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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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2
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Zhang Z, Feng Z, Zhao X, Jean D, Yu Z, Chapman ER. Functionalization and higher-order organization of liposomes with DNA nanostructures. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5256. [PMID: 37644062 PMCID: PMC10465589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) are indispensable model membranes, organelle mimics, and drug and vaccine carriers. However, the lack of robust techniques to functionalize or organize preformed SUVs limits their applications. Here we use DNA nanostructures to coat, cluster, and pattern sub-100-nm liposomes, generating distance-controlled vesicle networks, strings and dimers, among other configurations. The DNA coating also enables attachment of proteins to liposomes, and temporal control of membrane fusion driven by SNARE protein complexes. Such a convenient and versatile method of engineering premade vesicles both structurally and functionally is highly relevant to bottom-up biology and targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Zhaomeng Feng
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CryoEM Shared Resource, Janelia Research Campus, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Dominique Jean
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CryoEM Shared Resource, Janelia Research Campus, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Zhiheng Yu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, CryoEM Shared Resource, Janelia Research Campus, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Edwin R Chapman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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3
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Caliari A, Hanczyc MM, Imai M, Xu J, Yomo T. Quantification of Giant Unilamellar Vesicle Fusion Products by High-Throughput Image Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098241. [PMID: 37175944 PMCID: PMC10179211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial cells are based on dynamic compartmentalized systems. Thus, remodeling of membrane-bound systems, such as giant unilamellar vesicles, is finding applications beyond biological studies, to engineer cell-mimicking structures. Giant unilamellar vesicle fusion is rapidly becoming an essential experimental step as artificial cells gain prominence in synthetic biology. Several techniques have been developed to accomplish this step, with varying efficiency and selectivity. To date, characterization of vesicle fusion has relied on small samples of giant vesicles, examined either manually or by fluorometric assays on suspensions of small and large unilamellar vesicles. Automation of the detection and characterization of fusion products is now necessary for the screening and optimization of these fusion protocols. To this end, we implemented a fusion assay based on fluorophore colocalization on the membranes and in the lumen of vesicles. Fluorescence colocalization was evaluated within single compartments by image segmentation with minimal user input, allowing the application of the technique to high-throughput screenings. After detection, statistical information on vesicle fluorescence and morphological properties can be summarized and visualized, assessing lipid and content transfer for each object by the correlation coefficient of different fluorescence channels. Using this tool, we report and characterize the unexpected fusogenic activity of sodium chloride on phosphatidylcholine giant vesicles. Lipid transfer in most of the vesicles could be detected after 20 h of incubation, while content exchange only occurred with additional stimuli in around 8% of vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Caliari
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Laboratory for Artificial Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico Fabio Ferrari, Polo B, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Martin M Hanczyc
- Laboratory for Artificial Biology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico Fabio Ferrari, Polo B, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Masayuki Imai
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki, Aoba, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Jian Xu
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
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4
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Wang D, Yang Y, Chen F, Lyu Y, Tan W. Network topology-directed design of molecular CPU for cell-like dynamic information processing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq0917. [PMID: 35947658 PMCID: PMC9365278 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq0917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural cells (NCs) can automatically and continuously respond to fluctuant external information and distinguish meaningful stimuli from weak noise depending on their powerful genetic and protein networks. We herein report a network topology-directed design of dynamic molecular processing system (DMPS) as a molecular central processing unit that powers an artificial cell (AC) able to process fluctuant information in its immediate environment similar to NCs. By constructing a mixed cell community, ACs and NCs have synchronous response to fluctuant extracellular stimuli under physiological condition and in a blood vessel-mimic circulation system. We also show that fluctuant bioinformation released by NCs can be received and processed by ACs. The molecular design of DMPS-powered AC is expected to allow a profound understanding of biological systems, advance the construction of intelligent molecular systems, and promote more elegant bioengineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yani Yang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Fengming Chen
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yifan Lyu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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5
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Yang X, Liang X, Nandi R, Tian Y, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhou J, Dong Y, Liu D, Zhong Z, Yang Z. DNA-Modified Liquid Crystal Droplets. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:275. [PMID: 35624576 PMCID: PMC9138460 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we have combined the advantages of sequence programmability of DNA nanotechnology and optical birefringence of liquid crystals (LCs). Herein, DNA amphiphiles were adsorbed onto LC droplets. A unique phenomenon of LC droplet aggregation was demonstrated, using DNA-modified LC droplets, through complementary DNA hybridization. Further functionalization of DNA-modified LC droplets with a desired DNA sequence was used to detect a wide range of chemicals and biomolecules, such as Hg2+, thrombin, and enzymes, through LC droplet aggregation and vice versa, which can be seen through the naked eye. These DNA-modified LC droplets can be printed onto a desired patterned surface with temperature-induced responsiveness and reversibility. Overall, our work is the first to report DNA-modified LC droplet, which provides a general detection platform based on the development of DNA aptamers. Additionally, this work inspires the exploration of surface information visualization combined with microcontact printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Xiao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Rajib Nandi
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Yi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Yiyang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Jingsheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Yuanchen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
| | - Zhengwei Zhong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hebei Petroleum University of Technology, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Zhongqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (X.Y.); (X.L.); (R.N.); (Y.T.); (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (J.Z.); (Y.D.); (D.L.)
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6
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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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7
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Löffler PMG, Rabe A, Vogel S. Lipid-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids: Synthesis and Application to Programmable Liposome Fusion. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2105:75-96. [PMID: 32088865 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0243-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) can be modified with aliphatic lipid chains and designed to be water soluble and able to spontaneously insert into phospholipid bilayers. Liposomes with 1.5% negatively charged POPG can be driven to fuse and mix their inner content volumes via functionalization with such lipidated peptide nucleic acids (LiPNAs). During fusion, only low amounts of leakage occur (<5%). We describe here the synthesis and purification of such LiPNAs using an automated peptide synthesizer and the preparation of LiPNA functionalized liposomes. Further, we describe the measurement of LiPNA-induced fusion using a fluorescence-based assay for the content mixing between a liposome population with an encapsulated self-quenching fluorescent dye (SRB) and a buffer-filled liposome population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M G Löffler
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Alexander Rabe
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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8
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Toparlak ÖD, Zasso J, Bridi S, Serra MD, Macchi P, Conti L, Baudet ML, Mansy SS. Artificial cells drive neural differentiation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb4920. [PMID: 32948587 PMCID: PMC7500934 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb4920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the construction of artificial cells that chemically communicate with mammalian cells under physiological conditions. The artificial cells respond to the presence of a small molecule in the environment by synthesizing and releasing a potent protein signal, brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Genetically controlled artificial cells communicate with engineered human embryonic kidney cells and murine neural stem cells. The data suggest that artificial cells are a versatile chassis for the in situ synthesis and on-demand release of chemical signals that elicit desired phenotypic changes of eukaryotic cells, including neuronal differentiation. In the future, artificial cells could be engineered to go beyond the capabilities of typical smart drug delivery vehicles by synthesizing and delivering specific therapeutic molecules tailored to distinct physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ö Duhan Toparlak
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zasso
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Simone Bridi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Mauro Dalla Serra
- National Research Council-Institute of Biophysics & Bruno Kessler Foundation, via alla Cascata 56/C, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Paolo Macchi
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Marie-Laure Baudet
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Sheref S Mansy
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
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9
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Hossein A, Deserno M. Spontaneous Curvature, Differential Stress, and Bending Modulus of Asymmetric Lipid Membranes. Biophys J 2019; 118:624-642. [PMID: 31954503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.11.3398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid bilayers can exhibit asymmetric states, in which the physical characteristics of one leaflet differ from those of the other. This most visibly manifests in a different lipid composition, but it can also involve opposing lateral stresses in each leaflet that combine to an overall vanishing membrane tension. Here, we use theoretical modeling and coarse-grained simulation to explore the interplay between a compositional asymmetry and a nonvanishing differential stress. Minimizing the total elastic energy leads to a preferred spontaneous curvature that balances torques due to both bending moments and differential stress, with sometimes unexpected consequences. For instance, asymmetric flat bilayers, whose specific areas in each leaflet are matched to those of corresponding tensionless symmetric flat membranes, still exhibit a residual differential stress because the conditions of vanishing area strain and vanishing bending moment differ. We also measure the curvature rigidity of asymmetric bilayers and find that a sufficiently strong differential stress, but not compositional asymmetry alone, can increase the bending modulus. The likely cause is a stiffening of the compressed leaflet, which appears to be related to its gel transition but not identical with it. We finally show that the impact of cholesterol on differential stress depends on the relative strength of elastic and thermodynamic driving forces: if cholesterol solvates equally well in both leaflets, it will redistribute to cancel both leaflet tensions almost completely, but if its partitioning free energy prefers one leaflet over the other, the resulting distribution bias may even create differential stress. Because cells keep most of their lipid bilayers in an asymmetric nonequilibrium steady state, our findings suggest that biomembranes are elastically more complex than previously thought: besides a spontaneous curvature, they might also exhibit significant differential stress, which could strongly affect their curvature energetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Hossein
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Markus Deserno
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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10
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Xu Z, Zhu G, Chen P, Dai X, Yan LT. Optimal ligand-receptor binding for highly efficient capture of vesicles in nanofluidic transportation. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:22305-22315. [PMID: 31746900 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07337j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Optimizing ligand-receptor binding is essential for exploiting advanced biomedical applications from targeting drug delivery to biosensing. A key challenge is how optimized ligand-receptor binding can be realized during the transport of ligand-modified soft materials through a nanofluidic channel. Here, by combining computer simulations and theoretical analysis, we report that the ligand-receptor binding and resulting capture probability of ligand-functionalized vesicles nonmonotonically depend on their some intrinsic properties, e.g., chain stiffness and vesicle rigidity, during their transport through a nanochannel with imposed Poiseuille flow. Particularly, we find that the systems with semiflexible ligand and receptor chains possess the optimal ligand-receptor binding and capture probability. An analytical model of the blob theory is developed to capture the simulation results quantitatively, leading to a mechanistic interpretation of the optimal vesicle capture based on the conformational-entropy effect. Examination of the detailed dynamics reveals the active rearrangement of ligand-receptor binding during the transport process. Furthermore, the hairy vesicle with moderate rigidity is found to display an enhanced capture probability superior to that of both its soft and hard counterparts, which is rationalized by the faster and more periodic tumbling motion of the semi-rigid vesicle. Our findings highlight that precise control of the intrinsic properties of ligands and receptors as well as the vesicle rigidity can be a versatile strategy in optimizing the ligand-receptor binding in nanofluidic transportation towards advantageous biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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11
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Löffler PMG, Ries O, Vogel S. DNA-Mediated Liposome Fusion Observed by Fluorescence Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2063:101-118. [PMID: 31667766 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0138-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA-programmed and controlled fusion of lipid membranes have recently been optimized to reliably mix the contents between two populations of liposomes, each functionalized with complementary lipidated DNA (LiNA) oligomer. In this chapter we describe a procedure for DNA-controlled fusion of liposomes mediated by LiNAs that are designed to force bilayers into close proximity. Using a self-quenching fluorescent dye (Sulforhodamine B) to monitor both the mixing of the internal volumes and leakage of the dye into the outer volume we measure the efficiency of content mixing in the bulk population, allowing for direct comparison between different LiNA designs. By generating samples for calibration corresponding to different amounts of content mixing, the average number of fusion events per labeled liposome can be estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M G Löffler
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Oliver Ries
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.
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12
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Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Programmable interactions with biomimetic DNA linkers at fluid membranes and interfaces. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2019; 82:116601. [PMID: 31370052 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ab37ca] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
At the heart of the structured architecture and complex dynamics of biological systems are specific and timely interactions operated by biomolecules. In many instances, biomolecular agents are spatially confined to flexible lipid membranes where, among other functions, they control cell adhesion, motility and tissue formation. Besides being central to several biological processes, multivalent interactions mediated by reactive linkers confined to deformable substrates underpin the design of synthetic-biological platforms and advanced biomimetic materials. Here we review recent advances on the experimental study and theoretical modelling of a heterogeneous class of biomimetic systems in which synthetic linkers mediate multivalent interactions between fluid and deformable colloidal units, including lipid vesicles and emulsion droplets. Linkers are often prepared from synthetic DNA nanostructures, enabling full programmability of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of their mutual interactions. The coupling of the statistical effects of multivalent interactions with substrate fluidity and deformability gives rise to a rich emerging phenomenology that, in the context of self-assembled soft materials, has been shown to produce exotic phase behaviour, stimuli-responsiveness, and kinetic programmability of the self-assembly process. Applications to (synthetic) biology will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd. du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Lanfranco R, Jana PK, Tunesi L, Cicuta P, Mognetti BM, Di Michele L, Bruylants G. Kinetics of Nanoparticle-Membrane Adhesion Mediated by Multivalent Interactions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:2002-2012. [PMID: 30636419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Multivalent adhesive interactions mediated by a large number of ligands and receptors underpin many biological processes, including cell adhesion and the uptake of particles, viruses, parasites, and nanomedical vectors. In materials science, multivalent interactions between colloidal particles have enabled unprecedented control over the phase behavior of self-assembled materials. Theoretical and experimental studies have pinpointed the relationship between equilibrium states and microscopic system parameters such as the ligand-receptor binding strength and their density. In regimes of strong interactions, however, kinetic factors are expected to slow down equilibration and lead to the emergence of long-lived out-of-equilibrium states that may significantly influence the outcome of self-assembly experiments and the adhesion of particles to biological membranes. Here we experimentally investigate the kinetics of adhesion of nanoparticles to biomimetic lipid membranes. Multivalent interactions are reproduced by strongly interacting DNA constructs, playing the role of both ligands and receptors. The rate of nanoparticle adhesion is investigated as a function of the surface density of membrane-anchored receptors and the bulk concentration of nanoparticles and is observed to decrease substantially in regimes where the number of available receptors is limited compared to the overall number of ligands. We attribute such peculiar behavior to the rapid sequestration of available receptors after initial nanoparticle adsorption. The experimental trends and the proposed interpretation are supported by numerical simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lanfranco
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems , 50 av. F.D. Roosevelt , 1050 Brussels , Belgium
| | - Pritam Kumar Jana
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Campus Plaine , CP 231, Blvd. du Triomphe , B-1050 Brussels , Belgium
| | - Lucia Tunesi
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
| | - Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Campus Plaine , CP 231, Blvd. du Triomphe , B-1050 Brussels , Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
| | - Gilles Bruylants
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems , 50 av. F.D. Roosevelt , 1050 Brussels , Belgium
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14
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Rampioni G, D'Angelo F, Leoni L, Stano P. Gene-Expressing Liposomes as Synthetic Cells for Molecular Communication Studies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:1. [PMID: 30705882 PMCID: PMC6344414 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up branch of synthetic biology includes-among others-innovative studies that combine cell-free protein synthesis with liposome technology to generate cell-like systems of minimal complexity, often referred to as synthetic cells. The functions of this type of synthetic cell derive from gene expression, hence they can be programmed in a modular, progressive and customizable manner by means of ad hoc designed genetic circuits. This experimental scenario is rapidly expanding and synthetic cell research already counts numerous successes. Here, we present a review focused on the exchange of chemical signals between liposome-based synthetic cells (operating by gene expression) and biological cells, as well as between two populations of synthetic cells. The review includes a short presentation of the "molecular communication technologies," briefly discussing their promises and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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15
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Stano P. Is Research on "Synthetic Cells" Moving to the Next Level? Life (Basel) 2018; 9:E3. [PMID: 30587790 PMCID: PMC6463193 DOI: 10.3390/life9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
"Synthetic cells" research focuses on the construction of cell-like models by using solute-filled artificial microcompartments with a biomimetic structure. In recent years this bottom-up synthetic biology area has considerably progressed, and the field is currently experiencing a rapid expansion. Here we summarize some technical and theoretical aspects of synthetic cells based on gene expression and other enzymatic reactions inside liposomes, and comment on the most recent trends. Such a tour will be an occasion for asking whether times are ripe for a sort of qualitative jump toward novel SC prototypes: is research on "synthetic cells" moving to a next level?
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento; Ecotekne-S.P. Lecce-Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy.
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16
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Volpe Bossa G, Souza TPD, May S. Adhesion of like-charged lipid vesicles induced by rod-like counterions. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:3935-3944. [PMID: 29736542 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00559a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion of electrically charged lipid vesicles and subsequent formation of multi-vesicle aggregates can be induced by multivalent rod-like counterions. Motivated by recent experimental observations we calculate the equilibrium conformation of two identical vesicles that adhere onto each other. The degree of adhesion reflects the competition between predominantly electrostatic attraction and vesicle bending. Our model assumes the enclosed vesicle volume is allowed to freely adjust and the area of the vesicle membrane is fixed and remains constant. We describe the electrostatic attraction, which arises from the bridging of the rod-like counterions between the two like-charged vesicles, using a recently developed mean-field theory. Bending fluctuation-induced entropic repulsion, depletion forces between the apposed vesicle membranes induced by the rod-like counterions, and van der Waals attraction between the vesicles are estimated to induce only minor shifts in the equilibrium vesicle conformation. Our model predicts the dependence of vesicle adhesion (including its onset) exclusively from material or molecular parameters such as vesicle size and charge, bending stiffness of the membrane, effective length and net charge of the added rod-like counterions, as well as concentrations of rod-like counterions and additional salt content. We demonstrate that the demixing of charged lipids between the adhesion region and the uncomplexed parts of the vesicles has only a minor influence on the degree of adhesion. Our predictions are in qualitative agreement with recent experimental findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Volpe Bossa
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo North Dakota 58108-6050, USA.
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17
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Booth MJ, Restrepo Schild V, Downs FG, Bayley H. Functional aqueous droplet networks. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:1658-1691. [PMID: 28766622 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00192d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs), comprising individual lipid bilayers between pairs of aqueous droplets in an oil, are proving to be a useful tool for studying membrane proteins. Recently, attention has turned to the elaboration of networks of aqueous droplets, connected through functionalized interface bilayers, with collective properties unachievable in droplet pairs. Small 2D collections of droplets have been formed into soft biodevices, which can act as electronic components, light-sensors and batteries. A substantial breakthrough has been the development of a droplet printer, which can create patterned 3D droplet networks of hundreds to thousands of connected droplets. The 3D networks can change shape, or carry electrical signals through defined pathways, or express proteins in response to patterned illumination. We envisage using functional 3D droplet networks as autonomous synthetic tissues or coupling them with cells to repair or enhance the properties of living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Booth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
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18
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Easy and Fast Preparation of Large and Giant Vesicles from Highly Confined Thin Lipid Films Deposited at the Air–Water Interface. BIONANOSCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-017-0464-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Trantidou T, Friddin M, Elani Y, Brooks NJ, Law RV, Seddon JM, Ces O. Engineering Compartmentalized Biomimetic Micro- and Nanocontainers. ACS NANO 2017; 11:6549-6565. [PMID: 28658575 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b03245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Compartmentalization of biological content and function is a key architectural feature in biology, where membrane bound micro- and nanocompartments are used for performing a host of highly specialized and tightly regulated biological functions. The benefit of compartmentalization as a design principle is behind its ubiquity in cells and has led to it being a central engineering theme in construction of artificial cell-like systems. In this review, we discuss the attractions of designing compartmentalized membrane-bound constructs and review a range of biomimetic membrane architectures that span length scales, focusing on lipid-based structures but also addressing polymer-based and hybrid approaches. These include nested vesicles, multicompartment vesicles, large-scale vesicle networks, as well as droplet interface bilayers, and double-emulsion multiphase systems (multisomes). We outline key examples of how such structures have been functionalized with biological and synthetic machinery, for example, to manufacture and deliver drugs and metabolic compounds, to replicate intracellular signaling cascades, and to demonstrate collective behaviors as minimal tissue constructs. Particular emphasis is placed on the applications of these architectures and the state-of-the-art microfluidic engineering required to fabricate, functionalize, and precisely assemble them. Finally, we outline the future directions of these technologies and highlight how they could be applied to engineer the next generation of cell models, therapeutic agents, and microreactors, together with the diverse applications in the emerging field of bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Trantidou
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Friddin
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Brooks
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert V Law
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - John M Seddon
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London , Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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20
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Meng HM, Liu H, Kuai H, Peng R, Mo L, Zhang XB. Aptamer-integrated DNA nanostructures for biosensing, bioimaging and cancer therapy. Chem Soc Rev 2017; 45:2583-602. [PMID: 26954935 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00645g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 424] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The combination of nanostructures with biomolecules leading to the generation of functional nanosystems holds great promise for biotechnological and biomedical applications. As a naturally occurring biomacromolecule, DNA exhibits excellent biocompatibility and programmability. Also, scalable synthesis can be readily realized through automated instruments. Such unique properties, together with Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions, make DNA a particularly promising candidate to be used as a building block material for a wide variety of nanostructures. In the past few decades, various DNA nanostructures have been developed, including one-, two- and three-dimensional nanomaterials. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules selected by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), with specific recognition abilities to their targets. Therefore, integrating aptamers into DNA nanostructures results in powerful tools for biosensing and bioimaging applications. Furthermore, owing to their high loading capability, aptamer-modified DNA nanostructures have also been altered to play the role of drug nanocarriers for in vivo applications and targeted cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the design of aptamers and related DNA molecule-integrated DNA nanostructures as well as their applications in biosensing, bioimaging and cancer therapy. To begin with, we first introduce the SELEX technology. Subsequently, the methodologies for the preparation of aptamer-integrated DNA nanostructures are presented. Then, we highlight their applications in biosensing and bioimaging for various targets, as well as targeted cancer therapy applications. Finally, we discuss several challenges and further opportunities in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Min Meng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China. and Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Hailan Kuai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Ruizi Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Liuting Mo
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
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21
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Tagalakis AD, Maeshima R, Yu-Wai-Man C, Meng J, Syed F, Wu LP, Aldossary AM, McCarthy D, Moghimi SM, Hart SL. Peptide and nucleic acid-directed self-assembly of cationic nanovehicles through giant unilamellar vesicle modification: Targetable nanocomplexes for in vivo nucleic acid delivery. Acta Biomater 2017; 51:351-362. [PMID: 28110069 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges for the development of genetic therapies is the efficient targeted delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. Towards this goal, we have introduced a new engineering initiative in self-assembly of biologically safe and stable nanovesicle complexes (∼90 to 140nm) derived from giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) precursors and comprising plasmid DNA or siRNA and targeting peptide ligands. The biological performance of the engineered nanovesicle complexes were studied both in vitro and in vivo and compared with cationic liposome-based lipopolyplexes. Compared with cationic lipopolyplexes, nanovesicle complexes did not show advantages in transfection and cell uptake. However, nanovesicle complexes neither displayed significant cytotoxicity nor activated the complement system, which are advantageous for intravenous injection and tumour therapy. On intravenous administration into a neuroblastoma xenograft mouse model, nanovesicle complexes were found to distribute throughout the tumour interstitium, thus providing an alternative safer approach for future development of tumour-specific therapeutic nucleic acid interventions. On oropharyngeal instillation, nanovesicle complexes displayed better transfection efficiency than cationic lipopolyplexes. The technological advantages of nanovesicle complexes, originating from GUVs, over traditional cationic liposome-based lipopolyplexes are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The efficient targeted delivery of nucleic acids in vivo provides some of the greatest challenges to the development of genetic therapies. Giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUVs) have been used mainly as cell and tissue mimics and are instrumental in studying lipid bilayers and interactions. Here, the GUVs have been modified into smaller nanovesicles. We have then developed novel nanovesicle complexes comprising self-assembling mixtures of the nanovesicles, plasmid DNA or siRNA, and targeting peptide ligands. Their biophysical properties were studied and their transfection efficiency was investigated. They transfected cells efficiently without any associated cytotoxicity and with targeting specificity, and in vivo they resulted in very high and tumour-specific uptake and in addition, efficiently transfected the lung. The peptide-targeted nanovesicle complexes allow for the specific targeted enhancement of nucleic acid delivery with improved biosafety over liposomal formulations and represent a promising tool to improve our arsenal of safe, non-viral vectors to deliver therapeutic cargos in a variety of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Tagalakis
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
| | - R Maeshima
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - C Yu-Wai-Man
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - J Meng
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - F Syed
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - L-P Wu
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A M Aldossary
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - D McCarthy
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - S M Moghimi
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6BH, UK
| | - S L Hart
- Experimental and Personalised Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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22
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Amjad OA, Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Membrane Adhesion through Bridging by Multimeric Ligands. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:1139-1146. [PMID: 28068766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ligand/receptor multivalent interactions have been exploited to drive self-assembly of nanoparticles, hard colloids, and, more recently, compliant units including emulsion droplets and lipid vesicles. In deformable liposomes, formation of links between two membranes produces morphological changes depending on the amount of ligands in the environment. Here, we study a proof-of-concept biosensing system in which single lipid vesicles adhere to a flat supported lipid bilayer, both decorated with membrane-anchored biotinylated receptors. Adhesion is driven by multivalent streptavidin (SA) ligands forming bridges between the vesicles and the supported bilayer. Upon changing the concentration of ligands, we characterize the morphological and mechanical changes of the vesicles, including the formation of a stable adhesion patch, membrane tension, and the kinetics of bridge rupture/formation. We observe vesicle binding only within a specific range of ligand concentrations: adhesion does not occur if the amount of SA is either too low or too high. A theoretical model is presented, elucidating the mechanism underlying this observation, particularly, the role of SA multivalency in determining the onset of adhesion. We elaborate on how the behavior of membranes studied here could be exploited in next-generation (bio)molecular analytical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Amjad
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Bortolo M Mognetti
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd. du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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23
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de Souza TP, Bossa GV, Stano P, Steiniger F, May S, Luisi PL, Fahr A. Vesicle aggregates as a model for primitive cellular assemblies. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:20082-20092. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp03751a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Primitive cell models help to understand the role that compartmentalization plays in origin of life scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Pereira de Souza
- 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
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Elektronenmikroskopisches Zentrum
- Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena
- D-07743 Jena
- Germany
| | - Sylvio May
- Department of Physics
- North Dakota State University
- Fargo North Dakota 58108-6050
- USA
| | - Pier Luigi Luisi
- Science Department
- Roma Tre University
- Viale G. Marconi 446
- I-00146 Rome
- Italy
| | - Alfred Fahr
- Institut für Pharmazie
- Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena
- Lessingstrasse 8
- D-07743 Jena
- Germany
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24
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Ries O, Löffler PMG, Rabe A, Malavan JJ, Vogel S. Efficient liposome fusion mediated by lipid–nucleic acid conjugates. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:8936-8945. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ob01939d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Highly efficient fusion and content mixing of liposomes encoded by lipidated oligonucleotides (LiNAs). “Hot fusion of biomembranes” – a low leakage process at elevated temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Ries
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- 5230 Odense
| | - P. M. G. Löffler
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- 5230 Odense
| | - A. Rabe
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- 5230 Odense
| | - J. J. Malavan
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- 5230 Odense
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- 5230 Odense
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25
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Bachmann SJ, Kotar J, Parolini L, Šarić A, Cicuta P, Di Michele L, Mognetti BM. Melting transition in lipid vesicles functionalised by mobile DNA linkers. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:7804-7817. [PMID: 27722701 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm01515h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We study phase behaviour of lipid-bilayer vesicles functionalised by ligand-receptor complexes made of synthetic DNA by introducing a modelling framework and a dedicated experimental platform. In particular, we perform Monte Carlo simulations that combine a coarse grained description of the lipid bilayer with state of art analytical models for multivalent ligand-receptor interactions. Using density of state calculations, we derive the partition function in pairs of vesicles and compute the number of ligand-receptor bonds as a function of temperature. Numerical results are compared to microscopy and fluorimetry experiments on large unilamellar vesicles decorated by DNA linkers carrying complementary overhangs. We find that vesicle aggregation is suppressed when the total number of linkers falls below a threshold value. Within the model proposed here, this is due to the higher configurational costs required to form inter-vesicle bridges as compared to intra-vesicle loops, which are in turn related to membrane deformability. Our findings and our numerical/experimental methodologies are applicable to the rational design of liposomes used as functional materials and drug delivery applications, as well as to study inter-membrane interactions in living systems, such as cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Jan Bachmann
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Department of Physics, Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems & Service de Physique des Systèmes Complexes et Mécanique Statistique, Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lucia Parolini
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Anđela Šarić
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Department of Physics, Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems & Service de Physique des Systèmes Complexes et Mécanique Statistique, Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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26
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Parolini L, Kotar J, Di Michele L, Mognetti BM. Controlling Self-Assembly Kinetics of DNA-Functionalized Liposomes Using Toehold Exchange Mechanism. ACS NANO 2016; 10:2392-8. [PMID: 26845414 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b07201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The selectivity of Watson-Crick base pairing has allowed the design of DNA-based functional materials bearing an unprecedented level of accuracy. Examples include DNA origami, made of tiles assembling into arbitrarily complex shapes, and DNA coated particles featuring rich phase behaviors. Frequently, the realization of conceptual DNA-nanotechnology designs has been hampered by the lack of strategies for effectively controlling relaxations. In this article, we address the problem of kinetic control on DNA-mediated interactions between Brownian objects. We design a kinetic pathway based on toehold-exchange mechanisms that enables rearrangement of DNA bonds without the need for thermal denaturation, and test it on suspensions of DNA-functionalized liposomes, demonstrating tunability of aggregation rates over more than 1 order of magnitude. While the possibility to design complex phase behaviors using DNA as a glue is already well recognized, our results demonstrate control also over the kinetics of such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Parolini
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Bortolo M Mognetti
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems & Service de Physique des Systémes Complexes et Mécanique Statistique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Shimobayashi SF, Mognetti BM, Parolini L, Orsi D, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Direct measurement of DNA-mediated adhesion between lipid bilayers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:15615-28. [PMID: 25989828 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp01340b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Multivalent interactions between deformable mesoscopic units are ubiquitous in biology, where membrane macromolecules mediate the interactions between neighbouring living cells and between cells and solid substrates. Lately, analogous artificial materials have been synthesised by functionalising the outer surface of compliant Brownian units, for example emulsion droplets and lipid vesicles, with selective linkers, in particular short DNA sequences. This development extended the range of applicability of DNA as a selective glue, originally applied to solid nano and colloidal particles. On very deformable lipid vesicles, the coupling between statistical effects of multivalent interactions and mechanical deformation of the membranes gives rise to complex emergent behaviours, as we recently contributed to demonstrate [Parolini et al., Nat. Commun., 2015, 6, 5948]. Several aspects of the complex phenomenology observed in these systems still lack a quantitative experimental characterisation and a fundamental understanding. Here we focus on the DNA-mediated multivalent interactions of a single liposome adhering to a flat supported bilayer. This simplified geometry enables the estimate of the membrane tension induced by the DNA-mediated adhesive forces acting on the liposome. Our experimental investigation is completed by morphological measurements and the characterisation of the DNA-melting transition, probed by in situ Förster Resonant Energy Transfer spectroscopy. Experimental results are compared with the predictions of an analytical theory that couples the deformation of the vesicle to a full description of the statistical mechanics of mobile linkers. With at most one fitting parameter, our theory is capable of semi-quantitatively matching experimental data, confirming the quality of the underlying assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Shimobayashi
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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28
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Elani Y, Purushothaman S, Booth PJ, Seddon JM, Brooks NJ, Law RV, Ces O. Measurements of the effect of membrane asymmetry on the mechanical properties of lipid bilayers. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:6976-9. [PMID: 25797170 DOI: 10.1039/c5cc00712g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We detail an approach for constructing asymmetric membranes and characterising their mechanical properties, leading to the first measurement of the effect of asymmetry on lipid bilayer mechanics. Our results demonstrate that asymmetry induces a significant increase in rigidity compared to symmetric membranes. Given that all biological membranes are asymmetric our findings have profound implications for the role of this phenomenon in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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29
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Jones G, King PH, Morgan H, de Planque MRR, Zauner KP. Autonomous droplet architectures. ARTIFICIAL LIFE 2015; 21:195-204. [PMID: 25622015 DOI: 10.1162/artl_a_00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The quintessential living element of all organisms is the cell-a fluid-filled compartment enclosed, but not isolated, by a layer of amphiphilic molecules that self-assemble at its boundary. Cells of different composition can aggregate and communicate through the exchange of molecules across their boundaries. The astounding success of this architecture is readily apparent throughout the biological world. Inspired by the versatility of nature's architecture, we investigate aggregates of membrane-enclosed droplets as a design concept for robotics. This will require droplets capable of sensing, information processing, and actuation. It will also require the integration of functionally specialized droplets into an interconnected functional unit. Based on results from the literature and from our own laboratory, we argue the viability of this approach. Sensing and information processing in droplets have been the subject of several recent studies, on which we draw. Integrating droplets into coherently acting units and the aspect of controlled actuation for locomotion have received less attention. This article describes experiments that address both of these challenges. Using lipid-coated droplets of Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction medium in oil, we show here that such droplets can be integrated and that chemically driven mechanical motion can be achieved.
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30
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Volume and porosity thermal regulation in lipid mesophases by coupling mobile ligands to soft membranes. Nat Commun 2015; 6:5948. [PMID: 25565580 PMCID: PMC4354032 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Short DNA linkers are increasingly being exploited for driving-specific self-assembly of Brownian objects. DNA-functionalized colloids can assemble into ordered or amorphous materials with tailored morphology. Recently, the same approach has been applied to compliant units, including emulsion droplets and lipid vesicles. The liquid structure of these substrates introduces new degrees of freedom: the tethers can diffuse and rearrange, radically changing the physics of the interactions. Unlike droplets, vesicles are extremely deformable and DNA-mediated adhesion causes significant shape adjustments. We investigate experimentally the thermal response of pairs and networks of DNA-tethered liposomes and observe two intriguing and possibly useful collective properties: negative thermal expansion and tuneable porosity of the liposome networks. A model providing a thorough understanding of this unexpected phenomenon is developed, explaining the emergent properties out of the interplay between the temperature-dependent deformability of the vesicles and the DNA-mediated adhesive forces. DNA-functionalized particles can aggregate into materials with programmable morphology, but the response of these materials to external stimuli is limited. Here, the authors demonstrate how the structure of DNA-liposome aggregates can be controlled by changing temperature.
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31
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Elani Y, Law RV, Ces O. Protein synthesis in artificial cells: using compartmentalisation for spatial organisation in vesicle bioreactors. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:15534-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cp05933f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spatially segregated in vitro protein expression in a vesicle-based artificial cell, with different proteins synthesised in defined vesicle regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemistry
- Imperial College London
- UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology
- Imperial College London
| | - Robert V. Law
- Department of Chemistry
- Imperial College London
- UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology
- Imperial College London
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry
- Imperial College London
- UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology
- Imperial College London
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