1
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Holkar A, Gao S, Villaseñor K, Lake M, Srivastava S. Quantitative turbidimetric characterization of stabilized complex coacervate dispersions. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5060-5070. [PMID: 38743276 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01761c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Stabilizing complex coacervate microdroplets is desirable due to their various applications, such as bioreactors, drug delivery vehicles, and encapsulants. Here, we present quantitative characterization of complex coacervate dispersion stability inferred by turbidimetry measurements. The stability of the dispersions is shown to be modulated by the concentrations of comb polyelectrolyte (cPE) stabilizers and salt. We demonstrate cPEs as effective stabilizers for complex coacervate dispersions independent of the chemistry or length of the constituent polyelectrolytes, salts, or preparation routes. By monitoring the temporal evolution of dispersion turbidity, we show that cPEs suppress microdroplet coalescence with minimal change in microdroplet sizes over 48 hours, even at salt concentrations up to 300 mM. The number density and average microdroplet size are shown to be controlled by varying the cPE and salt concentrations. Lastly, turbidity maps, akin to binodal phase maps, depict an expansion of the turbid two-phase region and an increase in the salt resistance of the coacervates upon the introduction of cPEs. The coacervate salt resistance is shown to increase by >3×, and this increase is maintained for up to 15 days, demonstrating that cPEs impart higher salt resistance over extended durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Advait Holkar
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Shang Gao
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Kathleen Villaseñor
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Michael Lake
- NSF BioPACIFIC MIP, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Samanvaya Srivastava
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- NSF BioPACIFIC MIP, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Institute for Carbon Management, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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2
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Wan L, Zhu Y, Zhang W, Mu W. Recent advances in design and application of synthetic membraneless organelles. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108355. [PMID: 38588907 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108355] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) have been extensively studied due to their spatiotemporal control of biochemical and cellular processes in living cells. These findings have provided valuable insights into the physicochemical principles underlying the formation and functionalization of biomolecular condensates, which paves the way for the development of versatile phase-separating systems capable of addressing a variety of application scenarios. Here, we highlight the potential of constructing synthetic MLOs with programmable and functional properties. Notably, we organize how these synthetic membraneless compartments have been capitalized to manipulate enzymatic activities and metabolic reactions. The aim of this review is to inspire readerships to deeply comprehend the widespread roles of synthetic MLOs in the regulation enzymatic reactions and control of metabolic processes, and to encourage the rational design of controllable and functional membraneless compartments for a broad range of bioengineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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3
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van Veldhuisen TW, Verwiel MAM, Novosedlik S, Brunsveld L, van Hest JCM. Competitive protein recruitment in artificial cells. Commun Chem 2024; 7:148. [PMID: 38942913 PMCID: PMC11213860 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Living cells can modulate their response to environmental cues by changing their sensitivities for molecular signals. Artificial cells are promising model platforms to study intercellular communication, but populations with such differentiated behavior remain underexplored. Here, we show the affinity-regulated exchange of proteins in distinct populations of coacervate-based artificial cells via protein-protein interactions (PPI) of the hub protein 14-3-3. By loading different coacervates with different isoforms of 14-3-3, featuring varying PPI affinities, a client peptide is directed to the more strongly recruiting coacervates. By switching affinity of client proteins through phosphorylation, weaker binding partners can be outcompeted for their 14-3-3 binding, inducing their release from artificial cells. Combined, a communication system between coacervates is constructed, which leads to the transport of client proteins from strongly recruiting coacervates to weakly recruiting ones. The results demonstrate that affinity engineering and competitive binding can provide directed protein uptake and exchange between artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs W van Veldhuisen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Madelief A M Verwiel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Novosedlik
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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4
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Ou X, Tang Z, Ye Y, Chen X, Huang Y. Macromolecular Crowding Effect on Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid Complexation and the Activity of Encapsulated Catalase. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3840-3849. [PMID: 38801711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The associative phase separation of charged biomacromolecules plays a key role in many biophysical events that take place in crowded intracellular environments. Such natural polyelectrolyte complexation and phase separation often occur at nonstoichiometric charge ratios with the incorporation of bioactive proteins, which is not studied as extensively as those complexations at stoichiometric ratios. In this work, we investigated how the addition of a crowding agent (polyethylene glycol, PEG) affected the complexation between chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA), especially at nonstoichiometric ratios, and the encapsulation of enzyme (catalase, CAT) by the colloidal complexes. The crowded environment promoted colloidal phase separation at low charge ratios, forming complexes with increased colloidal and dissolution stability, which resulted in a smaller size and polydispersity (PDI). The binding isotherms revealed that the addition of PEG greatly enhanced the ion-pairing strength (with increased ion-pairing equilibrium constant Ka from 4.92 × 104 without PEG to 1.08 × 106 with 200 g/L PEG) and switched the coacervation from endothermic to exothermic, which explained the promoted complexation and phase separation. At the stoichiometric charge ratio, the enhanced CS-HA interaction in crowded media generated a more solid-like coacervate phase with a denser network, slower chain relaxation, and higher modulus. Moreover, both crowding and complex encapsulation enhanced the activity and catalytic efficiency of CAT, represented by a 2-fold increase in catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) under 100 g/L PEG crowding and CS-HA complex encapsulation. This is likely due to the lower polarity in the microenvironment surrounding the enzyme molecules. By a systematic investigation of both nonstoichiometric and stoichiometric charge ratios under macromolecular crowding, this work provided new insights into the complexation between natural polyelectrolytes in a scenario closer to an intracellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiatong Ou
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Xueyuan Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Ziyao Tang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Xueyuan Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yanqi Ye
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Xueyuan Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaochao Chen
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Xueyuan Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
- Chuanhua Kechuang Building, Ningwei Street, Xiaoshan District, Zhejiang Novofacies Biotech Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, No.2 Xueyuan Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
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Westensee IN, Paffen LJMM, Pendlmayr S, De Dios Andres P, Ramos Docampo MA, Städler B. Artificial Cells and HepG2 Cells in 3D-Bioprinted Arrangements. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303699. [PMID: 38277695 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303699] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial cells are engineered units with cell-like functions for different purposes including acting as supportive elements for mammalian cells. Artificial cells with minimal liver-like function are made of alginate and equipped with metalloporphyrins that mimic the enzyme activity of a member of the cytochrome P450 family namely CYP1A2. The artificial cells are employed to enhance the dealkylation activity within 3D bioprinted structures composed of HepG2 cells and these artificial cells. This enhancement is monitored through the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether to resorufin. HepG2 cell aggregates are 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink, resulting in the successful proliferation of the HepG2 cells. The composite ink made of an alginate/gelatin liquid phase with an increasing amount of artificial cells is characterized. The CYP1A2-like activity of artificial cells is preserved over at least 35 days, where 6 nM resorufin is produced in 8 h. Composite inks made of artificial cells and HepG2 cell aggregates in a liquid phase are used for 3D bioprinting. The HepG2 cells proliferate over 35 days, and the structure has boosted CYP1A2 activity. The integration of artificial cells and their living counterparts into larger 3D semi-synthetic tissues is a step towards exploring bottom-up synthetic biology in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella N Westensee
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Lars J M M Paffen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Stefan Pendlmayr
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Paula De Dios Andres
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Miguel A Ramos Docampo
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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6
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Naz M, Zhang L, Chen C, Yang S, Dou H, Mann S, Li J. Self-assembly of stabilized droplets from liquid-liquid phase separation for higher-order structures and functions. Commun Chem 2024; 7:79. [PMID: 38594355 PMCID: PMC11004187 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic microscale droplets produced by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) have emerged as appealing biomaterials due to their remarkable features. However, the instability of droplets limits the construction of population-level structures with collective behaviors. Here we first provide a brief background of droplets in the context of materials properties. Subsequently, we discuss current strategies for stabilizing droplets including physical separation and chemical modulation. We also discuss the recent development of LLPS droplets for various applications such as synthetic cells and biomedical materials. Finally, we give insights on how stabilized droplets can self-assemble into higher-order structures displaying coordinated functions to fully exploit their potentials in bottom-up synthetic biology and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Naz
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chong Chen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Stephen Mann
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Jianwei Li
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, Turku, 20520, Finland.
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Abeysinghe AADT, Young EJ, Rowland AT, Dunshee LC, Urandur S, Sullivan MO, Kerfeld CA, Keating CD. Interfacial Assembly of Bacterial Microcompartment Shell Proteins in Aqueous Multiphase Systems. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308390. [PMID: 38037673 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308390] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Compartments are a fundamental feature of life, based variously on lipid membranes, protein shells, or biopolymer phase separation. Here, this combines self-assembling bacterial microcompartment (BMC) shell proteins and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to develop new forms of compartmentalization. It is found that BMC shell proteins assemble at the liquid-liquid interfaces between either 1) the dextran-rich droplets and PEG-rich continuous phase of a poly(ethyleneglycol)(PEG)/dextran aqueous two-phase system, or 2) the polypeptide-rich coacervate droplets and continuous dilute phase of a polylysine/polyaspartate complex coacervate system. Interfacial protein assemblies in the coacervate system are sensitive to the ratio of cationic to anionic polypeptides, consistent with electrostatically-driven assembly. In both systems, interfacial protein assembly competes with aggregation, with protein concentration and polycation availability impacting coating. These two LLPS systems are then combined to form a three-phase system wherein coacervate droplets are contained within dextran-rich phase droplets. Interfacial localization of BMC hexameric shell proteins is tunable in a three-phase system by changing the polyelectrolyte charge ratio. The tens-of-micron scale BMC shell protein-coated droplets introduced here can accommodate bioactive cargo such as enzymes or RNA and represent a new synthetic cell strategy for organizing biomimetic functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric J Young
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Andrew T Rowland
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16801, USA
| | - Lucas C Dunshee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Sandeep Urandur
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Cheryl A Kerfeld
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16801, USA
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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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9
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Cao S, Ivanov T, Heuer J, Ferguson CTJ, Landfester K, Caire da Silva L. Dipeptide coacervates as artificial membraneless organelles for bioorthogonal catalysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:39. [PMID: 38169470 PMCID: PMC10761997 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial organelles can manipulate cellular functions and introduce non-biological processes into cells. Coacervate droplets have emerged as a close analog of membraneless cellular organelles. Their biomimetic properties, such as molecular crowding and selective partitioning, make them promising components for designing cell-like materials. However, their use as artificial organelles has been limited by their complex molecular structure, limited control over internal microenvironment properties, and inherent colloidal instability. Here we report the design of dipeptide coacervates that exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and a hydrophobic microenvironment. The hydrophobic character facilitates the encapsulation of hydrophobic species, including transition metal-based catalysts, enhancing their efficiency in aqueous environments. Dipeptide coacervates carrying a metal-based catalyst are incorporated as active artificial organelles in cells and trigger an internal non-biological chemical reaction. The development of coacervates with a hydrophobic microenvironment opens an alternative avenue in the field of biomimetic materials with applications in catalysis and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julian Heuer
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Calum T J Ferguson
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0B8, Canada.
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10
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Wang J, Abbas M, Wang J, Spruijt E. Selective amide bond formation in redox-active coacervate protocells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8492. [PMID: 38129391 PMCID: PMC10739716 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44284-x] [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: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Coacervate droplets are promising protocell models because they sequester a wide range of guest molecules and may catalyze their conversion. However, it remains unclear how life's building blocks, including peptides, could be synthesized from primitive precursor molecules inside such protocells. Here, we develop a redox-active protocell model formed by phase separation of prebiotically relevant ferricyanide (Fe(CN)63-) molecules and cationic peptides. Their assembly into coacervates can be regulated by redox chemistry and the coacervates act as oxidizing hubs for sequestered metabolites, like NAD(P)H and gluthathione. Interestingly, the oxidizing potential of Fe(CN)63- inside coacervates can be harnessed to drive the formation of new amide bonds between prebiotically relevant amino acids and α-amidothioacids. Aminoacylation is enhanced in Fe(CN)63-/peptide coacervates and selective for amino acids that interact less strongly with the coacervates. We finally use Fe(CN)63--containing coacervates to spatially control assembly of fibrous networks inside and at the surface of coacervate protocells. These results provide an important step towards the prebiotically relevant integration of redox chemistry in primitive cell-like compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Wang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Manzar Abbas
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Junyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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11
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Wang K, Liu J. Coacervate Microdroplets as Synthetic Protocells for Cell Mimicking and Signaling Communications. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300042. [PMID: 36908048 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300042] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic protocells are minimal systems that mimic certain properties of natural cells and are used to research the emergence of life from a nonliving chemical network. Currently, coacervate microdroplets, which are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, are receiving wide attention in the context of cell biology and protocell research; these microdroplets are notable because they can provide liquid-like compartment structures for biochemical reactions by creating highly macromolecular crowded local environments. In this review, an overview of recent research on the formation of coacervate microdroplets through phase separation; the design of coacervate-based stimuli-responsive protocells, multichamber protocells, and membranized protocells; and their cell mimic behaviors, is provided. The simplified protocell models with precisely defined and tunable compositions advance the understanding of the requirements for cellular structure and function. Efforts are then discussed to establish signal communication systems in protocell and protocell consortia, as communication is a fundamental feature of life that coordinates matter exchanges and energy fluxes dynamically in space and time. Finally, some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic protocell research in biomimetic science and biomedical applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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12
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Lin Z, Beneyton T, Baret JC, Martin N. Coacervate Droplets for Synthetic Cells. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300496. [PMID: 37462244 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The design and construction of synthetic cells - human-made microcompartments that mimic features of living cells - have experienced a real boom in the past decade. While many efforts have been geared toward assembling membrane-bounded compartments, coacervate droplets produced by liquid-liquid phase separation have emerged as an alternative membrane-free compartmentalization paradigm. Here, the dual role of coacervate droplets in synthetic cell research is discussed: encapsulated within membrane-enclosed compartments, coacervates act as surrogates of membraneless organelles ubiquitously found in living cells; alternatively, they can be viewed as crowded cytosol-like chassis for constructing integrated synthetic cells. After introducing key concepts of coacervation and illustrating the chemical diversity of coacervate systems, their physicochemical properties and resulting bioinspired functions are emphasized. Moving from suspensions of free floating coacervates, the two nascent roles of these droplets in synthetic cell research are highlighted: organelle-like modules and cytosol-like templates. Building the discussion on recent studies from the literature, the potential of coacervate droplets to assemble integrated synthetic cells capable of multiple life-inspired functions is showcased. Future challenges that are still to be tackled in the field are finally discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Lin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Thomas Beneyton
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Baret
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Nicolas Martin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
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13
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Fedorov D, Roas-Escalona N, Tolmachev D, Harmat AL, Scacchi A, Sammalkorpi M, Aranko AS, Linder MB. Triblock Proteins with Weakly Dimerizing Terminal Blocks and an Intrinsically Disordered Region for Rational Design of Condensate Properties. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2306817. [PMID: 37964343 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Condensates are molecular assemblies that are formed through liquid-liquid phase separation and play important roles in many biological processes. The rational design of condensate formation and their properties is central to applications, such as biosynthetic materials, synthetic biology, and for understanding cell biology. Protein engineering is used to make a triblock structure with varying terminal blocks of folded proteins on both sides of an intrinsically disordered mid-region. Dissociation constants are determined in the range of micromolar to millimolar for a set of proteins suitable for use as terminal blocks. Varying the weak dimerization of terminal blocks leads to an adjustable tendency for condensate formation while keeping the intrinsically disordered region constant. The dissociation constants of the terminal domains correlate directly with the tendency to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. Differences in physical properties, such as diffusion rate are not directly correlated with the strength of dimerization but can be understood from the properties and interplay of the constituent blocks. The work demonstrates the importance of weak interactions in condensate formation and shows a principle for protein design that will help in fabricating functional condensates in a predictable and rational way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Fedorov
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Nelmary Roas-Escalona
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Dmitry Tolmachev
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Adam L Harmat
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Alberto Scacchi
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 11000, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Maria Sammalkorpi
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - A Sesilja Aranko
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Markus B Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
- Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, Aalto, FI-00076, Finland
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14
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Ivanov T, Cao S, Bohra N, de Souza Melchiors M, Caire da Silva L, Landfester K. Polymeric Microreactors with pH-Controlled Spatial Localization of Cascade Reactions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:50755-50764. [PMID: 37903081 PMCID: PMC10636718 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Lipid and polymer vesicles provide versatile means of creating systems that mimic the architecture of cells. However, these constructs cannot mimic the adaptive compartmentalization observed in cells, where the assembly and disassembly of subcompartments are dynamically modulated by environmental cues. Here, we describe a fully polymeric microreactor with a coacervate-in-vesicle architecture that exhibits an adaptive response to pH. The system was fabricated by microfluidic generation of semipermeable biomimetic polymer vesicles within 1 min using oleyl alcohol as the oil phase. The polymersomes allowed for the diffusion of protons and substrates acting as external signals. Using this method, we were able to construct adaptive microreactors containing internal polyelectrolyte-based catalytic organelles capable of sequestering and localizing enzymes and reaction products in a dynamic process driven by an external stimulus. This approach provides a platform for the rapid and efficient construction of robust adaptive microreactors that can be used in catalysis, biosensing, and cell mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nitin Bohra
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marina de Souza Melchiors
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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15
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Hao R, Zhang M, Tian D, Lei F, Qin Z, Wu T, Yang H. Bottom-Up Synthesis of Multicompartmentalized Microreactors for Continuous Flow Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20319-20327. [PMID: 37676729 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of biomimetic multicompartmentalized microreactors for use in continuous flow catalysis remains a grand challenge because of the structural instability or the absence of liquid microenvironments to host biocatalysts in the existing systems. Here, we address this challenge using a strategy that combines stepwise Pickering emulsification with interface-confined cross-linking. Our strategy allows for the fabrication of robust multicompartmentalized liquid-containing microreactors (MLMs), whose interior architectures can be exquisitely tuned in a bottom-up fashion. With this strategy, enzymes and metal catalysts can be separately confined in distinct subcompartments of MLMs for processing biocatalysis or chemo-enzymatic cascade reactions. As exemplified by the enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic alcohols, our systems exhibit a durability of 2000 h with 99% enantioselectivity. Another Pd-enzyme-cocatalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of amines further demonstrates the versatility and long-term operational stability of our MLMs in continuous flow cascade catalysis. This study opens up a new way to design efficient biomimetic multicompartmental microreactors for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Hao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Value-added Chemicals Green Catalysis Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Value-added Chemicals Green Catalysis Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Danping Tian
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Value-added Chemicals Green Catalysis Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Fu Lei
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Value-added Chemicals Green Catalysis Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Zhiqin Qin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Value-added Chemicals Green Catalysis Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Tao Wu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hengquan Yang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Value-added Chemicals Green Catalysis Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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16
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Ji Y, Lin Y, Qiao Y. Plant Cell-Inspired Membranization of Coacervate Protocells with a Structured Polysaccharide Layer. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37267599 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The design of compartmentalized colloids that exhibit biomimetic properties is providing model systems for developing synthetic cell-like entities (protocells). Inspired by the cell walls in plant cells, we developed a method to prepare membranized coacervates as protocell models by coating membraneless liquid-like microdroplets with a protective layer of rigid polysaccharides. Membranization not only endowed colloidal stability and prevented aggregation and coalescence but also facilitated selective biomolecule sequestration and chemical exchange across the membrane. The polysaccharide wall surrounding coacervate protocells acted as a stimuli-responsive structural barrier that enabled enzyme-triggered membrane lysis to initiate internalization and killing of Escherichia coli. The membranized coacervates were capable of spatial organization into structured tissue-like protocell assemblages, offering a means to mimic metabolism and cell-to-cell communication. We envision that surface engineering of protocells as developed in this work generates a platform for constructing advanced synthetic cell mimetics and sophisticated cell-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanglimin Ji
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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17
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Singh S, Mukherjee TK. Coacervate-Based Plexcitonic Assembly toward Peroxidase-like Activity and Ultrasensitive Glucose Sensing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37200240 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c02863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Inbuilt catalytic centers anchored inside the confined architecture of artificial nanoreactors have gained tremendous attention owing to their vast applicability in various catalytic transformations. However, designing homogeneously distributed catalytic units with exposed surfaces in confined environment is a challenging task. Here, we have utilized quantum dot (QD)-embedded coacervate droplets (QD-Ds) as a confined compartment for the in situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) without any additional reducing agent. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images reveal homogeneous distribution of 5.6 ± 0.2 nm-sized Au NPs inside the QD-Ds (Au@QD-Ds). The in situ synthesized Au NPs are found to be stable over a period of 28 days without any agglomeration. Control experiments reveal that the free surface carboxylic acid groups of embedded QDs simultaneously act as reducing and stabilizing agents for Au NPs. Notably, these Au@QD-Ds exhibit superior peroxidase-like activity compared to bulk aqueous Au NPs and Au@QDs under similar experimental conditions. The observed peroxidase-like activity follows the classical Michaelis-Menten model inside the Au@QD-Ds via the fast electron-transfer pathway. The enhanced peroxidase-like activity has been explained by considering confinement, mass action, and the ligand-free surface of embedded Au NPs. The present plexcitonic nanocomposites exhibit excellent recyclability over several consecutive cycles without any compromise in their catalytic activity. Finally, a cascade reaction with glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded Au@QD-Ds have been utilized for colorimetric detection of glucose with a limit of detection of 272 nM in solution as well as on filter paper. The present work highlights a facile and robust methodology for the fabrication of optically active functional hybrid plexcitonic assemblies and may find importance in various fields including bioanalytical chemistry and optoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivendra Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, M.P., India
| | - Tushar Kanti Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, M.P., India
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18
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Wang X, Huang Y, Ren Y, Wang S, Li J, Lin Y, Chen H, Wang L, Huang X. Biotic communities inspired proteinosome-based aggregation for enhancing utilization rate of enzyme. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 635:456-465. [PMID: 36599243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.132] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Compared with the individuals, the collective behavior of biotic communities could show certain superior characteristics. Inspired by this idea and based on the conjugation between phenylboronic acid-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles and the polysaccharide functionalized membrane of proteinosomes, a type of proteinosomes-based aggregations was constructed. We demonstrated the emergent characteristics of proteinosomes aggregations including accelerated settling velocity and population surviving by sacrificing outside members for the inside. Moreover, this kind of "hand in hand" architecture provided the proteinosomes aggregations with the characteristic of resistance to the negative pressure phagocytosis of micropipette, as well as enhancing utilization rate of the encapsulated enzymes. Overall, it is anticipated that the construction and application of proteinosomes aggregations could contribute to advance the functionality of life-like assembled biomaterial in another way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yan Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yu Ren
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shengliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Junbo Li
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Youping Lin
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
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19
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Chowdhuri S, Das S, Kushwaha R, Das T, Das BK, Das D. Cumulative Effect of pH and Redox Triggers on Highly Adaptive Transient Coacervates. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203820. [PMID: 36786201 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
An intricate synergism between multiple biochemical processes and physical conditions determines the formation and function of various biological self-assemblies. Thus, a complex set of variables dictate the far-from-equilibrium nature of these biological assemblies. Mimicking such systems synthetically is a challenging task. We report multi-stimuli responsive transient coacervation of an aldehyde-appended polymer and a short peptide. The coacervates are formed by the disulphide linkages between the peptide molecules and the imine bond between the polymer and the peptide. Imines are susceptible to pH changes and the disulphide bonds can be tuned by oxidation/reduction processes. Thus, the coacervation is operational only under the combined effect of appropriate pH and oxidative conditions. Taking advantage of these facts, the coacervates are transiently formed under a pH cycle (urea-urease/gluconolactone) and a non-equilibrium redox cycle (TCEP/H2 O2 ). Importantly, the system showed high adaptability toward environmental changes. The transient existence of the coacervates can be generated without any apparent change in size and shape within the same system through the sequential application of the above-mentioned nonequilibrium reaction cycles. Additionally, the coacervation allows for efficient encapsulation/stabilisation of proteins. Thus, the system has the potential to be used for protein/drug delivery purposes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Chowdhuri
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Saurav Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Ritvika Kushwaha
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Tanushree Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Basab Kanti Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Debapratim Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
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20
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Jobdeedamrong A, Cao S, Harley I, Crespy D, Landfester K, Caire da Silva L. Assembly of biomimetic microreactors using caged-coacervate droplets. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:2561-2566. [PMID: 36601867 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05101j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervates are liquid-like droplets that can be used to create adaptive cell-like compartments. These compartments offer a versatile platform for the construction of bioreactors inspired by living cells. However, the lack of a membrane significantly reduces the colloidal stability of coacervates in terms of fusion and surface wetting, which limits their suitability as compartments. Here, we describe the formation of caged-coacervates surrounded by a semipermeable shell of silica nanocapsules. We demonstrate that the silica nanocapsules create a protective shell that also regulates the molecular transport of water-soluble compounds as a function of nanocapasule size. The adjustable semipermeability and intrinsic affinity of enzymes for the interior of the caged-coacervates allowed us to assemble biomimetic microreactors with enhanced colloidal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjaree Jobdeedamrong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Iain Harley
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Daniel Crespy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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21
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Gao N, Mann S. Membranized Coacervate Microdroplets: from Versatile Protocell Models to Cytomimetic Materials. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:297-307. [PMID: 36625520 PMCID: PMC9910039 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although complex coacervate microdroplets derived from associative phase separation of counter-charged electrolytes have emerged as a broad platform for the bottom-up construction of membraneless, molecularly crowded protocells, the absence of an enclosing membrane limits the construction of more sophisticated artificial cells and their use as functional cytomimetic materials. To address this problem, we and others have recently developed chemical-based strategies for the membranization of preformed coacervate microdroplets. In this Account, we review our recent work on diverse coacervate systems using a range of membrane building blocks and assembly processes. First, we briefly introduce the unusual nature of the coacervate/water interface, emphasizing the ultralow interfacial tension and broad interfacial width as physiochemical properties that require special attention in the judicious design of membranized coacervate microdroplets. Second, we classify membrane assembly into two different approaches: (i) interfacial self-assembly by using diverse surface-active building blocks such as molecular amphiphiles (fatty acids, phospholipids, block copolymers, protein-polymer conjugates) or nano- and microscale objects (liposomes, nanoparticle surfactants, cell fragments, living cells) with appropriate wettability; and (ii) coacervate droplet-to-vesicle reconfiguration by employing auxiliary surface reconstruction agents or triggering endogenous transitions (self-membranization) under nonstoichiometric (charge mismatched) conditions. We then discuss the key cytomimetic behaviors of membranized coacervate-based model protocells. Customizable permeability is achieved by synergistic effects operating between the molecularly crowded coacervate interior and surrounding membrane. In contrast, metabolic-like endogenous reactivity, diffusive chemical signaling, and collective chemical operations occur specifically in protocell networks comprising diverse populations of membranized coacervate microdroplets. In each case, these cytomimetic behaviors can give rise to functional microscale materials capable of promising cell-like applications. For example, immobilizing spatially segregated enzyme-loaded phospholipid-coated coacervate protocells in concentrically tubular hydrogels delivers prototissue-like bulk materials that generate nitric oxide in vitro, enabling platelet deactivation and inhibition of blood clot formation. Alternatively, therapeutic protocells with in vivo vasoactivity, high hemocompatibility, and increased blood circulation times are constructed by spontaneous assembly of hemoglobin-containing cell-membrane fragments on the surface of enzyme-loaded coacervate microdroplets. Higher-order properties such as artificial endocytosis are achieved by using nanoparticle-caged coacervate protocell hosts that selectively and actively capture guest nano- and microscale objects by responses to exogenous stimuli or via endogenous enzyme-mediated reactions. Finally, we discuss the current limitations in the design and programming of membranized coacervate microdroplets, which may help to guide future directions in this emerging research area. Taken together, we hope that this Account will inspire new advances in membranized coacervate microdroplets and promote their application in the development of integrated protocell models and functional cytomimetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Max
Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United
Kingdom,Centre
for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mann
- Max
Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United
Kingdom,Centre
for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United Kingdom,School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai
Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai200240, PR China,Zhangjiang
Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai
Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai201203, PR China,
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22
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Toor R, Hourdin L, Shanmugathasan S, Lefrançois P, Arbault S, Lapeyre V, Bouffier L, Douliez JP, Ravaine V, Perro A. Enzymatic cascade reaction in simple-coacervates. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 629:46-54. [PMID: 36152580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The design of enzymatic droplet-sized reactors constitutes an important challenge with many potential applications such as medical diagnostics, water purification, bioengineering, or food industry. Coacervates, which are all-aqueous droplets, afford a simple model for the investigation of enzymatic cascade reaction since the reactions occur in all-aqueous media, which preserve the enzymes integrity. However, the question relative to how the sequestration and the proximity of enzymes within the coacervates might affect their activity remains open. Herein, we report the construction of enzymatic reactors exploiting the simple coacervation of ampholyte polymer chains, stabilized with agar. We demonstrate that these coacervates have the ability to sequester enzymes such as glucose oxidase and catalase and preserve their catalytic activity. The study is carried out by analyzing the color variation induced by the reduction of resazurin. Usually, phenoxazine molecules acting as electron acceptors are used to characterize glucose oxidase activity. Resazurin (pink) undergoes a first reduction to resorufin (salmon) and then to dihydroresorufin (transparent) in presence of glucose oxidase and glucose. We have observed that resorufin is partially regenerated in the presence of catalase, which demonstrates the enzymatic cascade reaction. Studying this enzymatic cascade reaction within coacervates as reactors provide new insights into the role of the proximity, confinement towards enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Toor
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Lysandre Hourdin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Sharvina Shanmugathasan
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Pauline Lefrançois
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Stéphane Arbault
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Véronique Lapeyre
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Laurent Bouffier
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Paul Douliez
- UMR 1332, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, INRA, Univ. Bordeaux, Centre de Bordeaux, 33883 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Valérie Ravaine
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Adeline Perro
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Site ENSCBP, 16 avenue Pey Berland, 33607 Pessac, France.
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23
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Sproncken CM, Gumí-Audenis B, Foroutanparsa S, Magana JR, Voets IK. Controlling the Formation of Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanoparticles Using Programmable pH Reactions. Macromolecules 2022; 56:226-233. [PMID: 36644553 PMCID: PMC9835975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Enabling complexation of weak polyelectrolytes, in the presence of a programmable pH-modulation, offers a means to achieve temporal control over polyelectrolyte coassembly. Here, by mixing oppositely charged poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(sodium methacrylate) in a (bi)sulfite buffer, nanoscopic complex coacervates are formed. Addition of formaldehyde initiates the formaldehyde-sulfite clock reaction, affecting the polyelectrolyte assembly in two ways. First, the abrupt pH increase from the reaction changes the charge density of the polyelectrolytes and thus the ratio of cationic and anionic species. Simultaneously, reactions between the polyamine and formaldehyde lead to chemical modifications on the polymer. Interestingly, core-shell polymeric nanoparticles are produced, which remain colloidally stable for months. Contrastingly, in the same system, in the absence of the clock reaction, aggregation and phase separation occur within minutes to days after mixing. Introducing an acid-producing reaction enables further temporal control over the coassembly, generating transient nanoparticles with nanoscopic dimensions and an adjustable lifetime of tens of minutes.
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24
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Kai L, Sonal, Heermann T, Schwille P. Reconstitution of a Reversible Membrane Switch via Prenylation by One-Pot Cell-Free Expression. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 12:108-119. [PMID: 36445320 PMCID: PMC9872162 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Reversible membrane targeting of proteins is one of the key regulators of cellular interaction networks, for example, for signaling and polarization. So-called "membrane switches" are thus highly attractive targets for the design of minimal cells but have so far been tricky to reconstitute in vitro. Here, we introduce cell-free prenylated protein synthesis (CFpPS), which enables the synthesis and membrane targeting of proteins in a single reaction mix including the prenylation machinery. CFpPS can confer membrane affinity to any protein via addition of a 4-peptide motif to its C-terminus and offers robust production of prenylated proteins not only in their soluble forms but also in the direct vicinity of biomimetic membranes. Thus, CFpPS enabled us to reconstitute the prenylated polarity hub Cdc42 and its regulatory protein in vitro, implementing a key membrane switch. We propose CFpPS to be a versatile and effective platform for engineering complex features, such as polarity induction, in synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Kai
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute of Biochemistry, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany,School
of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Shanghai Road 101, 221116 Xuzhou, P. R. China,. Phone: +86 15852001351
| | - Sonal
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute of Biochemistry, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany,Biosciences
Division, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT London, U.K.
| | - Tamara Heermann
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute of Biochemistry, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Petra Schwille
- Department
of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute of Biochemistry, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany,. Phone: +49 89 8578 2900
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25
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Bauermann J, Laha S, McCall PM, Jülicher F, Weber CA. Chemical Kinetics and Mass Action in Coexisting Phases. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:19294-19304. [PMID: 36241174 PMCID: PMC9620980 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The kinetics of chemical reactions are determined by the law of mass action, which has been successfully applied to homogeneous, dilute mixtures. At nondilute conditions, interactions among the components can give rise to coexisting phases, which can significantly alter the kinetics of chemical reactions. Here, we derive a theory for chemical reactions in coexisting phases at phase equilibrium. We show that phase equilibrium couples the rates of chemical reactions of components with their diffusive exchanges between the phases. Strikingly, the chemical relaxation kinetics can be represented as a flow along the phase equilibrium line in the phase diagram. A key finding of our theory is that differences in reaction rates between coexisting phases stem solely from phase-dependent reaction rate coefficients. Our theory is key to interpreting how concentration levels of reactive components in condensed phases control chemical reaction rates in synthetic and biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bauermann
- Max
Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sudarshana Laha
- Max
Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Patrick M. McCall
- Max
Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Jülicher
- Max
Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Cluster
of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph A. Weber
- Faculty
of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Materials Engineering: Institute
of Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstr. 1, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
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26
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Leathers A, Walczak M, Brady RA, Al Samad A, Kotar J, Booth MJ, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Reaction–Diffusion Patterning of DNA-Based Artificial Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:17468-17476. [PMID: 36103297 PMCID: PMC9523701 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06140] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Biological cells display complex internal architectures
with distinct
micro environments that establish the chemical heterogeneity needed
to sustain cellular functions. The continued efforts to create advanced
cell mimics, namely, artificial cells, demands strategies for constructing
similarly heterogeneous structures with localized functionalities.
Here, we introduce a platform for constructing membraneless artificial
cells from the self-assembly of synthetic DNA nanostructures in which
internal domains can be established thanks to prescribed reaction–diffusion
waves. The method, rationalized through numerical modeling, enables
the formation of up to five distinct concentric environments in which
functional moieties can be localized. As a proof-of-concept, we apply
this platform to build DNA-based artificial cells in which a prototypical
nucleus synthesizes fluorescent RNA aptamers that then accumulate
in a surrounding storage shell, thus demonstrating the spatial segregation
of functionalities reminiscent of that observed in biological cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Leathers
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Ryan A. Brady
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 1DB, U.K
| | - Assala Al Samad
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Michael J. Booth
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
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27
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Cao S, da Silva LC, Landfester K. Light‐Activated Membrane Transport in Polymeric Cell‐Mimics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202205266. [PMID: 35759257 PMCID: PMC9542181 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202205266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research 55128 Mainz Germany
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28
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Kubota R, Torigoe S, Hamachi I. Temporal Stimulus Patterns Drive Differentiation of a Synthetic Dipeptide-Based Coacervate. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15155-15164. [PMID: 35943765 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c05101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The fate of living cells often depends on their processing of temporally modulated information, such as the frequency and duration of various signals. Synthetic stimulus-responsive systems have been intensely studied for >50 years, but it is still challenging for chemists to create artificial systems that can decode dynamically oscillating stimuli and alter the systems' properties/functions because of the lack of sophisticated reaction networks that are comparable with biological signal transduction. Here, we report morphological differentiation of synthetic dipeptide-based coacervates in response to temporally distinct patterns of the light pulse. We designed a simple cationic diphenylalanine peptide derivative to enable the formation of coacervates. The coacervates concentrated an anionic methacrylate monomer and a photoinitiator, which provided a unique reaction environment and facilitated light-triggered radical polymerization─even in air. Pulsed light irradiation at 9.0 Hz (but not at 0.5 Hz) afforded anionic polymers. This dependence on the light pulse patterns is attributable to the competition of reactive radical intermediates between the methacrylate monomer and molecular oxygen. The temporal pulse pattern-dependent polymer formation enabled the coacervates to differentiate in terms of morphology and internal viscosity, with an ultrasensitive switch-like mode. Our achievements will facilitate the rational design of smart supramolecular soft materials and are insightful regarding the synthesis of sophisticated chemical cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo̅-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Shogo Torigoe
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo̅-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo̅-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.,JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Katsura, Nishikyo̅-ku, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
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29
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Cao S, da Silva LC, Landfester K. Light‐Activated Membrane Transport in Polymeric Cell‐Mimics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research 55128 Mainz Germany
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30
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Gao S, Srivastava S. Comb Polyelectrolytes Stabilize Complex Coacervate Microdroplet Dispersions. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:902-909. [PMID: 35786870 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Complex coacervate microdroplets are membraneless compartments that selectively sequester biological molecules from their surroundings and enhance bioreactions. Yet, their use as protocell models and bioreactors has been limited owing to a lack of feasible strategies to prevent their uncontrolled coalescence. Herein, we introduce an approach to mitigate coalescence of complex coacervate microdroplets using comb polyelectrolytes as stabilizers, creating complex coacervate dispersions with months-long stabilities. Tunability of microdroplet size and stability is achieved by the regulation of comb polyelectrolyte concentration and molecular weight. Importantly, the comb polyelectrolyte-stabilized coacervate microdroplets spontaneously sequester and retain proteins over extended periods. Moreover, enhanced catalytic activity of proteins and significant (up to 10-fold) acceleration of bioreactions are achieved in stabilized complex coacervate dispersions, even when stored for up to 48 h. Our findings are expected to expand the utility of complex coacervate microdroplets as artificial protocells, encapsulants, and bioreactors and also facilitate their use in pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, and cosmetics formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Samanvaya Srivastava
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Center for Biological Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Institute for Carbon Management, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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31
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Howlett MG, Engwerda AHJ, Scanes RJH, Fletcher SP. An autonomously oscillating supramolecular self-replicator. Nat Chem 2022; 14:805-810. [PMID: 35618766 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-00949-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A key goal of chemistry is to develop synthetic systems that mimic biology, such as self-assembling, self-replicating models of minimal life forms. Oscillations are often observed in complex biological networks, but oscillating, self-replicating species are unknown, and how to control autonomous supramolecular-level oscillating systems is also not yet established. Here we show how a population of self-assembling self-replicators can autonomously oscillate, so that simple micellar species repeatedly appear and disappear in time. The interplay of molecular and supramolecular events is key to observing oscillations: the repeated formation and disappearance of compartments is connected to a reaction network where molecular-level species are formed and broken down. The dynamic behaviour of our system across different length scales offers the opportunities for mass transport, as we demonstrate via reversible dye uptake. We believe these findings will inspire new biomimetic systems and may unlock nanotechnology systems such as (supra)molecular pumps, where compartment formation is controlled in time and space.
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32
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Karoui H, Patwal PS, Pavan Kumar BVVS, Martin N. Chemical Communication in Artificial Cells: Basic Concepts, Design and Challenges. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:880525. [PMID: 35720123 PMCID: PMC9199989 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.880525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the focus of bottom-up synthetic biology has shifted from the design of complex artificial cell architectures to the design of interactions between artificial cells mediated by physical and chemical cues. Engineering communication between artificial cells is crucial for the realization of coordinated dynamic behaviours in artificial cell populations, which would have implications for biotechnology, advanced colloidal materials and regenerative medicine. In this review, we focus our discussion on molecular communication between artificial cells. We cover basic concepts such as the importance of compartmentalization, the metabolic machinery driving signaling across cell boundaries and the different modes of communication used. The various studies in artificial cell signaling have been classified based on the distance between sender and receiver cells, just like in biology into autocrine, juxtacrine, paracrine and endocrine signaling. Emerging tools available for the design of dynamic and adaptive signaling are highlighted and some recent advances of signaling-enabled collective behaviours, such as quorum sensing, travelling pulses and predator-prey behaviour, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedi Karoui
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR 5031, Pessac, France
| | - Pankaj Singh Patwal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - B. V. V. S. Pavan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
- *Correspondence: B. V. V. S. Pavan Kumar, ; Nicolas Martin,
| | - Nicolas Martin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR 5031, Pessac, France
- *Correspondence: B. V. V. S. Pavan Kumar, ; Nicolas Martin,
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33
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Gözen I, Köksal ES, Põldsalu I, Xue L, Spustova K, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Ryskulov R, Meng F, Jesorka A. Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106624. [PMID: 35322554 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Fanda Meng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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34
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Yu X, Zhou L, Wang G, Wang L, Dou H. Hierarchical Structures in Macromolecule-assembled Synthetic Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100926. [PMID: 35445490 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100926] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Various models of synthetic cells have been developed as researchers have sought to explore the origin of life. Based on the fact that structural complexity is the foundation of higher-order functions, this review will focus on hierarchical structures in synthetic cell models that are inspired by living systems, in which macromolecules are the dominant participants. We discuss the underlying advantages and functions provided by biomimetic higher-order structures from four perspectives, including hierarchical structures in membranes, in the composite construction of membrane-coated artificial cytoplasm, in organelle-like subcellular compartments, as well as in synthetic cell-cell assembled synthetic tissues. In parallel, various feasible driving forces and approaches for the fabrication of such higher-order structures are showcased. Furthermore, we highlight both the implemented and potential applications of biomimetic systems, bottom-up biosynthesis, biomedical tissue engineering, and disease therapy. This thriving field is gradually narrowing the gap between fundamental research and applied science. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Gangyang Wang, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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35
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Di Iorio D, Wegner SV. Towards applications of synthetic cells in nanotechnology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 68:102145. [PMID: 35461027 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cells, which are assembled anew from well-defined molecular parts, open-up new possibilities for nanotechnological applications due to their reduced complexity and high functionality. In this review, we discuss how synthetic cells are being implemented in different fields ranging from biomedicine to material science. On one hand, synthetic cells can serve as microreactors that house metabolic networks and as therapeutic carriers that directly communicate with living cells. On the other hand, synthetic cells can become active components in a new-generation of materials that process inputs and result in autonomous and adaptive behavior. These early examples highlight the potential impact that synthetic cells will have in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Di Iorio
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Germany.
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36
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Mashima T, van Stevendaal MHME, Cornelissens FRA, Mason AF, Rosier BJHM, Altenburg WJ, Oohora K, Hirayama S, Hayashi T, van Hest JCM, Brunsveld L. DNA-Mediated Protein Shuttling between Coacervate-Based Artificial Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202115041. [PMID: 35133040 PMCID: PMC9303767 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of protein uptake and secretion is crucial for (inter)cellular signaling. Mimicking these molecular events is essential when engineering synthetic cellular systems. A first step towards achieving this goal is obtaining control over the uptake and release of proteins from synthetic cells in response to an external trigger. Herein, we have developed an artificial cell that sequesters and releases proteinaceous cargo upon addition of a coded chemical signal: single‐stranded DNA oligos (ssDNA) were employed to independently control the localization of a set of three different ssDNA‐modified proteins. The molecular coded signal allows for multiple iterations of triggered uptake and release, regulation of the amount and rate of protein release and the sequential release of the three different proteins. This signaling concept was furthermore used to directionally transfer a protein between two artificial cell populations, providing novel directions for engineering lifelike communication pathways inside higher order (proto)cellular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Mashima
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Marleen H M E van Stevendaal
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Femke R A Cornelissens
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F Mason
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bas J H M Rosier
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wiggert J Altenburg
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Koji Oohora
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shota Hirayama
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takashi Hayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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37
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Li L, Casalini T, Arosio P, Salvalaglio M. Modeling the Structure and Interactions of Intrinsically Disordered Peptides with Multiple Replica, Metadynamics-Based Sampling Methods and Force-Field Combinations. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:1915-1928. [PMID: 35174713 PMCID: PMC9097291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins play a key role in many biological processes, including the formation of biomolecular condensates within cells. A detailed characterization of their configurational ensemble and structure-function paradigm is crucial for understanding their biological activity and for exploiting them as building blocks in material sciences. In this work, we incorporate bias-exchange metadynamics and parallel-tempering well-tempered metadynamics with CHARMM36m and CHARMM22* to explore the structural and thermodynamic characteristics of a short archetypal disordered sequence derived from a DEAD-box protein. The conformational landscapes emerging from our simulations are largely congruent across methods and force fields. Nevertheless, differences in fine details emerge from varying combinations of force-fields and sampling methods. For this protein, our analysis identifies features that help to explain the low propensity of this sequence to undergo self-association in vitro, which are common to all force-field/sampling method combinations. Overall, our work demonstrates the importance of using multiple force-field and sampling method combinations for accurate structural and thermodynamic information in the study of disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunna Li
- Thomas
Young Centre and Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
| | - Tommaso Casalini
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH
Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH
Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Salvalaglio
- Thomas
Young Centre and Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
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38
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Mashima T, Stevendaal MHME, Cornelissens FRA, Mason AF, Rosier BJHM, Altenburg WJ, Oohora K, Hirayama S, Hayashi T, Hest JCM, Brunsveld L. DNA‐Mediated Protein Shuttling between Coacervate‐Based Artificial Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202115041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Mashima
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Marleen H. M. E. Stevendaal
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Femke R. A. Cornelissens
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F. Mason
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Bas J. H. M. Rosier
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Wiggert J. Altenburg
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Koji Oohora
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Shota Hirayama
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Takashi Hayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University Suita 565-0871 Japan
| | - Jan C. M. Hest
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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39
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Liu Z, Ji Y, Mu W, Liu X, Huang LY, Ding T, Qiao Y. Coacervate microdroplets incorporating J-aggregates toward photoactive membraneless protocells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:2536-2539. [PMID: 35098960 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc07113k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cooperative coacervation of a porphyrin and a polycation electrolyte gives birth to photoactive membraneless protocells via liquid-liquid phase separation, where J-aggregates are formed to offer energy transduction pathways, rendering an adaptive platform for confining photocatalytic reactions within protocell compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China. .,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Yanglimin Ji
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjing Mu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Li Yan Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China.
| | - Tao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro/Nano Structure of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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40
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Wang Y, Dong Y, Liu H, Yin W, Guo T, Yuan H, Meng T. Compartmentalized Aqueous-in-Aqueous Droplets for Flow Biocatalysis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:5009-5016. [PMID: 35049284 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Compartmentalized bioreactions are vital for living cells to regulate biological events since they facilitate isolated yet orchestrated reactions and releases of biological molecules. Engineering bioreactions in compartmentalized droplet bioreactors not only promotes understanding of biological cells but also enhances control in synthetic biology systems. A typical droplet bioreactor is enclosed by impermeable water-in-oil interfaces, which inhibit the reaction rate with the accumulation of aqueous products. This work constructs aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplet bioreactors featuring selectively permeable interfaces, which are capable of sequestering reagents in aqueous droplets while constantly releasing products into the aqueous surroundings. Benefiting from this selective permeability, the proposed droplet bioreactor achieves a conversion rate up to 63.2% compared to the 17.9% from the impermeable aqueous-in-oil droplet reactor via coupled reaction-separation. More importantly, it is revealed that uniform aqueous-in-aqueous droplet clusters by microfluidics exhibit an up to 6-fold reaction rate enhancement compared to non-microfluidic ATPS reactors, indicating a unique flow interface effect in droplet clusters. This work offers a new route to allow enzymatic reactions to benefit from efficient flow chemistry via optimized aqueous-aqueous interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Wang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
| | - Yuman Dong
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
| | - Huanyu Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yin
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
| | - Ting Guo
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
| | - Tao Meng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P.R. China
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41
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Schmidt BVKJ. Multicompartment Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100895. [PMID: 35092101 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100895] [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] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels belong to the most promising materials in polymer and materials science at the moment. As they feature soft and tissue-like character as well as high water-content, a broad range of applications are addressed with hydrogels, e.g. tissue engineering and wound dressings but also soft robotics, drug delivery, actuators and catalysis. Ways to tailor hydrogel properties are crosslinking mechanism, hydrogel shape and reinforcement, but new features can be introduced by variation of hydrogel composition as well, e.g. via monomer choice, functionalization or compartmentalization. Especially, multicompartment hydrogels drive progress towards complex and highly functional soft materials. In the present review the latest developments in multicompartment hydrogels are highlighted with a focus on three types of compartments, i.e. micellar/vesicular, droplets or multi-layers including various sub-categories. Furthermore, several morphologies of compartmentalized hydrogels and applications of multicompartment hydrogels will be discussed as well. Finally, an outlook towards future developments of the field will be given. The further development of multicompartment hydrogels is highly relevant for a broad range of applications and will have a significant impact on biomedicine and organic devices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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42
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Guan X, Liu Y, Wan Z, Steve Tse YL, Ngai T. Non-Covalent Reconfigurable Microgel Colloidosomes with a Well-Defined Bilayer Shell. Chem Sci 2022; 13:6205-6216. [PMID: 35733902 PMCID: PMC9159095 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc01082h] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgels are extremely interfacially active and are widely used to stabilize emulsions. However, they are commonly used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions due to their intrinsic hydrophilicity and initially dispersed in water. In addition, there have been no attempts to control microgel structural layers that are formed at the interface and as a result it limits applications of microgel in advanced materials. Here, we show that by introducing octanol into poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) (PNIPAM-co-MAA) microgels, octanol-swollen microgels can rapidly diffuse from the initially dispersed oil phase onto the water droplet surface. This facilitates the formation of microgel-laden interfacial layers with strong elastic responses and also generates stable inverse water-in-oil Pickering emulsions. These emulsions can be used as templates to produce microgel colloidosomes, herein termed ‘microgelsomes’, with shells that can be fine-tuned from a particle monolayer to a well-defined bilayer. The microgelsomes can then be used to encapsulate and/or anchor nanoparticles, proteins, vitamin C, bio-based nanocrystals or enzymes. Moreover, the programmed release of these substances can be achieved by using ethanol as a trigger to mediate shell permeability. Thus, these reconfigurable microgelsomes with a microgel-bilayer shell can respond to external stimuli and demonstrate tailored properties, which offers novel insights into microgels and promise wider application of Pickering emulsions stabilized by soft colloids. Inverse W/O Pickering emulsions and reconfigurable microgelsomes with a well-defined bilayer structure are prepared from octanol-swollen PNIPAM-co-MAA microgels and the combination of binary microgels, which promise wider application of soft colloids.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Guan
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin N. T. Hong Kong China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin N. T. Hong Kong China
| | - Zhili Wan
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin N. T. Hong Kong China
- School of Food Science and Technology, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Ying-Lung Steve Tse
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin N. T. Hong Kong China
| | - To Ngai
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin N. T. Hong Kong China
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43
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Jacobs MI, Jira ER, Schroeder CM. Understanding How Coacervates Drive Reversible Small Molecule Reactions to Promote Molecular Complexity. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:14323-14335. [PMID: 34856104 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase-separated coacervate droplets give rise to membraneless compartments that play an important role in the spatial organization and reactivity in cells. Due to their molecularly crowded nature and ability to sequester biomolecules, coacervate droplets create distinct environments for enzymatic reaction kinetics and reaction mechanisms that markedly differ from bulk solution. In this work, we use a combination of experiments and quantitative modeling to understand how coacervate droplets promote reversible small molecule reaction chemistry. In particular, we study a model condensation reaction generating an unstable fluorescent imine in polyacrylic acid-polyethylene glycol coacervate droplets over a range of conditions. At equilibrium, the concentration of the imine product in coacervate droplets is approximately 140-fold larger than that in bulk solution, which arises due to preferential partitioning of reactants and products into coacervate droplets and a reaction equilibrium constant that is roughly threefold larger in coacervate droplets than in solution. A reaction-diffusion model is developed to quantitatively describe how competing reaction and partitioning equilibria govern the spatial distribution of the imine product inside coacervate droplets. Overall, our results show that compartmentalization stabilizes kinetically labile reaction products, which enables larger reactant concentrations in coacervate droplets compared to bulk solution. Broadly, these results provide an improved understanding of how biomolecular condensates promote multistep reaction pathways involving unstable reaction intermediates and suggest how coacervates provide a potential abiotic mechanism to promote molecular complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Jacobs
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Edward R Jira
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Charles M Schroeder
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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44
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Wen P, Wang X, Chen H, Appelhans D, Liu X, Wang L, Huang X. A
pH Self‐Monitoring
Heterogeneous Multicompartmental Proteinosome with Spatiotemporal Regulation of Insulin Transportation. CHINESE J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin Heilongjiang 150001 China
| | - Xueyi Wang
- Dongguan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University Dongguan Guangdong 523059 China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin Heilongjiang 150001 China
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz‐Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6 Dresden 01069 Germany
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin Heilongjiang 150001 China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin Heilongjiang 150001 China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin Heilongjiang 150001 China
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45
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46
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Sustained enzymatic activity and flow in crowded protein droplets. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6293. [PMID: 34725341 PMCID: PMC8560906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Living cells harvest energy from their environments to drive the chemical processes that enable life. We introduce a minimal system that operates at similar protein concentrations, metabolic densities, and length scales as living cells. This approach takes advantage of the tendency of phase-separated protein droplets to strongly partition enzymes, while presenting minimal barriers to transport of small molecules across their interface. By dispersing these microreactors in a reservoir of substrate-loaded buffer, we achieve steady states at metabolic densities that match those of the hungriest microorganisms. We further demonstrate the formation of steady pH gradients, capable of driving microscopic flows. Our approach enables the investigation of the function of diverse enzymes in environments that mimic cytoplasm, and provides a flexible platform for studying the collective behavior of matter driven far from equilibrium.
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47
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Sharma V, Paramasivam G, Vergaelen M, Hoogenboom R, Sundaramurthy A. Tannic Acid-Stabilized Self-Degrading Temperature-Sensitive Poly(2- n-propyl-2-oxazoline)/Gellan Gum Capsules for Lipase Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7134-7146. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Sharma
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gokul Paramasivam
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Maarten Vergaelen
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anandhakumar Sundaramurthy
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
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48
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Zhao C, Li J, Wang S, Xu Z, Wang X, Liu X, Wang L, Huang X. Membranization of Coacervates into Artificial Phagocytes with Predation toward Bacteria. ACS NANO 2021; 15:10048-10057. [PMID: 34047543 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coacervate-based membraneless organelles with diverse functionality as well as the capability of mimicking intracellular physiological environments are attracting researchers' great interest. However, the further studies focusing on functionalized membranization of coacervate as a step toward an advanced membrane-bound protocell are still rare. In this study, we develop a way to compartmentalize coacervate based on reconstitution with a natural cellular wall, which could then serve as a promising chassis for the development of protocells with selective sequestration of various biomacromolecules. Significantly, the compartmentalized protocell could behave like a phagocyte and selectively capture, engulf, and then kill Escherichia coli efficiently. Taken together, our studies present a strategy for advancing coacervate-based protocell design as well as the development of smart materials with on-demand functionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Zhao
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Junbo Li
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Shengliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Zhijun Xu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
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49
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Kubota R, Tanaka W, Hamachi I. Microscopic Imaging Techniques for Molecular Assemblies: Electron, Atomic Force, and Confocal Microscopies. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14281-14347. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Wataru Tanaka
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
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Lu T, Nakashima KK, Spruijt E. Temperature-Responsive Peptide-Nucleotide Coacervates. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:3080-3091. [PMID: 33757284 PMCID: PMC8020381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c10839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
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Coacervates are a
type of liquid–liquid phase separated
(LLPS) droplets that can serve as models of membraneless organelles
(MLOs) in living cells. Peptide–nucleotide coacervates have
been widely used to mimic properties of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules,
but the thermal stability and the role of base stacking is still poorly
understood. Here, we report a systematic investigation of coacervates
formed by five different nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) with poly-l-lysine and poly-l-arginine as a function of temperature.
All studied combinations exhibit an upper critical solution temperature
(UCST), and a temperature-dependent critical salt concentration, originating
from a significant nonelectrostatic contribution to the mixing free
energy. Both the enthalpic and entropic parts of this nonelectrostatic
interaction decrease in the order G/A/U/C/T, in accordance with nucleobase
stacking free energies. Partitioning of two dyes proves that the local
hydrophobicity inside the peptide–nucleotide coacervates is
different for every nucleoside triphosphate. We derive a simple relation
between the temperature and salt concentration at the critical point
based on a mean-field model of phase separation. Finally, when different
NTPs are mixed with one common oppositely charged peptide, hybrid
coacervates were formed, characterized by a single intermediate UCST
and critical salt concentration. NTPs with lower critical salt concentrations
can remain condensed in mixed coacervates far beyond their original
critical salt concentration. Our results show that NTP-based coacervates
have a strong temperature sensitivity due to base stacking interactions
and that mixing NTPs can significantly influence the stability of
condensates and, by extension, their bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiemei Lu
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karina K Nakashima
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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