in order to satisfy different constraints of their experimental designs. A challenge of using a variety of methods is that each may produce vesicles of different lipid compositions, even if all vesicles are made from a common stock mixture. Here, we use mass spectrometry to investigate ratios of lipids in vesicles made by five common methods: electroformation on indium tin oxide slides, electroformation on platinum wires, gentle hydration, emulsion transfer, and extrusion. We made vesicles from either 5-component or binary mixtures of lipids chosen to span a wide range of physical properties: di(18:1)PC, di(16:0)PC, di(18:1)PG, di(12:0)PE, and cholesterol. For a mixture of all five of these lipids, ITO electroformation, Pt electroformation, gentle hydration, and extrusion methods result in only minor shifts (≤ 5 mol%) in lipid ratios of vesicles relative to a common stock solution. In contrast, emulsion transfer results in ∼80% less cholesterol than expected from the stock solution, which is counterbalanced by a surprising overabundance of saturated PC-lipid relative to all other phospholipids. Experiments using binary mixtures of some of the lipids largely support results from the 5-component mixture. Exact values of lipid ratios variations likely depend on the details of each method, so a broader conclusion is that experiments that increment lipid ratios in small steps will be highly sensitive to the method of lipid formation and to sample-to-sample variations, which are low (roughly ±2 mol% in the 5-component mixture and either scale proportionally with increasing mole fraction or remain low). Experiments that increment lipid ratios in larger steps or that seek to explain general trends or new phenomena will be less sensitive to the method used. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Small changes to the amounts and types of lipids in membranes can drastically affect the membrane's behavior. Unfortunately, it is unknown whether (or to what extent) different methods of making vesicles alter the ratios of lipids in membranes, even when identical stock solutions are used. This presents challenges for researchers when comparing data with colleagues who use different methods. Here, we measure ratios of lipid types in vesicle membranes produced by five methods. We assess each method's reproducibility and compare resulting vesicle compositions across methods. In doing so, we provide a quantitative basis that the scientific community can use to estimate whether differences between their results can be simply attributed to differences between methods or to sample-to-sample variations.
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3
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Su WC, Ho JCS, Gettel DL, Rowland AT, Keating CD, Parikh AN. Kinetic control of shape deformations and membrane phase separation inside giant vesicles. Nat Chem 2024; 16:54-62. [PMID: 37414881 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
A variety of cellular processes use liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to create functional levels of organization, but the kinetic pathways by which it proceeds remain incompletely understood. Here in real time, we monitor the dynamics of LLPS of mixtures of segregatively phase-separating polymers inside all-synthetic, giant unilamellar vesicles. After dynamically triggering phase separation, we find that the ensuing relaxation-en route to the new equilibrium-is non-trivially modulated by a dynamic interplay between the coarsening of the evolving droplet phase and the interactive membrane boundary. The membrane boundary is preferentially wetted by one of the incipient phases, dynamically arresting the progression of coarsening and deforming the membrane. When the vesicles are composed of phase-separating mixtures of common lipids, LLPS within the vesicular interior becomes coupled to the membrane's compositional degrees of freedom, producing microphase-separated membrane textures. This coupling of bulk and surface phase-separation processes suggests a physical principle by which LLPS inside living cells might be dynamically regulated and communicated to the cellular boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chih Su
- Chemistry Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James C S Ho
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering and Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Douglas L Gettel
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Andrew T Rowland
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Atul N Parikh
- Chemistry Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering and Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Programs, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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4
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Xi Y, Frank BD, Tatas A, Pavlovic M, Zeininger L. Multicompartment calcium alginate microreactors to reduce substrate inhibition in enzyme cascade reactions. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7541-7549. [PMID: 37750330 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00816a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The formation of macromolecularly enriched condensates through associative or segregative liquid-liquid phase separation phenomena is known to play a central role in controlling various cellular functions in nature. The potential to spatially and temporally modulate multistep chemical reactions and pathways has inspired the use of phase-separated systems for the development of various synthetic colloidal micro- and nanoreactor systems. Here, we report a rational and synthetically minimal design strategy to emulate intended spatiotemporal functions in morphologically intricate and structurally defined calcium alginate hydrogel microreactors possessing multicompartmentalized internal architectures. Specifically, we implement a thermal phase separation protocol to achieve fine-control over liquid-liquid phase separation inside complex aqueous emulsion droplet templates that are loaded with hydrophilic polymer mixtures. Subsequent gelation of alginate-containing droplet templates using a novel freeze-thaw approach that can be applied to both scalable batch production or more precise microfluidic methods yields particle replicas, in which subcompartmentalized architectures can be retained. Larger active components can be enriched in the internal compartments due to their preferential solubility, and we show that selective sequestration of enzymes serves to create desired microenvironments to control and tune the reaction kinetics of a multistep enzyme cascade by reducing their mutual interference. This demonstration of mitigating substrate inhibition that is based primarily on optimizing the multicompartmentalized hydrogel particle morphology offers new opportunities for the simple and synthetically-minimal batch generation of hydrogel-based synthesis microreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Xi
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Bradley D Frank
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Apostolos Tatas
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Marko Pavlovic
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
- Department of Physics and John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
| | - Lukas Zeininger
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.
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5
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Tapie P, Prevost AM, Montel L, Pontani LL, Wandersman E. A simple method to make, trap and deform a vesicle in a gel. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5375. [PMID: 37009808 PMCID: PMC10068607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a simple method to produce giant lipid pseudo-vesicles (vesicles with an oily cap on the top), trapped in an agarose gel. The method can be implemented using only a regular micropipette and relies on the formation of a water/oil/water double droplet in liquid agarose. We characterize the produced vesicle with fluorescence imaging and establish the presence and integrity of the lipid bilayer by the successful insertion of [Formula: see text]-Hemolysin transmembrane proteins. Finally, we show that the vesicle can be easily mechanically deformed, non-intrusively, by indenting the surface of the gel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Tapie
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Alexis M Prevost
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lorraine Montel
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Léa-Laetitia Pontani
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Elie Wandersman
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France.
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6
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Supramaniam P, Wang Z, Chatzimichail S, Parperis C, Kumar A, Ho V, Ces O, Salehi-Reyhani A. Measuring Encapsulation Efficiency in Cell-Mimicking Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1227-1238. [PMID: 36977193 PMCID: PMC10127275 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
One of the main drivers within the field of bottom-up synthetic biology is to develop artificial chemical machines, perhaps even living systems, that have programmable functionality. Numerous toolkits exist to generate giant unilamellar vesicle-based artificial cells. However, methods able to quantitatively measure their molecular constituents upon formation is an underdeveloped area. We report an artificial cell quality control (AC/QC) protocol using a microfluidic-based single-molecule approach, enabling the absolute quantification of encapsulated biomolecules. While the measured average encapsulation efficiency was 11.4 ± 6.8%, the AC/QC method allowed us to determine encapsulation efficiencies per vesicle, which varied significantly from 2.4 to 41%. We show that it is possible to achieve a desired concentration of biomolecule within each vesicle by commensurate compensation of its concentration in the seed emulsion. However, the variability in encapsulation efficiency suggests caution is necessary when using such vesicles as simplified biological models or standards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zibo Wang
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, U.K
| | | | - Christopher Parperis
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, U.K
| | - Aditi Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Vanessa Ho
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Ali Salehi-Reyhani
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, U.K
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
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7
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Guerzoni LPB, de Goes AVC, Kalacheva M, Haduła J, Mork M, De Laporte L, Boersma AJ. High Macromolecular Crowding in Liposomes from Microfluidics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201169. [PMID: 35904258 PMCID: PMC9507340 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular environment is crowded with macromolecules that influence biochemical equilibria and biomacromolecule diffusion. The incorporation of such crowding in synthetic cells would be needed to mimic the biochemistry of living cells. However, only a few methods provide crowded artificial cells, moreover providing cells with either heterogeneous size and composition or containing a significant oil fraction. Therefore, a method that generates monodisperse liposomes with minimal oil content and tunable macromolecular crowding using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidics is presented. Lipid stabilized water-in-oil-in-water emulsions that are stable for at least several months and with a high macromolecular crowder concentration that can be controlled with the external osmolality are formed. A crucial feature is that the oil phase can be removed using high flow conditions at any point after production, providing the highly crowded liposomes. Genetically encoded macromolecular crowding sensors show that the high level of macromolecular crowding in the emulsions is fully retained throughout the generation of minimal-oil lipid bilayers. This modular and robust platform will serve the study of biochemistry under physiologically relevant crowding conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P. B. Guerzoni
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
| | - André V. C. de Goes
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Milara Kalacheva
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Jakub Haduła
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Matthias Mork
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
- Department Advanced Materials for BiomedicineInstitute of Applied Medical EngineeringUniversity Hospital RWTH AachenForckenbeckstrasse 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Arnold J. Boersma
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
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8
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Zhao Z, Roy D, Steinkühler J, Robinson T, Lipowsky R, Dimova R. Super-Resolution Imaging of Highly Curved Membrane Structures in Giant Vesicles Encapsulating Molecular Condensates. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2106633. [PMID: 34710248 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Molecular crowding is an inherent feature of cell interiors. Synthetic cells as provided by giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) encapsulating macromolecules (poly(ethylene glycol) and dextran) represent an excellent mimetic system to study membrane transformations associated with molecular crowding and protein condensation. Similarly to cells, such GUVs exhibit highly curved structures like nanotubes. Upon liquid-liquid phase separation their membrane deforms into apparent kinks at the contact line of the interface between the two aqueous phases. These structures, nanotubes, and kinks, have dimensions below optical resolution. Here, these are studied with super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy facilitated by immobilization in a microfluidic device. The cylindrical nature of the nanotubes based on the superior resolution of STED and automated data analysis is demonstrated. The deduced membrane spontaneous curvature is in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Furthermore, the membrane kink-like structure is resolved as a smoothly curved membrane demonstrating the existence of the intrinsic contact angle, which describes the wettability contrast of the encapsulated phases to the membrane. Resolving these highly curved membrane structures with STED imaging provides important insights in the membrane properties and interactions underlying cellular activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Zhao
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Max-Wien Platz 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Debjit Roy
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jan Steinkühler
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
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9
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Pir Cakmak F, Marianelli AM, Keating CD. Phospholipid Membrane Formation Templated by Coacervate Droplets. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:10366-10375. [PMID: 34398617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We report the formation of coacervate-supported phospholipid membranes by hydrating a dried lipid film in the presence of coacervate droplets. Coacervate-supported membranes were characterized by fluorescence imaging, polarization, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of labeled lipids, lipid quenching experiments, and solute uptake experiments. Our findings are consistent with the presence of lipid membranes around the coacervates, with many droplets fully coated by what appear to be continuous lipid bilayers. In contrast to traditional giant lipid vesicles formed by gentle hydration in the absence of coacervates, the coacervate-templated membrane vesicles are more uniform in size, shape, and apparent lamellarity. Due to their fully coacervate model cytoplasm, these simple artificial cells are macromolecularly crowded and can be easily pre-loaded with high concentrations of proteins or nucleic acids. Within the same population, in addition to coacervate droplets having intact lipid membrane coatings, other coacervate droplets are coated with membranes having defects or pores that permit solute entry, and some are coated with multilayered membranes. Membranes surrounding protein-based coacervate droplets provided protection from a protease added to the external solution. The simplicity of producing artificial cells having a coacervate model cytoplasm surrounded by a model membrane is at the same time interesting as a potential mechanism for prebiotic protocell formation and appealing for biotechnology. We anticipate that such structures could serve as a new type of model system for understanding interactions between intracellular phases and cell or organelle membranes, which are implicated in a growing number of processes ranging from neurotransmission to signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Pir Cakmak
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Allyson M Marianelli
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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10
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Wang X, Du H, Wang Z, Mu W, Han X. Versatile Phospholipid Assemblies for Functional Synthetic Cells and Artificial Tissues. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002635. [PMID: 32830387 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of a synthetic cell from nonliving building blocks capable of mimicking cellular properties and behaviors helps to understand the particular biophysical properties and working mechanisms of a cell. A synthetic cell built in this way possesses defined chemical composition and structure. Since phospholipids are native biomembrane components, their assemblies are widely used to mimic cellular structures. Here, recent developments in the formation of versatile phospholipid assemblies are described, together with the applications of these assemblies for functional membranes (protein reconstituted giant unilamellar vesicles), spherical and nonspherical protoorganelles, and functional synthetic cells, as well as the high-order hierarchical structures of artificial tissues. Their biomedical applications are also briefly summarized. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the field of synthetic cells and artificial tissues based on phospholipid assemblies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Marine Antifouling Engineering Technology Center of Shangdong Province, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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11
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Hansen JS, Tran TH, Cavalera M, Paul S, Chaudhuri A, Lindkvist-Petersson K, Ho JCS, Svanborg C. Peptide-Oleate Complexes Create Novel Membrane-Bound Compartments. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:3083-3093. [PMID: 32521018 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A challenging question in evolutionary theory is the origin of cell division and plausible molecular mechanisms involved. Here, we made the surprising observation that complexes formed by short alpha-helical peptides and oleic acid can create multiple membrane-enclosed spaces from a single lipid vesicle. The findings suggest that such complexes may contain the molecular information necessary to initiate and sustain this process. Based on these observations, we propose a new molecular model to understand protocell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper S Hansen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Experimental Medical Science, Medical Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tuan Hiep Tran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michele Cavalera
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sanchari Paul
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arunima Chaudhuri
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - James C S Ho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Catharina Svanborg
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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12
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Sugiyama H, Osaki T, Takeuchi S, Toyota T. Perfusion Chamber for Observing a Liposome-Based Cell Model Prepared by a Water-in-Oil Emulsion Transfer Method. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:19429-19436. [PMID: 32803036 PMCID: PMC7424586 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
For the construction of a chemical model of contemporary living cells, the so-called water-in-oil emulsion transfer (WOET) method has drawn much attention as one of the promising preparation protocols for cell-sized liposomes encapsulating macromolecules and even micrometer-sized colloidal particles in high yields. Combining the throughput and accuracy of the observation is the key to developing a synthetic approach based on the liposomes prepared by the WOET method. Recent advances in microfluidic technology can provide a solution. By means of surface modification of a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-type microfluidic device integrating size-sorting and trapping modules, here, we enabled a simultaneous direct observation of the liposomes with a narrow size distribution, which were prepared by the WOET method. As a demonstration, we evaluated the variance of encapsulation of polystyrene colloidal particles and water permeability of the cell-sized liposomes prepared by the WOET method in the device. Since the liposomes prepared by the WOET method are useful for constructing cell models with an easy protocol, the current system will lead to a critical development of not only supramolecular chemistry and soft matter physics but also synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Sugiyama
- Department
of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Osaki
- Institute
of Industrial Science, The University of
Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- Kanagawa
Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan
| | - Shoji Takeuchi
- Institute
of Industrial Science, The University of
Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
- Department
of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and
Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Taro Toyota
- Department
of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Universal
Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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13
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Spectroscopic investigation on alteration of dynamic properties of lipid membrane in presence of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2019.111877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Pazzi J, Xu M, Subramaniam AB. Size Distributions and Yields of Giant Vesicles Assembled on Cellulose Papers and Cotton Fabric. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:7798-7804. [PMID: 30444125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Lamellar phospholipid stacks on cellulose paper vesiculate to form cell-like giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) in aqueous solutions. The sizes and yields of the GUVs that result and their relationship to the properties of the cellulose fibers are unknown. Here, we report the characteristics of GUVs produced on four different cellulose substrates, three disordered porous media consisting of randomly entangled cellulose fibers (high-purity cellulose filter papers of different effective porosities), and an ordered network of weaved cellulose fibers (cotton fabric). Large numbers of GUVs formed on all four substrates. This result demonstrates for the first time that GUVs form on cotton fabric. Despite differences in the effective porosities and the configuration of the cellulose fibers, all four substrates yielded populations of GUVs with similar distribution of diameters. The distribution of diameters of the GUVs had a single well-defined peak and a right tail. Ninety-eight percent of the GUVs had diameters less than the average diameter of the cellulose fibers (∼20 micrometers). Cotton fabric produced the highest yield of GUVs with the lowest sample-to-sample variation. Moreover, cotton fabric is reusable. Fabric used sequentially produced similar crops of GUVs at each cycle. At the end of the sequence, there was no apparent change in the cellulose fibers. Cellulose fibers thus promote the vesiculation of lamellar phospholipid stacks in aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Pazzi
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Merced , Merced , California 95343 , United States
| | - Melissa Xu
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Merced , Merced , California 95343 , United States
| | - Anand Bala Subramaniam
- Department of Bioengineering , University of California, Merced , Merced , California 95343 , United States
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15
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Fanti A, Gammuto L, Mavelli F, Stano P, Marangoni R. Do protocells preferentially retain macromolecular solutes upon division/fragmentation? A study based on the extrusion of POPC giant vesicles. Integr Biol (Camb) 2019; 10:6-17. [PMID: 29230464 DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00138j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A key process of protocell behaviour is their recursive growth and division. In order to be sustainable, the latter must be characterized by an even and homogeneous partition of the solute molecules initially present in the parent protocell among the daughter ones. Here we have investigated, by means of an artificial division model (extrusion of giant lipid vesicles) and confocal microscopy, the fate of solutes when a large vesicle fragments into many smaller vesicles. Solutes of low- and high-molecular weight such as pyranine, calcein, albumin-FITC, dextran-FITC and carbonic anhydrase have been employed. Although the vesicle extrusion brings about a release of their inner content in the environment, the results shown in this initial report indicate that macromolecules can be partially retained when compared with low-molecular weight ones. Results are discussed from the viewpoint of the life cycle of primitive cells. In particular, the findings suggest that a similar mechanism operating during the critical step of vesicle growth-division could have contributed to primitive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Fanti
- Biology Department, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
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16
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Crowe CD, Keating CD. Liquid-liquid phase separation in artificial cells. Interface Focus 2018; 8:20180032. [PMID: 30443328 PMCID: PMC6227770 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in biology is a recently appreciated means of intracellular compartmentalization. Because the mechanisms driving phase separations are grounded in physical interactions, they can be recreated within less complex systems consisting of only a few simple components, to serve as artificial microcompartments. Within these simple systems, the effect of compartmentalization and microenvironments upon biological reactions and processes can be studied. This review will explore several approaches to incorporating LLPS as artificial cytoplasms and in artificial cells, including both segregative and associative phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine D. Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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17
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Altamura E, Carrara P, D'Angelo F, Mavelli F, Stano P. Extrinsic stochastic factors (solute partition) in gene expression inside lipid vesicles and lipid-stabilized water-in-oil droplets: a review. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2018; 3:ysy011. [PMID: 32995519 PMCID: PMC7445889 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysy011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The encapsulation of transcription-translation (TX-TL) machinery inside lipid vesicles and water-in-oil droplets leads to the construction of cytomimetic systems (often called 'synthetic cells') for synthetic biology and origins-of-life research. A number of recent reports have shown that protein synthesis inside these microcompartments is highly diverse in terms of rate and amount of synthesized protein. Here, we discuss the role of extrinsic stochastic effects (i.e. solute partition phenomena) as relevant factors contributing to this pattern. We evidence and discuss cases where between-compartment diversity seems to exceed the expected theoretical values. The need of accurate determination of solute content inside individual vesicles or droplets is emphasized, aiming at validating or rejecting the predictions calculated from the standard fluctuations theory. At the same time, we promote the integration of experiments and stochastic modeling to reveal the details of solute encapsulation and intra-compartment reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Altamura
- Chemistry Department, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrara
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Angelo
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Mavelli
- Chemistry Department, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Ecotekne, I-73100, Lecce, Italy
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18
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Qiao H, Hu N, Bai J, Ren L, Liu Q, Fang L, Wang Z. Encapsulation of Nucleic Acids into Giant Unilamellar Vesicles by Freeze-Thaw: a Way Protocells May Form. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2017; 47:499-510. [PMID: 27807660 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-016-9527-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Protocells are believed to consist of a lipid membrane and encapsulated nucleic acid. As the lipid membrane is impermeable to macromolecules like nucleic acids, the processes by which nucleic acids become encapsulated inside lipid membrane compartments are still unknown. In this paper, a freeze-thaw method was modified and applied to giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in mixed solution resulting in the efficient encapsulation of 6.4 kb plasmid DNA and similar length linear DNA into GUVs. The mechanism of encapsulation was followed by observing the effect of freeze-thaw temperatures on GUV morphological change, DNA encapsulation and ice crystal formation, and analyzing their correlation. Following ice crystal formation, the shape of spherical GUVs was altered and membrane integrity was damaged and this was found to be a necessary condition for encapsulation. Heating alone had no effects on DNA encapsulation, but was helpful for restoring the spherical shape and membrane integrity of GUVs damaged during freezing. These results suggested that freeze-thaw could promote the encapsulation of DNA into GUVs by a mechanism: the vesicle membrane was breached by ice crystal formation during freezing, DNA entered into damaged GUVs through these membrane gaps and was encapsulated after the membrane was resealed during the thawing process. The process described herein therefore describes a simple way for the encapsulation of nucleic acids and potentially other macromolecules into lipid vesicles, a process by which early protocells might have formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Liaoqiong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhibiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine Co-Founed by Chongqing and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, P. O. Box 153, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Hann SD, Stebe KJ, Lee D. All-Aqueous Assemblies via Interfacial Complexation: Toward Artificial Cell and Microniche Development. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:10107-10117. [PMID: 28882042 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In nature, the environment surrounding biomolecules and living cells can dictate their structure, function, and properties. Confinement is a key means to define and regulate such environments. For example, the confinement of appropriate constituents in compartments facilitates the assembly, dynamics, and function of biochemical machineries as well as subcellular organelles. Membraneless organelles, in particular, are thought to form via thermodynamic cues defined within the interior space of cells. On larger length scales, the confinement of living cells dictates cellular function for both mammalian and bacterial cells. One promising class of artificial structures that can recapitulate these multiscale confinement effects is based on aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs). This feature article highlights recent developments in the production and stabilization of ATPS-droplet-based systems, with a focus on interfacial complexation. These systems enable structure formation, modulation, and triggered (dis)assembly, thereby allowing structures to be tailored to fit the desired function and designed for particular confinement studies. Open issues for both synthetic cells and niche studies are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Hann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kathleen J Stebe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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20
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Migas UM, Quinn MK, McManus JJ. Protein self-assembly following in situ expression in artificial and mammalian cells. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:444-450. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00240d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of in vitro measurements in explaining the mechanisms underlying protein self-assembly in physiologically relevant conditions has been demonstrated in solution and in artificial and mammalian cells.
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21
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Manojkumar K, Mecerreyes D, Taton D, Gnanou Y, Vijayakrishna K. Self-assembly of poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)-based amphiphilic homopolymers into vesicles and supramolecular structures with dyes and silver nanoparticles. Polym Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7py00453b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Self assembly of amphiphilic homo-PILs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasina Manojkumar
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Advanced Sciences
- VIT University
- Vellore – 632 014
- India
| | - David Mecerreyes
- POLYMAT
- University of the Basque Country UPV/EH U
- San Sebastian
- Spain
| | - Daniel Taton
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques
- Université Bordeaux – CNRS – IPB-ENSCPB
- 33607 Pessac Cedex
- France
| | - Yves Gnanou
- Physical Sciences and Engineering
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- Saudi Arabia
| | - Kari Vijayakrishna
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Advanced Sciences
- VIT University
- Vellore – 632 014
- India
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22
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Munaò G, Costa D, Prestipino S, Caccamo C. Encapsulation of spherical nanoparticles by colloidal dimers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:24922-30. [PMID: 27538707 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp04704a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We study by Monte Carlo simulation the coating process of colloidal dimers onto spherical nanoparticles. To this end we investigate a simplified mixture of hard spheres (the guest particles) and hard dimers formed by two tangent spheres of different sizes (the encapsulating agents) in an implicit-solvent representation; in our scheme, the range of effective interactions between the smaller particle in a dimer and a guest sphere depends on their relative size. By tuning the size and concentration of guests, under overall dilute conditions a rich phase behavior emerges: for small sizes and/or low concentrations, the preferred arrangement is compact aggregates (capsules) of variable sizes, where one or few guest particles are coated with dimers; for larger sizes and moderate guest concentrations, other scenarios are realized, including equilibrium separation between a guest-rich and a guest-poor phase. Our results serve as a framework for a more systematic investigation of self-assembled structures of functionalized dimers capable of encapsulating target particles, like for instance bioactive substances in a colloidal dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Munaò
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Universitá degli Studi di Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
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23
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TOYOTA T, KAZAYAMA Y, OSAKI T, TAKEUCHI S. Dynamics of Giant Vesicles and Their Application as Artificial Cell-based Sensor. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2016. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.65.715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taro TOYOTA
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Yuki KAZAYAMA
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Toshihisa OSAKI
- Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo
- Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology
| | - Shoji TAKEUCHI
- Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo
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24
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Mavelli F, Stano P. Experiments on and Numerical Modeling of the Capture and Concentration of Transcription-Translation Machinery inside Vesicles. ARTIFICIAL LIFE 2015; 21:445-463. [PMID: 26545162 DOI: 10.1162/artl_a_00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic or semi-synthetic minimal cells are those cell-like artificial compartments that are based on the encapsulation of molecules inside lipid vesicles (liposomes). Synthetic cells are currently used as primitive cell models and are very promising tools for future biotechnology. Despite the recent experimental advancements and sophistication reached in this field, the complete elucidation of many fundamental physical aspects still poses experimental and theoretical challenges. The interplay between solute capture and vesicle formation is one of the most intriguing ones. In a series of studies, we have reported that when vesicles spontaneously form in a dilute solution of proteins, ribosomes, or ribo-peptidic complexes, then, contrary to statistical predictions, it is possible to find a small fraction of liposomes (<1%) that contain a very large number of solutes, so that their local (intravesicular) concentrations largely exceed the expected value. More recently, we have demonstrated that this effect (spontaneous crowding) operates also on multimolecular mixtures, and can drive the synthesis of proteins inside vesicles, whereas the same reaction does not proceed at a measurable rate in the external bulk phase. Here we firstly introduce and discuss these already published observations. Then, we present a computational investigation of the encapsulation of transcription-translation (TX-TL) machinery inside vesicles, based on a minimal protein synthesis model and on different solute partition functions. Results show that experimental data are compatible with an entrapment model that follows a power law rather than a Gaussian distribution. The results are discussed from the viewpoint of origin of life, highlighting open questions and possible future research directions.
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25
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Cacace DN, Rowland AT, Stapleton JJ, Dewey DC, Keating CD. Aqueous Emulsion Droplets Stabilized by Lipid Vesicles as Microcompartments for Biomimetic Mineralization. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2015; 31:11329-38. [PMID: 26422264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b02754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mineral deposition within living cells relies on control over the distribution and availability of precursors as well as the location and rates of nucleation and growth. This control is provided in large part by biomolecular chelators, which bind precursors and regulate their availability, and compartmentalization within specialized mineralizing vesicles. Biomimetic mineralization in self-assembled lipid vesicles is an attractive means of studying the mineralization process, but has proven challenging due to vesicle heterogeneity in lamellarity, contents, and size across a population, difficulties encapsulating high and uniform precursor concentrations, and the need to transport reagents across an intact lipid bilayer membrane. Here, we report the use of liposome-stabilized all-aqueous emulsion droplets as simple artificial mineralizing vesicles (AMVs). These biomimetic microreactors allow the entry of precursors while retaining a protein catalyst by equilibrium partitioning between internal and external polymer-rich phases. Small molecule chelators with intermediate binding affinity were employed to control Ca(2+) availability during CaCO3 mineralization, providing protection against liposome aggregation while allowing CaCO3 formation. Mineral deposition was limited to the AMV interior, due to localized production of CO3(2-) by compartmentalized urease. Particle formation was uniform across the entire population of AMVs, with multiple submicrometer amorphous CaCO3 particles produced in each one. The all-aqueous emulsion-based approach to biomimetic giant mineral deposition vesicles introduced here should be adaptable for enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of a wide variety of materials, by varying the metal ion, enzyme, and/or chelator.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Cacace
- Department of Chemistry, and ‡Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Andrew T Rowland
- Department of Chemistry, and ‡Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Joshua J Stapleton
- Department of Chemistry, and ‡Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Daniel C Dewey
- Department of Chemistry, and ‡Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, and ‡Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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26
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Abd El Azim H, Nafee N, Ramadan A, Khalafallah N. Liposomal buccal mucoadhesive film for improved delivery and permeation of water-soluble vitamins. Int J Pharm 2015; 488:78-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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27
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Li W, Ruth D, Gunton JD, Rickman JM. Selective encapsulation by Janus particles. J Chem Phys 2015; 142:244705. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4922781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Donovan Ruth
- Department of Physics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - James D. Gunton
- Department of Physics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Rickman
- Department of Physics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
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28
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Nieth A, Verseux C, Barnert S, Süss R, Römer W. A first step toward liposome-mediated intracellular bacteriophage therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2015; 12:1411-24. [DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2015.1043125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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29
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Mavelli F, Marangoni R, Stano P. A Simple Protein Synthesis Model for the PURE System Operation. Bull Math Biol 2015; 77:1185-212. [PMID: 25911591 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-015-0082-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The encapsulation of transcription-translation (TX-TL) cell-free machinery inside lipid vesicles (liposomes) is a key element in synthetic cell technology. The PURE system is a TX-TL kit composed of well-characterized parts, whose concentrations are fine tunable, which works according to a modular architecture. For these reasons, the PURE system perfectly fulfils the requirements of synthetic biology and is widely used for constructing synthetic cells. In this work, we present a simplified mathematical model to simulate the PURE system operations. Based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics and differential equations, the model describes protein synthesis dynamics by using 9 chemical species, 6 reactions and 16 kinetic parameters. The model correctly predicts the time course for messenger RNA and protein production and allows quantitative predictions. By means of this model, it is possible to foresee how the PURE system species affect the mechanism of proteins synthesis and therefore help in understanding scenarios where the concentration of the PURE system components has been modified purposely or as a result of stochastic fluctuations (for example after random encapsulation inside vesicles). The model also makes the determination of response coefficients for all species involved in the TX-TL mechanism possible and allows for scrutiny on how chemical energy is consumed by the three PURE system modules (transcription, translation and aminoacylation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Mavelli
- Chemistry Department, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, Bari, Italy,
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30
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D'Aguanno E, Altamura E, Mavelli F, Fahr A, Stano P, Luisi PL. Physical Routes to Primitive Cells: An Experimental Model Based on the Spontaneous Entrapment of Enzymes inside Micrometer-Sized Liposomes. Life (Basel) 2015; 5:969-96. [PMID: 25793278 PMCID: PMC4390888 DOI: 10.3390/life5010969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
How did primitive living cells originate? The formation of early cells, which were probably solute-filled vesicles capable of performing a rudimentary metabolism (and possibly self-reproduction), is still one of the big unsolved questions in origin of life. We have recently used lipid vesicles (liposomes) as primitive cell models, aiming at the study of the physical mechanisms for macromolecules encapsulation. We have reported that proteins and ribosomes can be encapsulated very efficiently, against statistical expectations, inside a small number of liposomes. Moreover the transcription-translation mixture, which realistically mimics a sort of minimal metabolic network, can be functionally reconstituted in liposomes owing to a self-concentration mechanism. Here we firstly summarize the recent advancements in this research line, highlighting how these results open a new vista on the phenomena that could have been important for the formation of functional primitive cells. Then, we present new evidences on the non-random entrapment of macromolecules (proteins, dextrans) in phospholipid vesicle, and in particular we show how enzymatic reactions can be accelerated because of the enhancement of their concentration inside liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica D'Aguanno
- Science Department, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy.
- Institut für Pharmazie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lessingstraße 8, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Emiliano Altamura
- Science Department, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy.
- Chemistry Department, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabio Mavelli
- Chemistry Department, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alfred Fahr
- Institut für Pharmazie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Lessingstraße 8, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Science Department, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Pier Luigi Luisi
- Science Department, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy.
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31
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de Souza TP, Fahr A, Luisi PL, Stano P. Spontaneous Encapsulation and Concentration of Biological Macromolecules in Liposomes: An Intriguing Phenomenon and Its Relevance in Origins of Life. J Mol Evol 2014; 79:179-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00239-014-9655-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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32
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Shimobayashi SF, Ichikawa M. Emergence of DNA-encapsulating liposomes from a DNA-lipid blend film. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:10688-94. [PMID: 25133311 DOI: 10.1021/jp506096h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous generation of DNA-enclosing liposomes from a DNA-lipid blend film is investigated. The special properties of the lipid vesicles, namely, micrometer size, unilamellarity, and dense polymer encapsulation acquired by the dehydration-rehydration process, are physicochemically revealed. We found that the formation of giant unilamellar vesicles encapsulating DNAs are governed by micropatterns of the films, such as dots and network patterns. From the results, we proposed a plausible physical mechanism for the dehydration-rehydration process, making it possible to optimize the encapsulation of any agent.
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33
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Dewey DC, Strulson CA, Cacace DN, Bevilacqua PC, Keating CD. Bioreactor droplets from liposome-stabilized all-aqueous emulsions. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4670. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Torre P, Keating CD, Mansy SS. Multiphase water-in-oil emulsion droplets for cell-free transcription-translation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2014; 30:5695-9. [PMID: 24810327 PMCID: PMC4038361 DOI: 10.1021/la404146g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The construction of genetically encoded cellular mimics in compartments containing organized synthetic cytosols is desirable for the development of artificial cells. Phase separated aqueous domains were placed within water-in-oil emulsion droplets in a manner compatible with transcription and translation machinery. Aqueous two-phase and three-phase systems (ATPS and A3PS) were assembled with dextran, poly(ethylene glycol), and Ficoll. Aqueous two-phase systems were capable of supporting the cell-free expression of protein within water droplets, whereas the aqueous three-phase-based system did not give rise to detectable protein synthesis. The expressed protein preferentially partitioned to the dextran-enriched phase. The system could serve as a foundation for building cellular mimics with liquid organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Torre
- CIBIO, University of Trento, via delle Regole, 101, 38123 Mattarello, Italy
| | - Christine D. Keating
- Department
of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Sheref S. Mansy
- CIBIO, University of Trento, via delle Regole, 101, 38123 Mattarello, Italy
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35
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van Hoof B, Markvoort AJ, van Santen RA, Hilbers PAJ. Molecular Simulation of Protein Encapsulation in Vesicle Formation. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:3346-54. [DOI: 10.1021/jp410612k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bram van Hoof
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Institute for Complex
Molecular
Systems, and §Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P. O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J. Markvoort
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Institute for Complex
Molecular
Systems, and §Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P. O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger A. van Santen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Institute for Complex
Molecular
Systems, and §Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P. O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A. J. Hilbers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, ‡Institute for Complex
Molecular
Systems, and §Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P. O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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36
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Weinberger A, Tsai FC, Koenderink GH, Schmidt TF, Itri R, Meier W, Schmatko T, Schröder A, Marques C. Gel-assisted formation of giant unilamellar vesicles. Biophys J 2014; 105:154-64. [PMID: 23823234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles or GUVs are systems of choice as biomimetic models of cellular membranes. Although a variety of procedures exist for making single walled vesicles of tens of microns in size, the range of lipid compositions that can be used to grow GUVs by the conventional methods is quite limited, and many of the available methods involve energy input that can damage the lipids or other molecules present in the growing solution for embedment in the membrane or in the vesicle interior. Here, we show that a wide variety of lipids or lipid mixtures can grow into GUVs by swelling lipid precursor films on top of a dried polyvinyl alcohol gel surface in a swelling buffer that can contain diverse biorelevant molecules. Moreover, we show that the encapsulation potential of this method can be enhanced by combining polyvinyl alcohol-mediated growth with inverse-phase methods, which allow (bio)molecule complexation with the lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Weinberger
- Institut Charles Sadron (UPR22-CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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37
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Shimizu T, Mori T, Tomita M, Tsumoto K. pH switching that crosses over the isoelectric point (pI) can improve the entrapment of proteins within giant liposomes by enhancing protein-membrane interaction. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2014; 30:554-563. [PMID: 24359529 DOI: 10.1021/la403361j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The ability to encapsulate various molecules including proteins within giant liposomes is needed for studies on model cell membranes and artificial cells. In this report, we demonstrate how to improve the efficiency of protein entrapment with the gentle hydration (natural swelling) method, which is a well-known protocol for the preparation of giant liposomes. We found that when the initial pH of a solution was kept below the pI of a target protein during hydration and then changed to above the pI, the protein could be entrapped more efficiently compared to the sample that was kept at above the pI during the hydration. An examination of the ratio of the mass of entrapped protein to the moles of phospholipid in liposomes (dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC)/dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG)) indicated that entrapment of target proteins like bovine serum albumin, myoglobin, and lysozyme could be improved using this procedure, and this trend was consistent with microscopic observations at the level of a single giant liposome. The conditions that resulted in good efficiencies were affected by the NaCl concentration and the temperature of the hydration solution, implying that protein entrapment in giant liposomes may be enhanced by associative interaction between lipid lamellar membranes and target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Shimizu
- Division of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University , Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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38
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Ghang YJ, Schramm MP, Zhang F, Acey RA, David CN, Wilson EH, Wang Y, Cheng Q, Hooley RJ. Selective cavitand-mediated endocytosis of targeted imaging agents into live cells. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:7090-3. [PMID: 23621383 DOI: 10.1021/ja401273g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A water-soluble synthetic receptor molecule is capable of selective, controlled endocytosis of a specifically tagged target molecule in different types of living human cells. The presence of suitable choline-derived binding handles is essential for the molecular recognition and transport process, allowing selective guest transport and imaging of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Ghang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
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39
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Nourian Z, Danelon C. Linking genotype and phenotype in protein synthesizing liposomes with external supply of resources. ACS Synth Biol 2013; 2:186-93. [PMID: 23656477 DOI: 10.1021/sb300125z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reconstituting an elementary gene expression system inside self-assembled lipid vesicles to mimic the cellular synthesis machinery is at the core of the development of a minimal cell following a bottom-up synthetic biology approach. The ability to operate the expression of multiple genes in a controlled manner and to generate the output proteins with predictable dynamics in liposomes relies on the link between genotype and phenotype. Here, we established this link in surface-tethered liposomes producing proteins from a linear DNA template using a reconstituted transcription/translation/aminoacylation apparatus fuelled by external supply of feedstock. The amounts of entrapped DNA molecules and synthesized proteins were visualized by fluorescence confocal microscopy in individual vesicles. We showed that there exists no linear correlation between the amount of encapsulated genes and the level of output proteins, which is a consequence of the compositional heterogeneity between liposomes due to the low-copy number of some constituents, as well as interfacing differences with the nutrient-containing environment. In order to decouple gene activity from those sources of variability and, thus, infer the probabilistic occupancy of transcriptionally active genes in protein synthesizing liposomes, we developed a dual gene expression assay consisting of the production of two fluorescent reporter proteins of distinguishable colors from two different DNA templates. The stochastic color-coding of the vesicles was analyzed and compared to the color pattern expected from a Poisson distribution of encapsulated genes. Unexpectedly, we found that the apparent number of transcriptionally active DNA molecules in liposomes corresponds only to ca. 10% of the bulk concentration. We believe that our study provides new insights about the relationship between the genotype and phenotype in protein synthesizing liposomes, which is of primary importance toward the construction of a programmable artificial cell implemented with regulatory gene networks of predictable dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Nourian
- Department of Bionanoscience,
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Christophe Danelon
- Department of Bionanoscience,
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ, Delft, The Netherlands
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40
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Boreyko JB, Mruetusatorn P, Retterer ST, Collier CP. Aqueous two-phase microdroplets with reversible phase transitions. LAB ON A CHIP 2013; 13:1295-301. [PMID: 23381219 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc41122b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous two-phase systems contained within microdroplets enable a bottom-up approach to mimicking the dynamic microcompartmentation of biomaterial that naturally occurs within the cytoplasm of cells. Here, we demonstrate the generation of femtolitre aqueous two-phase droplets within a microfluidic oil channel. Gated pressure pulses were used to generate individual, stationary two-phase microdroplets with a well-defined time zero for carrying out controlled and sequential phase transformations over time. Reversible phase transitions between single-phase, two-phase, and core-shell microbead states were obtained via evaporation-induced dehydration and water rehydration. In contrast to other microfluidic aqueous two-phase droplets, which require continuous flows and high-frequency droplet formation, our system enables the controlled isolation and reversible transformation of a single microdroplet and is expected to be useful for future studies in dynamic microcompartmentation and affinity partitioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Boreyko
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6493, USA
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41
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Natsume Y, Toyota T. Giant Vesicles Containing Microspheres with High Volume Fraction Prepared by Water-in-oil Emulsion Centrifugation. CHEM LETT 2013. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.2013.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuno Natsume
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Taro Toyota
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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42
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Nuss H, Chevallard C, Guenoun P, Malloggi F. Microfluidic trap-and-release system for lab-on-a-chip-based studies on giant vesicles. LAB ON A CHIP 2012; 12:5257-61. [PMID: 23124583 DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40782e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We present a microfluidic array that allows lab-on-a-chip-based studies on hundreds of giant vesicles through immobilization, engineering and release of the vesicles. Real-time observations of the vesicular response are reported. This trap-and-release system is also used to efficiently narrow the size distribution of the vesicle population. In addition, it can be applied to a wide range of deformable objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Nuss
- LIONS, IRAMIS/SIS2M UMR3299 CEA/CNRS, CEA Saclay, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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43
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Keating CD. Aqueous phase separation as a possible route to compartmentalization of biological molecules. Acc Chem Res 2012; 45:2114-24. [PMID: 22330132 PMCID: PMC3525015 DOI: 10.1021/ar200294y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
How could the incredible complexity of modern cells evolve from something simple enough to have appeared in a primordial soup? This enduring question has sparked the interest of researchers since Darwin first considered his theory of natural selection. Organic molecules, even potentially functional molecules including peptides and nucleotides, can be produced abiotically. Amphiphiles such as surfactants and lipids display remarkable self-assembly processes including the spontaneous formation of vesicles resembling the membranes of living cells. Nonetheless, numerous questions remain. Given the presumably dilute concentrations of macromolecules in the prebiotic pools where the earliest cells are thought to have appeared, how could the necessary components become concentrated and encapsulated within a semipermeable membrane? What would drive the further structural complexity that is a hallmark of modern living systems? The interior of modern cells is subdivided into microcompartments such as the nucleoid of bacteria or the organelles of eukaryotic cells. Even within what at first appears to be a single compartment, for example, the cytoplasm or nucleus, chemical composition is often nonuniform, containing gradients, macromolecular assemblies, and/or liquid droplets. What might the internal structure of intermediate evolutionary forms have looked like? The nonideal aqueous solution chemistry of macromolecules offers an attractive possible answer to these questions. Aqueous polymer solutions will form multiple coexisting thermodynamic phases under a variety of readily accessible conditions. In this Account, we describe aqueous phase separation as a model system for biological compartmentalization in both early and modern cells, with an emphasis on systems that have been encapsulated within a lipid bilayer. We begin with an introduction to aqueous phase separation and discuss how this phenomenon can lead to microcompartmentalization and could facilitate biopolymer encapsulation by partitioning of solutes between the phases. We then describe primitive model cells based on phase separation inside lipid vesicles, which mimic several basic properties of biological cells: microcompartmentation, protein relocalization in response to stimulus, loss of symmetry, and asymmetric vesicle division. We observe these seemingly complex phenomena in the absence of genetic molecules, enzymes, or cellular machinery, and as a result these processes could provide clues to possible intermediates in the early evolution of cell-like assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
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44
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Abstract
Eukaryotic life contains hierarchical vesicular architectures (i.e. organelles) that are crucial for material production and trafficking, information storage and access, as well as energy production. In order to perform specific tasks, these compartments differ among each other in their membrane composition and their internal cargo and also differ from the cell membrane and the cytosol. Man-made structures that reproduce this nested architecture not only offer a deeper understanding of the functionalities and evolution of organelle-bearing eukaryotic life but also allow the engineering of novel biomimetic technologies. Here, we show the newly developed vesicle-in-water-in-oil emulsion transfer preparation technique to result in giant unilamellar vesicles internally compartmentalized by unilamellar vesicles of different membrane composition and internal cargo, i.e. hierarchical unilamellar vesicles of controlled compositional heterogeneity. The compartmentalized giant unilamellar vesicles were subsequently isolated by a separation step exploiting the heterogeneity of the membrane composition and the encapsulated cargo. Due to the controlled, efficient, and technically straightforward character of the new preparation technique, this study allows the hierarchical fabrication of compartmentalized giant unilamellar vesicles of controlled compositional heterogeneity and will ease the development of eukaryotic cell mimics that resemble their natural templates as well as the fabrication of novel multi-agent drug delivery systems for combination therapies and complex artificial microreactors.
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45
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Kuroiwa T, Fujita R, Kobayashi I, Uemura K, Nakajima M, Sato S, Walde P, Ichikawa S. Efficient Preparation of Giant Vesicles as Biomimetic Compartment Systems with High Entrapment Yields for Biomacromolecules. Chem Biodivers 2012; 9:2453-72. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201200274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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46
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Damiani C, Filisetti A, Graudenzi A, Lecca P. Parameter sensitivity analysis of stochastic models: application to catalytic reaction networks. Comput Biol Chem 2012; 42:5-17. [PMID: 23246776 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A general numerical methodology for parametric sensitivity analysis is proposed, which allows to determine the parameters exerting the greatest influence on the output of a stochastic computational model, especially when the knowledge about the actual value of a parameter is insufficient. An application of the procedure is performed on a model of protocell, in order to detect the kinetic rates mainly affecting the capability of a catalytic reaction network enclosed in a semi-permeable membrane to retain material from its environment and to generate a variety of molecular species within its boundaries. It is shown that the former capability is scarcely sensitive to variations in the model parameters, whereas a kinetic rate responsible for profound modifications of the latter can be identified and it depends on the specific reaction network. A faster uptaking of limited resources from the environment may have represented a significant advantage from an evolutionary point of view and this result is a first indication in order to decipher which kind of structures are more suitable to achieve a viable evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Damiani
- COSBI The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology, Piazza Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto (TN), Italy.
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47
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de Souza TP, Stano P, Steiniger F, D'Aguanno E, Altamura E, Fahr A, Luisi PL. Encapsulation of ferritin, ribosomes, and ribo-peptidic complexes inside liposomes: insights into the origin of metabolism. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2012; 42:421-8. [PMID: 23080007 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-012-9303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Here we summarize the main results of our latest investigation on the spontaneous encapsulation of proteins (ferritin) and ribosomes inside lipid vesicles. We show that when vesicles form in a solution containing some macromolecules (even at low concentration), in contrast to the expectations, a few but measurable number of vesicles is able to capture a very high number of solutes, up to 60 times the external concentration. We also show preliminary evidences on the encapsulation of additional solutes (ribo-peptidic complexes, fluorescent proteins and enzymes), and shortly present our current approach aimed at exploiting this phenomenon. In particular, we would like to reveal how the formation of compartments can trigger effective intra-vesicle reactions starting from diluted solutions. Although the mechanistic details for this phenomenon are still missing, we claim that these new evidences are highly relevant for the origin of the first functional cells in primitive times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Pereira de Souza
- Institut für Pharmazie, Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
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48
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Tsai FC, Stuhrmann B, Koenderink GH. Encapsulation of active cytoskeletal protein networks in cell-sized liposomes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2011; 27:10061-10071. [PMID: 21707043 DOI: 10.1021/la201604z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate that cytoskeletal actin-myosin networks can be encapsulated with high efficiency in giant liposomes by hydration of lipids in an agarose hydrogel. The liposomes have cell-sized diameters of 10-20 μm and a uniform actin content. We show by measurements of membrane fluorescence intensity and bending rigidity that the majority of liposomes are unilamellar. We further demonstrate that the actin network can be specifically anchored to the membrane by biotin-streptavidin linkages. These protein-filled liposomes are useful model systems for quantitative studies of the physical mechanisms by which the cytoskeleton actively controls cell shape and mechanics. In a broader context, this new preparation method should be widely applicable to encapsulation of proteins and polymers, for instance, to create polymer-reinforced liposomes for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ching Tsai
- Biological Soft Matter Group, FOM Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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49
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Pereira de Souza T, Steiniger F, Stano P, Fahr A, Luisi PL. Spontaneous crowding of ribosomes and proteins inside vesicles: a possible mechanism for the origin of cell metabolism. Chembiochem 2011; 12:2325-30. [PMID: 21830290 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
One of the open questions in the origin of life is the spontaneous formation of primitive cell-like compartments from free molecules in solution and membranes. "Metabolism-first" and "replicator-first" theories claim that early catalytic cycles first evolved in solution, and became encapsulated inside lipid vesicles later on. "Compartment-first" theories suggest that metabolism progressively occurred inside compartments. Both views have some weaknesses: the low probability of co-entrapment of several compounds inside the same compartment, and the need to control nutrient uptake and waste release, respectively. By using lipid vesicles as early-cell models, we show that ribosomes, proteins and lipids spontaneously self-organise into cell-like compartments to achieve high internal concentrations, even when starting from dilute solutions. These findings suggest that the assembly of cell-like compartments, despite its low probability of occurrence, is indeed a physically realistic process. The spontaneous achievement of high local concentration might provide a rational account for the origin of primitive cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Pereira de Souza
- Institut für Pharmazie, Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, Lessingstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
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50
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Andes-Koback M, Keating CD. Complete budding and asymmetric division of primitive model cells to produce daughter vesicles with different interior and membrane compositions. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 133:9545-55. [PMID: 21591721 PMCID: PMC3115689 DOI: 10.1021/ja202406v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetric cell division is common in biology and plays critical roles in differentiation and development. Unicellular organisms are often used as model systems for understanding the origins and consequences of asymmetry during cell division. Although basic as compared to mammalian cells, these are already quite complex. We report complete budding and asymmetric fission of very simple nonliving model cells to produce daughter vesicles that are chemically distinct in both interior and membrane compositions. Our model cells are based on giant lipid vesicles (GVs, 10-30 μm) encapsulating a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/dextran aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) as a crowded and compartmentalized cytoplasm mimic. Ternary lipid compositions were used to provide coexisting micrometer-scale liquid disordered (L(d)) and liquid ordered (L(o)) domains in the membranes. ATPS-containing vesicles formed buds when sucrose was added externally to provide increased osmotic pressure, such that they became not only morphologically asymmetric but also asymmetric in both their interior and their membrane compositions. Further increases in osmolality drove formation of two chemically distinct daughter vesicles, which were in some cases connected by a lipid nanotube (complete budding), and in others were not (fission). In all cases, separation occurred at the aqueous-aqueous phase boundary, such that one daughter vesicle contained the PEG-rich aqueous phase and the other contained the dextran-rich aqueous phase. PEGylated lipids localized in the L(o) domain resulted in this membrane domain preferentially coating the PEG-rich bud prior to division, and subsequently the PEG-rich daughter vesicle. Varying the mole ratio of lipids resulted in excess surface area of L(o) or L(d) membrane domains such that, upon division, this excess portion was inherited by one of the daughter vesicles. In some cases, a second "generation" of aqueous phase separation and budding could be induced in these daughter vesicles. Asymmetric fission of a simple self-assembled model cell, with production of daughter vesicles that harbored different protein concentrations and lipid compositions, is an example of the seemingly complex behavior possible for simple molecular assemblies. These compartmentalized and asymmetrically dividing ATPS-containing GVs could serve as a test bed for investigating possible roles for spatial and organizational cues in asymmetric cell division and inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Andes-Koback
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Christine D. Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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