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Li C, Han Y, Zou X, Zhang X, Ran Q, Dong C. A systematic discussion and comparison of the construction methods of synthetic microbial community. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:775-783. [PMID: 39021362 PMCID: PMC11253132 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic microbial community has widely concerned in the fields of agriculture, food and environment over the past few years. However, there is little consensus on the method to synthetic microbial community from construction to functional verification. Here, we review the concept, characteristics, history and applications of synthetic microbial community, summarizing several methods for synthetic microbial community construction, such as isolation culture, core microbiome mining, automated design, and gene editing. In addition, we also systematically summarized the design concepts, technological thresholds, and applicable scenarios of various construction methods, and highlighted their advantages and limitations. Ultimately, this review provides four efficient, detailed, easy-to-understand and -follow steps for synthetic microbial community construction, with major implications for agricultural practices, food production, and environmental governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Li
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanfeng Han
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao Zou
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xueqian Zhang
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingsong Ran
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Chunbo Dong
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
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2
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Lu C, Huang Y, Cui J, Wu J, Jiang C, Gu X, Cao Y, Yin S. Toward Practical Applications of Engineered Living Materials with Advanced Fabrication Techniques. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2295-2312. [PMID: 39002162 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) are materials composed of or incorporating living cells as essential functional units. These materials can be created using bottom-up approaches, where engineered cells spontaneously form well-defined aggregates. Alternatively, top-down methods employ advanced materials science techniques to integrate cells with various kinds of materials, creating hybrids where cells and materials are intricately combined. ELMs blend synthetic biology with materials science, allowing for dynamic responses to environmental stimuli such as stress, pH, humidity, temperature, and light. These materials exhibit unique "living" properties, including self-healing, self-replication, and environmental adaptability, making them highly suitable for a wide range of applications in medicine, environmental conservation, and manufacturing. Their inherent biocompatibility and ability to undergo genetic modifications allow for customized functionalities and prolonged sustainability. This review highlights the transformative impact of ELMs over recent decades, particularly in healthcare and environmental protection. We discuss current preparation methods, including the use of endogenous and exogenous scaffolds, living assembly, 3D bioprinting, and electrospinning. Emphasis is placed on ongoing research and technological advancements necessary to enhance the safety, functionality, and practical applicability of ELMs in real-world contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjing Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yaying Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Junhua Wu
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250021, China
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunping Jiang
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250021, China
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250021, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine innovation center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine innovation center, MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sheng Yin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250021, China
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3
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Wang M, Li F, Yu H. Enhancing the stress resistance of nitrile hydratase from Rhodococcus ruber via SpyTag/SpyCatcher-mediated α- and β- subunits ligation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:817. [PMID: 39012451 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09760-7] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrile Hydratase (NHase) is one of the most important industrial enzyme widely used in the petroleum exploitation field. The enzyme, composed of two unrelated α- and β-subunits, catalyzes the conversion of acrylonitrile to acrylamide, releasing a significant amount of heat and generating the organic solvent product, acrylamide. Both the heat and acrylamide solvent have an impact on the structural stability of NHase and its catalytic activity. Therefore, enhancing the stress resistance of NHase to toxic substances is meaningful for the petroleum industry. METHODS AND RESULTS To improve the thermo-stability and acrylamide tolerance of NHase, the two subunits were fused in vivo using SpyTag and SpyCatcher, which were attached to the termini of each subunit in various combinations. Analysis of the engineered strains showed that the C-terminus of β-NHase is a better fusion site than the N-terminus, while the C-terminus of α-NHase is the most suitable site for fusion with a larger protein. Fusion of SpyTag and SpyCatcher to the C-terminus of β-NHase and α-NHase, respectively, led to improved acrylamide tolerance and a slight enhancement in the thermo-stability of one of the engineered strains, NBSt. CONCLUSION These results indicate that in vivo ligation of different subunits using SpyTag/SpyCatcher is a valuable strategy for enhancing subunit interaction and improving stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- Beijing Evolyzer Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China.
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Fulong Li
- Beijing Evolyzer Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Huimin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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4
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Sun J, Yang R, Li Q, Zhu R, Jiang Y, Zang L, Zhang Z, Tong W, Zhao H, Li T, Li H, Qi D, Li G, Chen X, Dai Z, Liu Z. Living Synthelectronics: A New Era for Bioelectronics Powered by Synthetic Biology. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400110. [PMID: 38494761 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400110] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectronics, which converges biology and electronics, has attracted great attention due to their vital applications in human-machine interfaces. While traditional bioelectronic devices utilize nonliving organic and/or inorganic materials to achieve flexibility and stretchability, a biological mismatch is often encountered because human tissues are characterized not only by softness and stretchability but also by biodynamic and adaptive properties. Recently, a notable paradigm shift has emerged in bioelectronics, where living cells, and even viruses, modified via gene editing within synthetic biology, are used as core components in a new hybrid electronics paradigm. These devices are defined as "living synthelectronics," and they offer enhanced potential for interfacing with human tissues at informational and substance exchange levels. In this Perspective, the recent advances in living synthelectronics are summarized. First, opportunities brought to electronics by synthetic biology are briefly introduced. Then, strategic approaches to designing and making electronic devices using living cells/viruses as the building blocks, sensing components, or power sources are reviewed. Finally, the challenges faced by living synthelectronics are raised. It is believed that this paradigm shift will significantly contribute to the real integration of bioelectronics with human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Ruofan Yang
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qingsong Li
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Runtao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lei Zang
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhibo Zhang
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wei Tong
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hang Zhao
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tengfei Li
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hanfei Li
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Dianpeng Qi
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Guanglin Li
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Soft Bio-interface Electronics Lab, Center of Neural Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Standard Robots Co.,Ltd,Room 405, Building D, Huafeng International Robot Fusen Industrial Park, Hangcheng Avenue, Guxing Community, Xixiang Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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5
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Jabbour R, Kang JS, Sobhi HF. Effect of Quorum Sensing Molecules on the Quality of Bacterial Nanocellulose Materials. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:20003-20011. [PMID: 38737048 PMCID: PMC11079910 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) biofilms, produced by various bacterial species, such as Gluconacetobacter xylinus, represent a highly promising multifunctional material characterized by distinctive physiochemical properties. These biofilms have demonstrated remarkable versatility as nano biomaterials, finding extensive applications across medical, defense, electronics, optics, and food industries. In contrast to plant cellulose, BNC biofilms exhibit numerous advantages, including elevated purity and crystallinity, expansive surface area, robustness, and excellent biocompatibility, making them exceptional multifunctional materials. However, their production with consistent morphological properties and their transformation into practical forms present challenges. This difficulty often arises from the heterogeneity in cell density, which is influenced by the presence of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) serving as quorum sensing signaling molecules during the biosynthesis of BNC biofilms. In this study, we employed surface characterization methodologies including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy to characterize BNC biofilms derived from growth media supplemented with varying concentrations of distinct N-acyl-homoserine lactone signaling molecules. The data obtained through these analytical techniques elucidated that the morphological properties of the BNC biofilms were influenced by the specific AHLs, signaling molecules, introduced into the growth media. These findings lay the groundwork for future exploration of leveraging synthetic biology and biomimetic methods for tailoring BNC with predetermined morphological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabih
E. Jabbour
- U.S.
Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Research & Technology Directorate, 5183 Blackhawk Rd, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland 21010, United States
| | - Joshua S. Kang
- Center
for Organic Synthesis, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland 21216, United States
| | - Hany F. Sobhi
- Center
for Organic Synthesis, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland 21216, United States
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6
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Peña-Díaz S, Olsen WP, Wang H, Otzen DE. Functional Amyloids: The Biomaterials of Tomorrow? ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312823. [PMID: 38308110 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Functional amyloid (FAs), particularly the bacterial proteins CsgA and FapC, have many useful properties as biomaterials: high stability, efficient, and controllable formation of a single type of amyloid, easy availability as extracellular material in bacterial biofilm and flexible engineering to introduce new properties. CsgA in particular has already demonstrated its worth in hydrogels for stable gastrointestinal colonization and regenerative tissue engineering, cell-specific drug release, water-purification filters, and different biosensors. It also holds promise as catalytic amyloid; existing weak and unspecific activity can undoubtedly be improved by targeted engineering and benefit from the repetitive display of active sites on a surface. Unfortunately, FapC remains largely unexplored and no application is described so far. Since FapC shares many common features with CsgA, this opens the window to its development as a functional scaffold. The multiple imperfect repeats in CsgA and FapC form a platform to introduce novel properties, e.g., in connecting linkers of variable lengths. While exploitation of this potential is still at an early stage, particularly for FapC, a thorough understanding of their molecular properties will pave the way for multifunctional fibrils which can contribute toward solving many different societal challenges, ranging from CO2 fixation to hydrolysis of plastic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus C, DK - 8000, Denmark
| | - William Pallisgaard Olsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus C, DK - 8000, Denmark
| | - Huabing Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Clinical Laboratory Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Daniel E Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus C, DK - 8000, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
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7
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Philipp LA, Bühler K, Ulber R, Gescher J. Beneficial applications of biofilms. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:276-290. [PMID: 37957398 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Many microorganisms live in the form of a biofilm. Although they are feared in the medical sector, biofilms that are composed of non-pathogenic organisms can be highly beneficial in many applications, including the production of bulk and fine chemicals. Biofilm systems are natural retentostats in which the biocatalysts can adapt and optimize their metabolism to different conditions over time. The adherent nature of biofilms allows them to be used in continuous systems in which the hydraulic retention time is much shorter than the doubling time of the biocatalysts. Moreover, the resilience of organisms growing in biofilms, together with the potential of uncoupling growth from catalytic activity, offers a wide range of opportunities. The ability to work with continuous systems using a potentially self-advancing whole-cell biocatalyst is attracting interest from a range of disciplines, from applied microbiology to materials science and from bioengineering to process engineering. The field of beneficial biofilms is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of applications being explored, and the surge in demand for sustainable and biobased solutions and processes is accelerating advances in the field. This Review provides an overview of the research topics, challenges, applications and future directions in beneficial and applied biofilm research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Alina Philipp
- Hamburg University of Technology, Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katja Bühler
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland Ulber
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Hamburg University of Technology, Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany.
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Pearce S, Lin C, Pérez-Mercader J. Adaptive and Dissipative Hierarchical Population Crowding of Synthetic Protocells through Click-PISA under Gradient Energy Inputs. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2457-2464. [PMID: 38373157 PMCID: PMC10906081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04035] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The ability of living objects to respond rapidly en masse to various stimuli or stress is an important function in response to externally applied changes in the local environment. This occurs across many length scales, for instance, bacteria swarming in response to different stimuli or stress and macromolecular crowding within cells. Currently there are few mechanisms to induce similar autonomous behaviors within populations of synthetic protocells. Herein, we report a system in which populations of individual objects behave in a coordinated manner in response to changes in the energetic environment by the emergent self-organization of large object swarms. These swarms contain protocell populations of approximately 60 000 individuals. We demonstrate the dissipative nature of the hierarchical constructs, which persist under appropriate UV stimulation. Finally, we identify the ability of the object populations to change behaviors in an adaptive population-wide response to the local energetic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pearce
- Department
of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Origins of Life Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Chenyu Lin
- Department
of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Origins of Life Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Juan Pérez-Mercader
- Department
of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Origins of Life Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- The
Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, United States
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9
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Xiao M, Lv S, Zhu C. Bacterial Patterning: A Promising Biofabrication Technique. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024. [PMID: 38408887 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00056] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial patterning has emerged as a pivotal biofabrication technique in the biomedical field. In the past 2 decades, a diverse array of bacterial patterning approaches have been developed to enable the precise manipulation of the spatial distribution of bacterial patterns for various applications. Despite the significance of these advancements, there is a deficiency of review articles providing an overview of bacterial patterning technologies. In this mini-review, we systematically summarize the progress of bacterial patterning over the past 2 decades. This review commences with an elucidation of the definition and fundamental principles of bacterial patterning. Subsequently, we introduce the established bacterial patterning strategies, accompanied by discussions about the advantages and limitations of each approach. Furthermore, we showcase the biomedical applications of these strategies, highlighting their efficacy in spatial control of biofilms, biosensing, and biointervention. Finally, this mini-review is concluded with a summary and an outlook on future challenges and opportunities. It is anticipated that this mini-review can serve as a concise guide for those who are interested in this exciting and rapidly evolving research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuyi Lv
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chunlei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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10
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Niu L, Yu L, Jin C, Jin K, Liu Z, Zhu T, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Wu Y. Living Materials Based Dynamic Information Encryption via Light-Inducible Bacterial Biosynthesis of Quantum Dots. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315251. [PMID: 38085166 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315251] [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: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Microbial biosynthesis, as an alternative method for producing quantum dots (QDs), has gained attention because it can be conducted under mild and environmentally friendly conditions, distinguishing it from conventional chemical and physical synthesis approaches. However, there is currently no method to selectively control this biosynthesis process in a subset of microbes within a population using external stimuli. In this study, we have attained precise and selective control over the microbial biosynthesis of QDs through the utilization of an optogenetically engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant E. coli is designed to express smCSE enzyme, under the regulation of eLightOn system, which can be activated by blue light. The smCSE enzymes use L-cysteine and Cd2+ as substrates to form CdS QDs. This system enables light-inducible bacterial biosynthesis of QDs in precise patterns within a hydrogel for information encryption. As the biosynthesis progresses, the optical characteristics of the QDs change, allowing living materials containing the recombinant E. coli to display time-dependent patterns that self-destruct after reading. Compared to static encryption using fluorescent QD inks, dynamic information encryption based on living materials offers enhanced security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqi Niu
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyang Jin
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yihan Wu
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Nanchen Rd. 333, Shanghai, China
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11
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Fan R, Aranko AS. Catcher/Tag Toolbox: Biomolecular Click-Reactions For Protein Engineering Beyond Genetics. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300600. [PMID: 37851860 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300600] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Manipulating protein architectures beyond genetic control has attracted widespread attention. Catcher/Tag systems enable highly specific conjugation of proteins in vivo and in vitro via an isopeptide-bond. They provide efficient, robust, and irreversible strategies for protein conjugation and are simple yet powerful tools for a variety of applications in enzyme industry, vaccines, biomaterials, and cellular applications. Here we summarize recent development of the Catcher/Tag toolbox with a particular emphasis on the design of Catcher/Tag pairs targeted for specific applications. We cover the current limitations of the Catcher/Tag systems and discuss the pH sensitivity of the reactions. Finally, we conclude some of the future directions in the development of this versatile protein conjugation method and envision that improved control over inducing the ligation reaction will further broaden the range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxia Fan
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - A Sesilja Aranko
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 02150, Espoo, Finland
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12
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Zhou P, Gao C, Song W, Wei W, Wu J, Liu L, Chen X. Engineering status of protein for improving microbial cell factories. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 70:108282. [PMID: 37939975 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
With the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, microbial cell factories (MCFs) have provided an efficient and sustainable method to synthesize a series of chemicals from renewable feedstocks. However, the efficiency of MCFs is usually limited by the inappropriate status of protein. Thus, engineering status of protein is essential to achieve efficient bioproduction with high titer, yield and productivity. In this review, we summarize the engineering strategies for metabolic protein status, including protein engineering for boosting microbial catalytic efficiency, protein modification for regulating microbial metabolic capacity, and protein assembly for enhancing microbial synthetic capacity. Finally, we highlight future challenges and prospects of improving microbial cell factories by engineering status of protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Cong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wei Song
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wanqing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiulai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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13
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Peng R, Ba F, Li J, Cao J, Zhang R, Liu WQ, Ren J, Liu Y, Li J, Ling S. Embedding Living Cells with a Mechanically Reinforced and Functionally Programmable Hydrogel Fiber Platform. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2305583. [PMID: 37498452 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305583] [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: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Living materials represent a new frontier in functional material design, integrating synthetic biology tools to endow materials with programmable, dynamic, and life-like characteristics. However, a major challenge in creating living materials is balancing the tradeoff between structural stability, mechanical performance, and functional programmability. To address this challenge, a sheath-core living hydrogel fiber platform that synergistically integrates living bacteria with hydrogel fibers to achieve both functional diversity and structural and mechanical robustness is proposed. In the design, microfluidic spinning is used to produce hydrogel fiber, which offers advantages in both structural and functional designability due to their hierarchical porous architectures that can be tailored and their mechanical performance that can be enhanced through a variety of post-processing approaches. By introducing living bacteria, the platform is endowed with programmable functionality and life-like capabilities. This work reconstructs the genetic circuits of living bacteria to express chromoproteins and fluorescent proteins as two prototypes that enable the coloration of living fibers and sensing water pollutants by monitoring the amount of fluorescent protein expressed. Altogether, this study establishes a structure-property-function optimized living hydrogel fiber platform, providing a new tool for accelerating the practical applications of the emerging living material systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxuan Peng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Fang Ba
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiayi Cao
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, 1882 West Yan'an Road, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wan-Qiu Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Ren
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China
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14
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Wang T, Wu M, Cao L, Liu B. Organic functional substance engineered living materials for biomedical applications. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122248. [PMID: 37487360 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Modifying living materials with organic functional substances (OFS) is a convenient and effective strategy to control and monitor the transport, engraftment, and secretion processes in living organisms. OFSs, including small organic molecules and organic polymers, own the merit of design flexibility, satisfying performance, and excellent biocompatibility, which allow for living materials functionalization to realize real-time sensing, controlled drug release, enhanced biocompatibility, accurate diagnosis, and precise treatment. In this review, we discuss the different principles of OFS modification on living materials and demonstrate the applications of engineered living materials in health monitoring, drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Wang
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore
| | - Min Wu
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China.
| | - Lei Cao
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore
| | - Bin Liu
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore.
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15
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Kawada M, Jo H, Medina AM, Sim S. Catalytic Materials Enabled by a Programmable Assembly of Synthetic Polymers and Engineered Bacterial Spores. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16210-16217. [PMID: 37458997 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Natural biological materials are formed by self-assembly processes and catalyze a myriad of reactions. Here, we report a programmable molecular assembly of designed synthetic polymers with engineered bacterial spores. This self-assembly process is driven by dynamic covalent bond formation on spore surface glycan and yields macroscopic materials that are structurally stable, self-healing, and recyclable. Molecular programming of polymer species shapes the physical properties of these materials while metabolically dormant spores allow for prolonged ambient storage. Incorporation of spores with genetically encoded functionalities enables operationally simple and repeated enzymatic catalysis. Our work combines molecular and genetic engineering to offer scalable and programmable synthesis of robust materials for sustainable biocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamu Kawada
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Hyuna Jo
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Alexis M Medina
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Seunghyun Sim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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16
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Lin Y, Shi J, Feng W, Yue J, Luo Y, Chen S, Yang B, Jiang Y, Hu H, Zhou C, Shi F, Prominski A, Talapin DV, Xiong W, Gao X, Tian B. Periplasmic biomineralization for semi-artificial photosynthesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg5858. [PMID: 37478187 PMCID: PMC10361601 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg5858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Semiconductor-based biointerfaces are typically established either on the surface of the plasma membrane or within the cytoplasm. In Gram-negative bacteria, the periplasmic space, characterized by its confinement and the presence of numerous enzymes and peptidoglycans, offers additional opportunities for biomineralization, allowing for nongenetic modulation interfaces. We demonstrate semiconductor nanocluster precipitation containing single- and multiple-metal elements within the periplasm, as observed through various electron- and x-ray-based imaging techniques. The periplasmic semiconductors are metastable and display defect-dominant fluorescent properties. Unexpectedly, the defect-rich (i.e., the low-grade) semiconductor nanoclusters produced in situ can still increase adenosine triphosphate levels and malate production when coupled with photosensitization. We expand the sustainability levels of the biohybrid system to include reducing heavy metals at the primary level, building living bioreactors at the secondary level, and creating semi-artificial photosynthesis at the tertiary level. The biomineralization-enabled periplasmic biohybrids have the potential to serve as defect-tolerant platforms for diverse sustainable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiliang Lin
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jiuyun Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wei Feng
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, and Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jiping Yue
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yanqi Luo
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Bin Yang
- Bioscience Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Yuanwen Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Huicheng Hu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chenkun Zhou
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Fengyuan Shi
- Electron Microscopy Core, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | | | - Dmitri V. Talapin
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Bioscience Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Xiang Gao
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, and Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Bozhi Tian
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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17
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Bressler EM, Adams S, Liu R, Colson YL, Wong WW, Grinstaff MW. Boolean logic in synthetic biology and biomaterials: Towards living materials in mammalian cell therapeutics. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1244. [PMID: 37386762 PMCID: PMC10310979 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intersection of synthetic biology and biomaterials promises to enhance safety and efficacy in novel therapeutics. Both fields increasingly employ Boolean logic, which allows for specific therapeutic outputs (e.g., drug release, peptide synthesis) in response to inputs such as disease markers or bio-orthogonal stimuli. Examples include stimuli-responsive drug delivery devices and logic-gated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. In this review, we explore recent manuscripts highlighting the potential of synthetic biology and biomaterials with Boolean logic to create novel and efficacious living therapeutics. MAIN BODY Collaborations in synthetic biology and biomaterials have led to significant advancements in drug delivery and cell therapy. Borrowing from synthetic biology, researchers have created Boolean-responsive biomaterials sensitive to multiple inputs including pH, light, enzymes and more to produce functional outputs such as degradation, gel-sol transition and conformational change. Biomaterials also enhance synthetic biology, particularly CAR T and adoptive T cell therapy, by modulating therapeutic immune cells in vivo. Nanoparticles and hydrogels also enable in situ generation of CAR T cells, which promises to drive down production costs and expand access to these therapies to a larger population. Biomaterials are also used to interface with logic-gated CAR T cell therapies, creating controllable cellular therapies that enhance safety and efficacy. Finally, designer cells acting as living therapeutic factories benefit from biomaterials that improve biocompatibility and stability in vivo. CONCLUSION By using Boolean logic in both cellular therapy and drug delivery devices, researchers have achieved better safety and efficacy outcomes. While early projects show incredible promise, coordination between these fields is ongoing and growing. We expect that these collaborations will continue to grow and realize the next generation of living biomaterial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Bressler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design CenterBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sarah Adams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design CenterBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Rong Liu
- Division of Thoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yolonda L. Colson
- Division of Thoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Wilson W. Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design CenterBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mark W. Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design CenterBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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18
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Sleutel M, Pradhan B, Volkov AN, Remaut H. Structural analysis and architectural principles of the bacterial amyloid curli. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2822. [PMID: 37198180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Two decades have passed since the initial proposition that amyloids are not only (toxic) byproducts of an unintended aggregation cascade, but that they can also be produced by an organism to serve a defined biological function. That revolutionary idea was borne out of the realization that a large fraction of the extracellular matrix that holds Gram-negative cells into a persistent biofilm is composed of protein fibers (curli; tafi) with cross-β architecture, nucleation-dependent polymerization kinetics and classic amyloid tinctorial properties. The list of proteins shown to form so-called functional amyloid fibers in vivo has greatly expanded over the years, but detailed structural insights have not followed at a similar pace in part due to the associated experimental barriers. Here we combine extensive AlphaFold2 modelling and cryo-electron transmission microscopy to propose an atomic model of curli protofibrils, and their higher modes of organization. We uncover an unexpected structural diversity of curli building blocks and fibril architectures. Our results allow for a rationalization of the extreme physico-chemical robustness of curli, as well as earlier observations of inter-species curli promiscuity, and should facilitate further engineering efforts to expand the repertoire of curli-based functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Sleutel
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Brajabandhu Pradhan
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander N Volkov
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Jean Jeener NMR Center, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Han Remaut
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- Structural and Molecular Microbiology, VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium.
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19
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Deng Z, Chen AY, Zakeri B, Zhong C, Lu TK. Full-colour Jabuticaba-like nanostructures via the multiplex and orthogonal self-assembly of protein-conjugated quantum dots with engineered biofilms. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:1440-1445. [PMID: 36786820 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01231f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The integration of inorganic components with bacterial biofilms is of great significance for expanding the functionality of artificial biological materials. However, so far, the complexities and functionalities of biofilm-based scaffolds assembled via metal-peptide coordination chemistries remain limited. Here, we present a platform for the multiplexed and specific coupling of recombinant protein-functionalized fluorescent red-green-blue (RGB) quantum dots (QDs) with engineered biofilms to form Jabuticaba-like nanostructures. Full-color living Jabuticaba-like nanostructures have been achieved through the interaction of extracellular peptides that are fabricated by biofilms with the proteins that modify the surface of the RGB QDs through orthogonal SpyTag/SpyCatcher, IsopeptagN/PilinN, and IsopeptagC/PilinC pairs. We envision that living cell populations will enable the multiplexable, scalable and bottom-up assembly of versatile materials that integrate both abiotic and biotic components into multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengtao Deng
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, National Laboratory of Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Allen Y Chen
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Bijan Zakeri
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Chao Zhong
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Department of Biological Engineering, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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20
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Zhou P, Liu H, Meng X, Zuo H, Qi M, Guo L, Gao C, Song W, Wu J, Chen X, Chen W, Liu L. Engineered Artificial Membraneless Organelles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae To Enhance Chemical Production. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215778. [PMID: 36762978 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215778] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial cell factories provide a green and sustainable opportunity to produce value-added products from renewable feedstock. However, the leakage of toxic or volatile intermediates decreases the efficiency of microbial cell factories. In this study, membraneless organelles (MLOs) were reconstructed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the disordered protein sequence A-IDPs. A regulation system was designed to spatiotemporally regulate the size and rigidity of MLOs. Manipulating the MLO size of strain ZP03-FM, the amounts of assimilated methanol and malate were increased by 162 % and 61 %, respectively. Furthermore, manipulating the MLO rigidity in strain ZP04-RB made acetyl-coA synthesis from oxidative glycolysis change to non-oxidative glycolysis; consequently, CO2 release decreased by 35 % and the n-butanol yield increased by 20 %. This artificial MLO provides a strategy for the co-localization of enzymes to channel C1 starting materials into value-added chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Huiyun Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Mengya Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Liang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Cong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei Song
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xiulai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
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21
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An B, Wang Y, Huang Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Xun D, Church GM, Dai Z, Yi X, Tang TC, Zhong C. Engineered Living Materials For Sustainability. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2349-2419. [PMID: 36512650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology and materials science have given rise to a new form of materials, namely engineered living materials (ELMs), which are composed of living matter or cell communities embedded in self-regenerating matrices of their own or artificial scaffolds. Like natural materials such as bone, wood, and skin, ELMs, which possess the functional capabilities of living organisms, can grow, self-organize, and self-repair when needed. They also spontaneously perform programmed biological functions upon sensing external cues. Currently, ELMs show promise for green energy production, bioremediation, disease treatment, and fabricating advanced smart materials. This review first introduces the dynamic features of natural living systems and their potential for developing novel materials. We then summarize the recent research progress on living materials and emerging design strategies from both synthetic biology and materials science perspectives. Finally, we discuss the positive impacts of living materials on promoting sustainability and key future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin An
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yanyi Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuzhu Liu
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dongmin Xun
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - George M Church
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiao Yi
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, Massachusetts United States
| | - Chao Zhong
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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22
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Tian KK, Qian ZG, Xia XX. Synthetic biology-guided design and biosynthesis of protein polymers for delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 194:114728. [PMID: 36791475 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Vehicles derived from genetically engineered protein polymers have gained momentum in the field of biomedical engineering due to their unique designability, remarkable biocompatibility and excellent biodegradability. However, the design and production of these protein polymers with on-demand sequences and supramolecular architectures remain underexplored, particularly from a synthetic biology perspective. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the art strategies for constructing the highly repetitive genes encoding the protein polymers, and highlight the advanced approaches for metabolically engineering expression hosts towards high-level biosynthesis of the target protein polymers. Finally, we showcase the typical protein polymers utilized to fabricate delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Kai Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Gang Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xia Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Luo J, Chen J, Huang Y, You L, Dai Z. Engineering living materials by synthetic biology. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011305. [PMID: 38505813 PMCID: PMC10903423 DOI: 10.1063/5.0115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Natural biological materials are programmed by genetic information and able to self-organize, respond to environmental stimulus, and couple with inorganic matter. Inspired by the natural system and to mimic their complex and delicate fabrication process and functions, the field of engineered living materials emerges at the interface of synthetic biology and materials science. Here, we review the recent efforts and discuss the challenges and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiren Luo
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiangfeng Chen
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yaoge Huang
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
| | - Zhuojun Dai
- Materials Synthetic Biology Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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24
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Atkinson JT, Chavez MS, Niman CM, El-Naggar MY. Living electronics: A catalogue of engineered living electronic components. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:507-533. [PMID: 36519191 PMCID: PMC9948233 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biology leverages a range of electrical phenomena to extract and store energy, control molecular reactions and enable multicellular communication. Microbes, in particular, have evolved genetically encoded machinery enabling them to utilize the abundant redox-active molecules and minerals available on Earth, which in turn drive global-scale biogeochemical cycles. Recently, the microbial machinery enabling these redox reactions have been leveraged for interfacing cells and biomolecules with electrical circuits for biotechnological applications. Synthetic biology is allowing for the use of these machinery as components of engineered living materials with tuneable electrical properties. Herein, we review the state of such living electronic components including wires, capacitors, transistors, diodes, optoelectronic components, spin filters, sensors, logic processors, bioactuators, information storage media and methods for assembling these components into living electronic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Atkinson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marko S Chavez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christina M Niman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mohamed Y El-Naggar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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25
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Gangan MS, Naughton KL, Boedicker JQ. Utilizing a divalent metal ion transporter to control biogenic nanoparticle synthesis. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 50:kuad020. [PMID: 37587013 PMCID: PMC10481092 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuad020] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Biogenic synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials has been demonstrated for both wild and engineered bacterial strains. In many systems the nucleation and growth of nanomaterials is poorly controlled and requires concentrations of heavy metals toxic to living cells. Here, we utilized the tools of synthetic biology to engineer a strain of Escherichia coli capable of synthesizing cadmium sulfide nanoparticles from low concentrations of reactants with control over the location of synthesis. Informed by simulations of bacterially-assisted nanoparticle synthesis, we created a strain of E. coli expressing a broad-spectrum divalent metal transporter, ZupT, and a synthetic CdS nucleating peptide. Expression of ZupT in the outer membrane and placement of the nucleating peptide in the periplasm focused synthesis within the periplasmic space and enabled sufficient nucleation and growth of nanoparticles at sub-toxic levels of the reactants. This strain synthesized internal CdS quantum dot nanoparticles with spherical morphology and an average diameter of approximately 3.3 nm. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY Expression of a metal ion transporter regulates synthesis of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Subhash Gangan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kyle L Naughton
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - James Q Boedicker
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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26
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Li L, Yang C, Ma B, Lu S, Liu J, Pan Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Wang H, Sun T, Liu D. Hydrogel-Encapsulated Engineered Microbial Consortium as a Photoautotrophic "Living Material" for Promoting Skin Wound Healing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6536-6547. [PMID: 36708324 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified engineered microorganisms have been encapsulated in hydrogels and used as "living materials" for the treatment of skin diseases. However, their applications are often limited by the epidermal dry, nutrient-poor environment and cannot maintain functions stably for an expected sufficient time. To solve this problem, a photoautotrophic "living material" containing an engineered microbial consortium was designed and fabricated. The engineered microbial consortium comprised Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 for producing sucrose by photosynthesis and another heterotrophic engineered bacterium (Escherichia coli or Lactococcus lactis) that can utilize sucrose for the growth and secretion of functional biomolecules. These engineered microorganisms in the "living material" were proved to function stably for a longer time than only individual microbes. Subsequently, CXCL12-secreting engineered L. lactis was used to construct the "living material", and its effect on promoting wound healing was verified in a full-thickness rat-skin defect model. The wounds treated by our hydrogel-encapsulated engineered microbial consortium (HeEMC) healed faster, with a wound area ratio of only 13.2% at day 14, compared to the remaining 62.6, 51.4, and 40.8% of the control, PEGDA, and PEGDA/CS groups, respectively. In conclusion, we established an efficient living material HeEMC to offer promising applications in the treatment of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianyue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Chun Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Binglin Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Shenjunjie Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Yiyang Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Xuyan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Yiliang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Hanjie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Tao Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Duo Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin300072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
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27
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Chen B, Zhang X, Cheng L, Chen X, Tang J, Zhang P, Wang C, Liu J. Surface programmed bacteria as photo-controlled NO generator for tumor immunological and gas therapy. J Control Release 2023; 353:889-902. [PMID: 36528194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of bacteria as living vehicles has attracted increasing attentions in tumor therapy field. The combination of functional materials with bacteria dramatically facilitates the antitumor effect. Here, we presented a rationally designed living system formed by programmed Escherichia Coli MG1655 cells (Ec) and black phosphorus (BP) nanoparticles (NPs). The bacteria were genetically engineered to express tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), via an outer membrane YiaT protein (Ec-T). The Ec-T cells were associated with BP NPs on their surface to acquire BP@Ec-T. The designed living system could transfer the photoelectrons produced by BP NPs after laser irradiation and triggered the reductive metabolism of nitrate to nitric oxide for the in situ release at tumor sites, facilitating the therapeutic efficacy and the polarization of tumor associated macrophages to M1 phenotype. Meanwhile, the generation of reactive oxygen species induced the immunogenic cell death to further improve the antitumor efficacy. Additionally, the living system enhanced the immunological effect by promoting the apoptosis of tumor cells, activating the effect of T lymphocytes and releasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines. The integration of BP NPs, MG1655 cells and TRAIL led to an effective tumor therapy. Our work established an approach for the multifunctional antitumor living therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baizhu Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensor Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Xiaoge Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Lili Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Junjie Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, PR China.
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28
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Bethke JH, Ma HR, Tsoi R, Cheng L, Xiao M, You L. Vertical and horizontal gene transfer tradeoffs direct plasmid fitness. Mol Syst Biol 2022; 19:e11300. [PMID: 36573357 PMCID: PMC9912019 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202211300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmid fitness is directed by two orthogonal processes-vertical transfer through cell division and horizontal transfer through conjugation. When considered individually, improvements in either mode of transfer can promote how well a plasmid spreads and persists. Together, however, the metabolic cost of conjugation could create a tradeoff that constrains plasmid evolution. Here, we present evidence for the presence, consequences, and molecular basis of a conjugation-growth tradeoff across 40 plasmids derived from clinical Escherichia coli pathogens. We discover that most plasmids operate below a conjugation efficiency threshold for major growth effects, indicating strong natural selection for vertical transfer. Below this threshold, E. coli demonstrates a remarkable growth tolerance to over four orders of magnitude change in conjugation efficiency. This tolerance fades as nutrients become scarce and horizontal transfer attracts a greater share of host resources. Our results provide insight into evolutionary constraints directing plasmid fitness and strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Bethke
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA
| | - Helena R Ma
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA,Center for Quantitative BiodesignDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA
| | - Ryan Tsoi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA
| | - Li Cheng
- BGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina,School of Biology and Biological EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Minfeng Xiao
- BGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenChina
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA,Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA,Center for Quantitative BiodesignDuke UniversityNCDurhamUSA,School of Biology and Biological EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
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29
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Usai F, Loi G, Scocozza F, Bellato M, Castagliuolo I, Conti M, Pasotti L. Design and biofabrication of bacterial living materials with robust and multiplexed biosensing capabilities. Mater Today Bio 2022; 18:100526. [PMID: 36632629 PMCID: PMC9826803 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The intertwined adoption of synthetic biology and 3D bioprinting has the potential to improve different application fields by fabricating engineered living materials (ELMs) with unnatural genetically-encoded sense & response capabilities. However, efforts are still needed to streamline the fabrication of sensing ELMs compatible with field use and improving their functional complexity. To investigate these two unmet needs, we adopted a workflow to reproducibly construct bacterial ELMs with synthetic biosensing circuits that provide red pigmentation as visible readout in response to different proof-of-concept chemical inducers. We first fabricated single-input/single-output ELMs and we demonstrated their robust performance in terms of longevity (cell viability and evolutionary stability >15 days, and long-term storage >1 month), sensing in harsh, non-sterile or nutrient-free conditions compatible with field use (soil, water, and clinical samples, including real samples from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected patients). Then, we fabricated ELMs including multiple spatially-separated biosensor strains to engineer: level-bar materials detecting molecule concentration ranges, multi-input/multi-output devices with multiplexed sensing and information processing capabilities, and materials with cell-cell communication enabling on-demand pattern formation. Overall, we showed successful field use and multiplexed functioning of reproducibly fabricated ELMs, paving the way to a future automation of the prototyping process and boosting applications of such devices as in-situ monitoring tools or easy-to-use sensing kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Usai
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giada Loi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Franca Scocozza
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellato
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6b, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Ignazio Castagliuolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Conti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy,Corresponding author.
| | - Lorenzo Pasotti
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100, Pavia, Italy,Corresponding author.
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30
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Park H, Schwartzman AF, Tang TC, Wang L, Lu TK. Ultra-lightweight living structural material for enhanced stiffness and environmental sensing. Mater Today Bio 2022; 18:100504. [PMID: 36504543 PMCID: PMC9729073 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural materials such as bone, wood, and bamboo can inspire the fabrication of stiff, lightweight structural materials. Biofilms are one of the most dominant forms of life in nature. However, little is known about their physical properties as a structural material. Here we report an Escherichia coli biofilm having a Young's modulus close to 10 GPa with ultra-low density, indicating a high-performance structural material. The mechanical and structural characterization of the biofilm and its components illuminates its adaptable bottom-up design, consisting of lightweight microscale cells covered by a dense network of amyloid nanofibrils on the surface. We engineered E. coli such that 1) carbon nanotubes assembled on the biofilm, enhancing its stiffness to over 30 GPa, or that 2) the biofilm sensitively detected heavy metal as an example of an environmental toxin. These demonstrations offer new opportunities for developing responsive living structural materials to serve many real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heechul Park
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alan F. Schwartzman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Tzu-Chieh Tang
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Timothy K. Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA,Corresponding author. Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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31
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Birnbaum DP, Vilardi KJ, Anderson CL, Pinto AJ, Joshi NS. Simple Affinity-Based Method for Concentrating Viruses from Wastewater Using Engineered Curli Fibers. ACS ES&T WATER 2022; 2:1836-1843. [PMID: 36778666 PMCID: PMC9916486 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance is a proven method for tracking community spread and prevalence of some infectious viral diseases. A primary concentration step is often used to enrich viral particles from wastewater prior to subsequent viral quantification and/or sequencing. Here, we present a simple procedure for concentrating viruses from wastewater using bacterial biofilm protein nanofibers known as curli fibers. Through simple genetic engineering, we produced curli fibers functionalized with single-domain antibodies (also known as nanobodies) specific for the coat protein of the model virus bacteriophage MS2. Using these modified fibers in a simple spin-down protocol, we demonstrated efficient concentration of MS2 in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and in the wastewater matrix. Additionally, we produced nanobody-functionalized curli fibers capable of binding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, showing the versatility of the system. Our concentration protocol is simple to implement, can be performed quickly under ambient conditions, and requires only components produced through bacterial culture. We believe this technology represents an attractive alternative to existing concentration methods and warrants further research and optimization for field-relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Birnbaum
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Katherine J Vilardi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Christopher L Anderson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ameet J Pinto
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Neel S Joshi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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32
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Improvement of microbial extracellular electron transfer via outer membrane cytochromes expression of engineered bacteria. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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33
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Ohlendorf R, Möglich A. Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1029403. [PMID: 36312534 PMCID: PMC9614035 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ohlendorf
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Möglich,
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34
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Karoń K, Zabłocka-Godlewska E, Krukiewicz K. Recent advances in the design of bacteria-based supercapacitors: Current limitations and future opportunities. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.141068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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35
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A de novo matrix for macroscopic living materials from bacteria. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5544. [PMID: 36130968 PMCID: PMC9492681 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered living materials (ELMs) embed living cells in a biopolymer matrix to create materials with tailored functions. While bottom-up assembly of macroscopic ELMs with a de novo matrix would offer the greatest control over material properties, we lack the ability to genetically encode a protein matrix that leads to collective self-organization. Here we report growth of ELMs from Caulobacter crescentus cells that display and secrete a self-interacting protein. This protein formed a de novo matrix and assembled cells into centimeter-scale ELMs. Discovery of design and assembly principles allowed us to tune the composition, mechanical properties, and catalytic function of these ELMs. This work provides genetic tools, design and assembly rules, and a platform for growing ELMs with control over both matrix and cellular structure and function. Engineered living materials (ELMs) embed living cells in a biopolymer matrix to create novel materials with tailored functions. In this work, the authors engineered bacteria to grow novel macroscopic materials that can be reshaped, functionalized, and used to filter contaminated water while also showing that the stiffness of these materials can be tuned through genetic changes.
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36
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Sønderby TV, Zou Y, Wang P, Wang C, Otzen DE. Molecular-level insights into the surface-induced assembly of functional bacterial amyloid. Biophys J 2022; 121:3422-3434. [PMID: 35982614 PMCID: PMC9515228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein coating material is important in many technological fields. The interaction between carbon nanomaterial and protein is especially interesting since it makes the development of novel hybrid materials possible. Functional bacterial amyloid (FuBA) is promising as a coating material because of its desirable features, such as well-defined molecular structure, robustness against harsh conditions, and easily engineerable functionality. Here, we report the systematic assembly of the functional amyloid protein, CsgA, from Escherichia coli (E. coli) on graphite. We characterize the assemblies using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and show that CsgA forms assemblies according to systematic patterns, dictated by the graphite lattice. In addition, we show that graphite flakes induce the fibrillization of CsgA, in vitro, suggesting a surface-induced conformational change of CsgA facilitated by the graphite lattice. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we model the adhesion and lamellar formation of a CsgA-derived peptide and conclude that peptides are adsorbed both as monomers and smaller aggregates leading initially to unordered graphite-bound aggregates, which are followed by rearrangement into lamellar structures. Finally, we show that CsgA-derived peptides can be immobilized in very systematic assemblies and their molecular orientation can be tuned using a small chaperone-like molecule. Our findings have implications for the development of FuBA-based biosensors, catalysts, and other technologies requiring well-defined protein assemblies on graphite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorbjørn Vincent Sønderby
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; Sino-Danish Center (SDC), Eastern Yanqihu Campus, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Zou
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyu Wang
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Daniel Erik Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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37
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Özkul G, Kehribar EŞ, Ahan RE, Köksaldı İÇ, Özkul A, Dinç B, Aydoğan S, Şeker UÖŞ. A Genetically Engineered Biofilm Material for SARS-CoV-2 Capturing and Isolation. ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES 2022; 9:2201126. [PMID: 36248312 PMCID: PMC9538133 DOI: 10.1002/admi.202201126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is continuously infecting people all around the world since its outbreak in 2019. Studies for numerous infection detection strategies are continuing. The sensitivity of detection methods is crucial to separate people with mild infections from people who are asymptomatic. In this sense, a strategy that would help to capture and isolate the SARS-CoV-2 virus prior to tests can be effective and beneficial. To this extent, genetically engineered biomaterials grounding from the biofilm protein of Escherichia coli are beneficial due to their robustness and adaptability to various application areas. Through functionalizing the E. coli biofilm protein, diverse properties can be attained such as enzyme display, nanoparticle production, and medical implant structures. Here, E. coli species are employed to express major curli protein CsgA and Griffithsin (GRFT) as fusion proteins, through a complex formation using SpyTag and SpyCatcher domains. In this study, a complex system with a CsgA scaffold harboring the affinity of GRFT against Spike protein to capture and isolate SARS-CoV-2 virus is successfully developed. It is shown that the hybrid recombinant protein can dramatically increase the sensitivity of currently available lateral flow assays for Sars-CoV-2 diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökçe Özkul
- UNAM ‐ Institute of Materials Science and NanotechnologyBilkent UniversityAnkara06800Turkey
| | - Ebru Şahin Kehribar
- UNAM ‐ Institute of Materials Science and NanotechnologyBilkent UniversityAnkara06800Turkey
| | - Recep Erdem Ahan
- UNAM ‐ Institute of Materials Science and NanotechnologyBilkent UniversityAnkara06800Turkey
| | - İlkay Çisil Köksaldı
- UNAM ‐ Institute of Materials Science and NanotechnologyBilkent UniversityAnkara06800Turkey
| | - Aykut Özkul
- Department of VirologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAnkara UniversityDışkapıAnkara06110Turkey
| | - Bedia Dinç
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory and Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious DiseasesAnkara Bilkent City HospitalHealth Sciences UniversityAnkara06800Turkey
| | - Sibel Aydoğan
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory and Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious DiseasesAnkara Bilkent City HospitalHealth Sciences UniversityAnkara06800Turkey
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38
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Liu N, Liu J, Wang H, Li S, Zhang WX. Microbes team with nanoscale zero-valent iron: A robust route for degradation of recalcitrant pollutants. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 118:140-146. [PMID: 35305763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Integrating nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) with biological treatment processes holds the promise of inheriting significant advantages from both environmental nano- and bio-technologies. nZVI and microbes can perform in coalition in direct contact and act simultaneously, or be maintained in separate reactors and operated sequentially. Both modes can generate enhanced performance for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. nZVI scavenges and eliminates toxic metals, and enhances biodegradability of some recalcitrant contaminants while bioprocesses serve to mineralize organic compounds and further remove impurities from wastewater. This has been demonstrated in a number of recent works that nZVI can substantially augment the performance of conventional biological treatment for wastewaters from textile and nonferrous metal industries. Our recent laboratory and field tests show that COD of the industrial effluents can be reduced to a record-low of 50 ppm. Recent literature on the theory and applications of the nZVI-bio system is highlighted in this mini review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shaolin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Wei-Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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39
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Matilla-Cuenca L, Taglialegna A, Gil C, Toledo-Arana A, Lasa I, Valle J. Bacterial biofilm functionalization through Bap amyloid engineering. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:62. [PMID: 35909185 PMCID: PMC9339546 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm engineering has emerged as a controllable way to fabricate living structures with programmable functionalities. The amyloidogenic proteins comprising the biofilms can be engineered to create self-assembling extracellular functionalized surfaces. In this regard, facultative amyloids, which play a dual role in biofilm formation by acting as adhesins in their native conformation and as matrix scaffolds when they polymerize into amyloid-like fibrillar structures, are interesting candidates. Here, we report the use of the facultative amyloid-like Bap protein of Staphylococcus aureus as a tool to decorate the extracellular biofilm matrix or the bacterial cell surface with a battery of functional domains or proteins. We demonstrate that the localization of the functional tags can be change by simply modulating the pH of the medium. Using Bap features, we build a tool for trapping and covalent immobilizing molecules at bacterial cell surface or at the biofilm matrix based on the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. Finally, we show that the cell wall of several Gram-positive bacteria could be functionalized through the external addition of the recombinant engineered Bap-amyloid domain. Overall, this work shows a simple and modulable system for biofilm functionalization based on the facultative protein Bap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agustina Taglialegna
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IDAB). CSIC- Gobierno de Navarra, Mutilva, Spain.,The Campus 4 Crinan Street London N1, London, UK
| | - Carmen Gil
- Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Iñigo Lasa
- Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jaione Valle
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IDAB). CSIC- Gobierno de Navarra, Mutilva, Spain.
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40
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Tyrikos-Ergas T, Gim S, Huang JY, Pinzón Martín S, Varón Silva D, Seeberger PH, Delbianco M. Synthetic phosphoethanolamine-modified oligosaccharides reveal the importance of glycan length and substitution in biofilm-inspired assemblies. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3954. [PMID: 35804023 PMCID: PMC9270332 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm matrices are nanocomposites of proteins and polysaccharides with remarkable mechanical properties. Efforts understanding and tuning the protein component have been extensive, whereas the polysaccharide part remained mostly overlooked. The discovery of phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) modified cellulose in E. coli biofilms revealed that polysaccharide functionalization alters the biofilm properties. To date, the pattern of pEtN cellulose and its mode of interactions with proteins remains elusive. Herein, we report a model system based on synthetic epitomes to explore the role of pEtN in biofilm-inspired assemblies. Nine pEtN-modified oligosaccharides were synthesized with full control over the length, degree and pattern of pEtN substitution. The oligomers were co-assembled with a representative peptide, triggering the formation of fibers in a length dependent manner. We discovered that the pEtN pattern modulates the adhesion of biofilm-inspired matrices, while the peptide component controls its stiffness. Unnatural oligosaccharides tune or disrupt the assembly morphology, revealing interesting targets for polysaccharide engineering to develop tunable bio-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Tyrikos-Ergas
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soeun Gim
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jhih-Yi Huang
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Pinzón Martín
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Varón Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Peter H Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Delbianco
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
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41
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Shi Y, Chen T, Shaw P, Wang PY. Manipulating Bacterial Biofilms Using Materiobiology and Synthetic Biology Approaches. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:844997. [PMID: 35875573 PMCID: PMC9301480 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.844997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria form biofilms on material surfaces within hours. Biofilms are often considered problematic substances in the fields such as biomedical devices and the food industry; however, they are beneficial in other fields such as fermentation, water remediation, and civil engineering. Biofilm properties depend on their genome and the extracellular environment, including pH, shear stress, and matrices topography, stiffness, wettability, and charges during biofilm formation. These surface properties have feedback effects on biofilm formation at different stages. Due to emerging technology such as synthetic biology and genome editing, many studies have focused on functionalizing biofilm for specific applications. Nevertheless, few studies combine these two approaches to produce or modify biofilms. This review summarizes up-to-date materials science and synthetic biology approaches to controlling biofilms. The review proposed a potential research direction in the future that can gain better control of bacteria and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shi
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingli Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Shaw
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer’s Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Cellular Immunomodulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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42
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Liu X, Inda ME, Lai Y, Lu TK, Zhao X. Engineered Living Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201326. [PMID: 35243704 PMCID: PMC9250645 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Living biological systems, ranging from single cells to whole organisms, can sense, process information, and actuate in response to changing environmental conditions. Inspired by living biological systems, engineered living cells and nonliving matrices are brought together, which gives rise to the technology of engineered living materials. By designing the functionalities of living cells and the structures of nonliving matrices, engineered living materials can be created to detect variability in the surrounding environment and to adjust their functions accordingly, thereby enabling applications in health monitoring, disease treatment, and environmental remediation. Hydrogels, a class of soft, wet, and biocompatible materials, have been widely used as matrices for engineered living cells, leading to the nascent field of engineered living hydrogels. Here, the interactions between hydrogel matrices and engineered living cells are described, focusing on how hydrogels influence cell behaviors and how cells affect hydrogel properties. The interactions between engineered living hydrogels and their environments, and how these interactions enable versatile applications, are also discussed. Finally, current challenges facing the field of engineered living hydrogels for their applications in clinical and environmental settings are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Maria Eugenia Inda
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yong Lai
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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43
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Guan Y, Chen X, Shao B, Ji X, Xiang Y, Jiang G, Xu L, Lin Z, Ouyang Q, Lou C. Mitigating Host Burden of Genetic Circuits by Engineering Autonegatively Regulated Parts and Improving Functional Prediction. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2361-2371. [PMID: 35772024 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mitigating unintended interferences between circuits and host cells is key to realize applications of synthetic regulatory systems both for bacteria and mammalian cells. Here, we demonstrated that growth burden and circuit dysregulation occurred in a concentration-dependent manner for specific transcription factors (CymR*/CymR) in E.coli, and direct negative feedback modules were able to control the concentration of CymR*/CymR, mitigate growth burden, and restore circuit functions. A quantitative design scheme was developed for circuits embedded with autorepression modules. Four key parameters were theoretically identified to determine the performance of autoregulated switches and were experimentally modified by fine-tuning promoter architectures and cooperativity. Using this strategy, we synthesized a number of switches and demonstrated its improvement of product titers and host growth controlling the complex deoxyviolacein biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, we restored functions of a dysregulated multilayer NOR gate by integrating autorepression modules. Our work provides a blueprint for engineering host-adaptable synthetic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China.,Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinmao Chen
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bin Shao
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiangyu Ji
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100149, China
| | - Yanhui Xiang
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guoqiang Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lina Xu
- National Protein Science Facility, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhanglin Lin
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qi Ouyang
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunbo Lou
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100149, China
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44
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Zhao F, Chavez MS, Naughton KL, Niman CM, Atkinson JT, Gralnick JA, El-Naggar MY, Boedicker JQ. Light-Induced Patterning of Electroactive Bacterial Biofilms. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2327-2338. [PMID: 35731987 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electroactive bacterial biofilms can function as living biomaterials that merge the functionality of living cells with electronic components. However, the development of such advanced living electronics has been challenged by the inability to control the geometry of electroactive biofilms relative to solid-state electrodes. Here, we developed a lithographic strategy to pattern conductive biofilms of Shewanella oneidensis by controlling aggregation protein CdrAB expression with a blue light-induced genetic circuit. This controlled deposition enabled S. oneidensis biofilm patterning on transparent electrode surfaces, and electrochemical measurements allowed us to both demonstrate tunable conduction dependent on pattern size and quantify the intrinsic conductivity of the living biofilms. The intrinsic biofilm conductivity measurements enabled us to experimentally confirm predictions based on simulations of a recently proposed collision-exchange electron transport mechanism. Overall, we developed a facile technique for controlling electroactive biofilm formation on electrodes, with implications for both studying and harnessing bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjie Zhao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Marko S Chavez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Kyle L Naughton
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Christina M Niman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Joshua T Atkinson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Gralnick
- BioTechnology Institute and Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Mohamed Y El-Naggar
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - James Q Boedicker
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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45
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Lu J, Şimşek E, Silver A, You L. Advances and challenges in programming pattern formation using living cells. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 68:102147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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46
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Truong VX, Bachmann J, Unterreiner AN, Blinco JP, Barner-Kowollik C. Wavelength-Orthogonal Stiffening of Hydrogel Networks with Visible Light. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202113076. [PMID: 35029002 PMCID: PMC9305448 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we introduce the wavelength‐orthogonal crosslinking of hydrogel networks using two red‐shifted chromophores, i.e. acrylpyerene (AP, λactivation=410–490 nm) and styrylpyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine (SPP, λactivation=400–550 nm), able to undergo [2+2] photocycloaddition in the visible‐light regime. The photoreactivity of the SPP moiety is pH‐dependent, whereby an acidic environment inhibits the cycloaddition. By employing a spiropyran‐based photoacid generator with suitable absorption wavelength, we are able to restrict the activation wavelength of the SPP moiety to the green light region (λactivation=520–550 nm), enabling wavelength‐orthogonal activation of the AP group. Our wavelength‐orthogonal photochemical system was successfully applied in the design of hydrogels whose stiffness can be tuned independently by either green or blue light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh X Truong
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Julian Bachmann
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.,Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas-Neil Unterreiner
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - James P Blinco
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Christopher Barner-Kowollik
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.,Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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47
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Tseng CP, Liu F, Zhang X, Huang PC, Campbell I, Li Y, Atkinson JT, Terlier T, Ajo-Franklin CM, Silberg JJ, Verduzco R. Solution-Deposited and Patternable Conductive Polymer Thin-Film Electrodes for Microbial Bioelectronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109442. [PMID: 35088918 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial bioelectronic devices integrate naturally occurring or synthetically engineered electroactive microbes with microelectronics. These devices have a broad range of potential applications, but engineering the biotic-abiotic interface for biocompatibility, adhesion, electron transfer, and maximum surface area remains a challenge. Prior approaches to interface modification lack simple processability, the ability to pattern the materials, and/or a significant enhancement in currents. Here, a novel conductive polymer coating that significantly enhances current densities relative to unmodified electrodes in microbial bioelectronics is reported. The coating is based on a blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) crosslinked with poly(2-hydroxyethylacrylate) (PHEA) along with a thin polydopamine (PDA) layer for adhesion to an underlying indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. When used as an interface layer with the current-producing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, this material produces a 178-fold increase in the current density compared to unmodified electrodes, a current gain that is higher than previously reported thin-film 2D coatings and 3D conductive polymer coatings. The chemistry, morphology, and electronic properties of the coatings are characterized and the implementation of these coated electrodes for use in microbial fuel cells, multiplexed bioelectronic devices, and organic electrochemical transistor based microbial sensors are demonstrated. It is envisioned that this simple coating will advance the development of microbial bioelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ping Tseng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Fangxin Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Po-Chun Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Ian Campbell
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Yilin Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Joshua T Atkinson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Tanguy Terlier
- SIMS Laboratory, Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | | | | | - Rafael Verduzco
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
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48
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McBee RM, Lucht M, Mukhitov N, Richardson M, Srinivasan T, Meng D, Chen H, Kaufman A, Reitman M, Munck C, Schaak D, Voigt C, Wang HH. Engineering living and regenerative fungal-bacterial biocomposite structures. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:471-478. [PMID: 34857911 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-021-01123-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Engineered living materials could have the capacity to self-repair and self-replicate, sense local and distant disturbances in their environment, and respond with functionalities for reporting, actuation or remediation. However, few engineered living materials are capable of both responsivity and use in macroscopic structures. Here we describe the development, characterization and engineering of a fungal-bacterial biocomposite grown on lignocellulosic feedstocks that can form mouldable, foldable and regenerative living structures. We have developed strategies to make human-scale biocomposite structures using mould-based and origami-inspired growth and assembly paradigms. Microbiome profiling of the biocomposite over multiple generations enabled the identification of a dominant bacterial component, Pantoea agglomerans, which was further isolated and developed into a new chassis. We introduced engineered P. agglomerans into native feedstocks to yield living blocks with new biosynthetic and sensing-reporting capabilities. Bioprospecting the native microbiota to develop engineerable chassis constitutes an important strategy to facilitate the development of living biomaterials with new properties and functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross M McBee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nikita Mukhitov
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Miles Richardson
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tarun Srinivasan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dechuan Meng
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haorong Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Kaufman
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Christian Munck
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Christopher Voigt
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Harris H Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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49
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Li F, Ye L, Zhang L, Li X, Liu X, Zhu J, Li H, Pang H, Yan Y, Xu L, Yang M, Yan J. Design of a genetically programmed barnacle-curli inspired living-cell bioadhesive. Mater Today Bio 2022; 14:100256. [PMID: 35469253 PMCID: PMC9034392 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, barnacles and bacterial biofilms utilize self-assembly amyloid to achieve strong and robust interface adhesion. However, there is still a lack of sufficient research on the construction of macroscopic adhesives based on amyloid-like nanostructures through reasonable molecular design. Here, we report a genetically programmed self-assembly living-cell bioadhesive inspired by barnacle and curli system. Firstly, the encoding genes of two natural adhesion proteins (CsgA and cp19k) derived from E. coli curli and barnacle cement were fused and expressed as a fundamental building block of the bioadhesive. Utilizing the natural curli system of E. coli, fusion protein can be delivered to cell surface and self-assemble into an amyloid nanofibrous network. Then, the E. coli cells were incorporated into the molecular chain network of xanthan gum (XG) through covalent conjugation to produce a living-cell bioadhesive. The shear adhesive strength of the bioadhesive to the surface of the aluminum sheet reaches 278 kPa. Benefiting from living cells encapsulated inside, the bioadhesive can self-regenerate with adequate nutrients. This adhesive has low toxicity to organisms, strong resistance to the liquid environment in vivo, easy to pump, exhibiting potential application prospects in biomedical fields such as intestinal soft tissue repair.
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50
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Song H, Wang Y, Dong W, Chen Q, Sun H, Peng H, Li R, Chang Y, Luo H. Effect of SpyTag/SpyCatcher cyclization on stability and refolding of green fluorescent protein. Biotechnol Lett 2022; 44:613-621. [PMID: 35359178 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-022-03246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To study the effect of SpyTag/SpyCatcher cyclization on stability and refolding of protein, we constructed a cyclized green fluorescent protein (SRGFP) and its derivative to act as a linear structure control (L-SRGFP). SRGFP and L-SRGFP showed similar fluorescence characteristics to the wild-type GFP, while compared with GFP and L-SRGFP, the thermal stability and denaturation resistance of SRGFP were improved. The refolding efficiencies of these three denatured proteins were investigated under different pH, temperature and initial protein concentration conditions, and it was found that SRGFP was superior to GFP and L-SRGFP in terms of refolding yield and refolding speed. In the pH range of 8.0-8.5, SRGFP could basically recover all fluorescence, while GFP and L-SRGFP recovered only about 87.52% and 88.58%. When refolded at a high temperature (37 °C), SRGFP still recovered 85.27% of the fluorescence, whereas GFP and L-SRGFP recovered only around 69.43% and 68.45%. At a high initial protein concentration (5 mg/mL), the refolding yield of SRGFP was about 15% higher than that of both GFP and L-SRGFP. These results suggest that the introduction of SpyRing structure (head-to-tail cyclization via SpyTag and SpyCatcher) improved the protein's stability and facilitated the refolding of denatured protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Song
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wenge Dong
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongxu Sun
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ren Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yanhong Chang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
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