1
|
Kawamata I, Nishiyama K, Matsumoto D, Ichiseki S, Keya JJ, Okuyama K, Ichikawa M, Kabir AMR, Sato Y, Inoue D, Murata S, Sada K, Kakugo A, Nomura SIM. Autonomous assembly and disassembly of gliding molecular robots regulated by a DNA-based molecular controller. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn4490. [PMID: 38820146 PMCID: PMC11141615 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in engineering dynamic and autonomous systems with robotic functionalities using biomolecules. Specifically, the ability of molecular motors to convert chemical energy to mechanical forces and the programmability of DNA are regarded as promising components for these systems. However, current systems rely on the manual addition of external stimuli, limiting the potential for autonomous molecular systems. Here, we show that DNA-based cascade reactions can act as a molecular controller that drives the autonomous assembly and disassembly of DNA-functionalized microtubules propelled by kinesins. The DNA controller is designed to produce two different DNA strands that program the interaction between the microtubules. The gliding microtubules integrated with the controller autonomously assemble to bundle-like structures and disassemble into discrete filaments without external stimuli, which is observable by fluorescence microscopy. We believe this approach to be a starting point toward more autonomous behavior of motor protein-based multicomponent systems with robotic functionalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibuki Kawamata
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kohei Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Daiki Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Shosei Ichiseki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Jakia J. Keya
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Kohei Okuyama
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | | | | | - Yusuke Sato
- Department of Intelligent and Control Systems, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Daisuke Inoue
- Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 815-8540, Japan
| | - Satoshi Murata
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sada
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Akira Kakugo
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shankar S, Scharrer LVD, Bowick MJ, Marchetti MC. Design rules for controlling active topological defects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400933121. [PMID: 38748571 PMCID: PMC11127047 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400933121] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Topological defects play a central role in the physics of many materials, including magnets, superconductors, and liquid crystals. In active fluids, defects become autonomous particles that spontaneously propel from internal active stresses and drive chaotic flows stirring the fluid. The intimate connection between defect textures and active flow suggests that properties of active materials can be engineered by controlling defects, but design principles for their spatiotemporal control remain elusive. Here, we propose a symmetry-based additive strategy for using elementary activity patterns, as active topological tweezers, to create, move, and braid such defects. By combining theory and simulations, we demonstrate how, at the collective level, spatial activity gradients act like electric fields which, when strong enough, induce an inverted topological polarization of defects, akin to a negative susceptibility dielectric. We harness this feature in a dynamic setting to collectively pattern and transport interacting active defects. Our work establishes an additive framework to sculpt flows and manipulate active defects in both space and time, paving the way to design programmable active and living materials for transport, memory, and logic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Shankar
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Luca V. D. Scharrer
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA93106
- Department of Physics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL60637
| | - Mark J. Bowick
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA93106
- Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA93106
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sakamoto R, Murrell MP. F-actin architecture determines the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3444. [PMID: 38658549 PMCID: PMC11043346 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47593-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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical work serves as the foundation for dynamic cellular processes, ranging from cell division to migration. A fundamental driver of cellular mechanical work is the actin cytoskeleton, composed of filamentous actin (F-actin) and myosin motors, where force generation relies on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. F-actin architectures, whether bundled by crosslinkers or branched via nucleators, have emerged as pivotal regulators of myosin II force generation. However, it remains unclear how distinct F-actin architectures impact the conversion of chemical energy to mechanical work. Here, we employ in vitro reconstitution of distinct F-actin architectures with purified components to investigate their influence on myosin ATP hydrolysis (consumption). We find that F-actin bundles composed of mixed polarity F-actin hinder network contraction compared to non-crosslinked network and dramatically decelerate ATP consumption rates. Conversely, linear-nucleated networks allow network contraction despite reducing ATP consumption rates. Surprisingly, branched-nucleated networks facilitate high ATP consumption without significant network contraction, suggesting that the branched network dissipates energy without performing work. This study establishes a link between F-actin architecture and myosin energy consumption, elucidating the energetic principles underlying F-actin structure formation and the performance of mechanical work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Sakamoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA
- Systems Biology Institute, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael P Murrell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Systems Biology Institute, 850 West Campus Drive, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Physics, Yale University, 217 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang B, Lu Y. Collective Molecular Machines: Multidimensionality and Reconfigurability. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:155. [PMID: 38499833 PMCID: PMC10948734 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01379-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Molecular machines are key to cellular activity where they are involved in converting chemical and light energy into efficient mechanical work. During the last 60 years, designing molecular structures capable of generating unidirectional mechanical motion at the nanoscale has been the topic of intense research. Effective progress has been made, attributed to advances in various fields such as supramolecular chemistry, biology and nanotechnology, and informatics. However, individual molecular machines are only capable of producing nanometer work and generally have only a single functionality. In order to address these problems, collective behaviors realized by integrating several or more of these individual mechanical units in space and time have become a new paradigm. In this review, we comprehensively discuss recent developments in the collective behaviors of molecular machines. In particular, collective behavior is divided into two paradigms. One is the appropriate integration of molecular machines to efficiently amplify molecular motions and deformations to construct novel functional materials. The other is the construction of swarming modes at the supramolecular level to perform nanoscale or microscale operations. We discuss design strategies for both modes and focus on the modulation of features and properties. Subsequently, in order to address existing challenges, the idea of transferring experience gained in the field of micro/nano robotics is presented, offering prospects for future developments in the collective behavior of molecular machines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Peng Z, Iwabuchi S, Izumi K, Takiguchi S, Yamaji M, Fujita S, Suzuki H, Kambara F, Fukasawa G, Cooney A, Di Michele L, Elani Y, Matsuura T, Kawano R. Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:996-1029. [PMID: 38239102 PMCID: PMC10898420 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00860f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zugui Peng
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoji Iwabuchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Kayano Izumi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Sotaro Takiguchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Misa Yamaji
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoko Fujita
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Harune Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Fumika Kambara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Genki Fukasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Aileen Cooney
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Tomoaki Matsuura
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zaferani M, Song R, Petry S, Stone HA. Building on-chip cytoskeletal circuits via branched microtubule networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315992121. [PMID: 38232292 PMCID: PMC10823238 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315992121] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Controllable platforms to engineer robust cytoskeletal scaffolds have the potential to create novel on-chip nanotechnologies. Inspired by axons, we combined the branching microtubule (MT) nucleation pathway with microfabrication to develop "cytoskeletal circuits." This active matter platform allows control over the adaptive self-organization of uniformly polarized MT arrays via geometric features of microstructures designed within a microfluidic confinement. We build and characterize basic elements, including turns and divisions, as well as complex regulatory elements, such as biased division and MT diodes, to construct various MT architectures on a chip. Our platform could be used in diverse applications, ranging from efficient on-chip molecular transport to mechanical nano-actuators. Further, cytoskeletal circuits can serve as a tool to study how the physical environment contributes to MT architecture in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Zaferani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Ryungeun Song
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Sabine Petry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Howard A. Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Yu P, Ma W, Mao L. High-Performance Electrochemical Actuator under an Ultralow Driving Voltage with a Mixed Electronic-Ionic Conductive Metal-Organic Framework. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:56158-56166. [PMID: 37976422 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Although versatile deformation, high flexibility, and environmental friendliness of electrochemical actuators (EAs) have made them promising in bioinspired soft robots and biomedical devices, the relatively high driving voltages unfortunately impose great restrictions on their applications in low-energy and human-friendly electronics. Here, we find that the uses of a mixed electronic-ionic conductive metal-organic framework (c-MOF), i.e., Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2 (Ni3(HITP)2), largely lower the driving voltage of EAs. The as-fabricated EA can work under a driving voltage as low as 0.1 V, representing the lowest value among those for the c-MOF-based EAs reported so far. The Ni3(HITP)2-based EA shows an excellent actuation performance such as a high bending strain difference of 0.48% (±0.5 V, 0.1 Hz) and long-term durability of >99% after 15,000 cycles due to the improved conductivity up to 1000 S·cm-1 and double-layer capacitance as high as 176.3 F·g-1 stemming from the mixed electronic-ionic conduction of Ni3(HITP)2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yali Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China
- Institute of Analysis and Testing (Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis), Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing100089, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjie Ma
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lanqun Mao
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Street 19, Beijing 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Inoue D, Ohashi K, Takasuka TE, Kakugo A. In Vitro Synthesis and Design of Kinesin Biomolecular Motors by Cell-Free Protein Synthesis. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1624-1631. [PMID: 37219894 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Kinesin is a biomolecular motor that generates force and motility along microtubule cytoskeletons in cells. Owing to their ability to manipulate cellular nanoscale components, microtubule/kinesin systems show great promise as actuators of nanodevices. However, classical in vivo protein production has some limitations for the design and production of kinesins. Designing and producing kinesins is laborious, and conventional protein production requires specific facilities to create and contain recombinant organisms. Here, we demonstrated the in vitro synthesis and editing of functional kinesins using a wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis system. The synthesized kinesins propelled microtubules on a kinesin-coated substrate and showed a higher binding affinity with microtubules than E. coli-produced kinesins. We also successfully incorporated affinity tags into the kinesins by extending the original sequence of the DNA template by PCR. Our method will accelerate the study of biomolecular motor systems and encourage their wider use in various nanotechnology applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Inoue
- Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, Room 605, Building 3, Shiobaru 4-9-1, Minami-Ku, Fukuoka 815-8540, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ohashi
- Graduate School of Global Food Resources, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Taichi E Takasuka
- Graduate School of Global Food Resources, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Akira Kakugo
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu Z, Wu Z, Yuan M, Chen Y, Ge W, Xu Q. Versatile magnetic hydrogel soft capsule microrobots for targeted delivery. iScience 2023; 26:106727. [PMID: 37216105 PMCID: PMC10192936 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106727] [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] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the completeness of cargo and achieving on-demand cargo release during long navigations in complex environments of the internal human body is crucial. Herein, we report a novel design of magnetic hydrogel soft capsule microrobots, which can be physically disintegrated to release microrobot swarms and diverse cargoes with almost no loss. CaCl2 solution and magnetic powders are utilized to produce suspension droplets, which are put into sodium alginate solution to generate magnetic hydrogel membranes for enclosing microrobot swarms and cargos. Low-density rotating magnetic fields drive the microrobots. Strong gradient magnetic fields break the mechanical structure of the hydrogel shell to implement on-demand release. Under the guidance of ultrasound imaging, the microrobot is remotely controlled in acidic or alkaline environments, similar to those in the human digestion system. The proposed capsule microrobots provide a promising solution for targeted cargo delivery in the internal human body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Zehao Wu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Mingzhe Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yuanhe Chen
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Qingsong Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Furuta K. Making motors work - potential applications in biocomputing and synthetic biology. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:290763. [PMID: 36852673 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular motors exhibit outstanding functions, including efficient motion and force generation, as well as autonomous operation. In this Essay, I discuss how biomolecular motors can be engineered to be used in artificial systems and what future applications such systems might have.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken'ya Furuta
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Konagaya A, Gutmann G, Zhang Y. Co-creation environment with cloud virtual reality and real-time artificial intelligence toward the design of molecular robots. J Integr Bioinform 2023; 20:jib-2022-0017. [PMID: 36194394 PMCID: PMC10063180 DOI: 10.1515/jib-2022-0017] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the design philosophy for our cloud-based virtual reality (VR) co-creation environment (CCE) for molecular modeling. Using interactive VR simulation can provide enhanced perspectives in molecular modeling for intuitive live demonstration and experimentation in the CCE. Then the use of the CCE can enhance knowledge creation by bringing people together to share and create ideas or knowledge that may not emerge otherwise. Our prototype CCE discussed here, which was developed to demonstrate our design philosophy, has already enabled multiple members to log in and touch virtual molecules running on a cloud server with no noticeable network latency via real-time artificial intelligence techniques. The CCE plays an essential role in the rational design of molecular robot parts, which consist of bio-molecules such as DNA and protein molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Konagaya
- Molecular Robotics Research Institute, Co., Ltd., 4259-3, Nagatsuta, Midori, Yokohama, Japan
- Keisen University, 2-10-1, Minamino, Tama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gregory Gutmann
- Molecular Robotics Research Institute, Co., Ltd., 4259-3, Nagatsuta, Midori, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuhui Zhang
- Molecular Robotics Research Institute, Co., Ltd., 4259-3, Nagatsuta, Midori, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu J, Jing X, Liu M, Li F, Li M, Li Q, Shi J, Li J, Wang L, Mao X, Zuo X, Fan C. Mechano-fluorescence actuation in single synaptic vesicles with a DNA framework nanomachine. Sci Robot 2022; 7:eabq5151. [PMID: 36542686 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abq5151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Biomimetic machines that can convert mechanical actuation to adaptive coloration in a manner analogous to cephalopods have found widespread applications at various length scales. At the nanoscale, a transmutable nanomachine with adaptive colors that can sense and mediate cellular or intracellular interactions is highly desirable. Here, we report the design of a DNA framework nanomachine (DFN) that can autonomously change shape in response to pH variations in single synaptic vesicles, which, in turn, displays adaptive fluorescent colors with a mechano-fluorescence actuation mechanism. To construct a DFN, we used a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure as the framework to incorporate an embedded pH-responsive, i-motif sequence tagged with a Förster resonance energy transfer pair and an affinity cholesterol moiety targeting vesicular membranes. We found that endocytosed DFNs are individually trapped in single endocytic vesicles in living synaptic cells due to the size-exclusion effect. The adaptive fluorescence coloration of DFNs enabled single-vesicle quantification of resting pH values in a processive manner, allowing long-term tracking of the exocytosis and fusion dynamics in intracellular processes and cell-cell communications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Liu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xinxin Jing
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Min Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiye Shi
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.,Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.,Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiuhai Mao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tsitkov S, Rodriguez JB, Bassir Kazeruni NM, Sweet M, Nitta T, Hess H. The rate of microtubule breaking increases exponentially with curvature. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20899. [PMID: 36463258 PMCID: PMC9719553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules, cylindrical assemblies of tubulin proteins with a 25 nm diameter and micrometer lengths, are a central part of the cytoskeleton and also serve as building blocks for nanobiodevices. Microtubule breaking can result from the activity of severing enzymes and mechanical stress. Breaking can lead to a loss of structural integrity, or an increase in the numbers of microtubules. We observed breaking of taxol-stabilized microtubules in a gliding motility assay where microtubules are propelled by surface-adhered kinesin-1 motor proteins. We find that over 95% of all breaking events are associated with the strong bending following pinning events (where the leading tip of the microtubule becomes stuck). Furthermore, the breaking rate increased exponentially with increasing curvature. These observations are explained by a model accounting for the complex mechanochemistry of a microtubule. The presence of severing enzymes is not required to observe breaking at rates comparable to those measured previously in cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Tsitkov
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Juan B. Rodriguez
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - Neda M. Bassir Kazeruni
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| | - May Sweet
- grid.256342.40000 0004 0370 4927Applied Physics Course, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193 Japan
| | - Takahiro Nitta
- grid.256342.40000 0004 0370 4927Applied Physics Course, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193 Japan
| | - Henry Hess
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University, 351L Engineering Terrace, MC 8904, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Najma B, Varghese M, Tsidilkovski L, Lemma L, Baskaran A, Duclos G. Competing instabilities reveal how to rationally design and control active crosslinked gels. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6465. [PMID: 36309493 PMCID: PMC9617906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
How active stresses generated by molecular motors set the large-scale mechanics of the cell cytoskeleton remains poorly understood. Here, we combine experiments and theory to demonstrate how the emergent properties of a biomimetic active crosslinked gel depend on the properties of its microscopic constituents. We show that an extensile nematic elastomer exhibits two distinct activity-driven instabilities, spontaneously bending in-plane or buckling out-of-plane depending on its composition. Molecular motors play a dual antagonistic role, fluidizing or stiffening the gel depending on the ATP concentration. We demonstrate how active and elastic stresses are set by each component, providing estimates for the active gel theory parameters. Finally, activity and elasticity were manipulated in situ with light-activable motor proteins, controlling the direction of the instability optically. These results highlight how cytoskeletal stresses regulate the self-organization of living matter and set the foundations for the rational design and optogenetic control of active materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibi Najma
- grid.253264.40000 0004 1936 9473Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Minu Varghese
- grid.253264.40000 0004 1936 9473Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453 USA ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Lev Tsidilkovski
- grid.253264.40000 0004 1936 9473Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Linnea Lemma
- grid.253264.40000 0004 1936 9473Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453 USA ,grid.133342.40000 0004 1936 9676Department of Physics, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA ,grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Present Address: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA
| | - Aparna Baskaran
- grid.253264.40000 0004 1936 9473Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Guillaume Duclos
- grid.253264.40000 0004 1936 9473Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Z, Xu Q. Collective Behaviors of Magnetic Microparticle Swarms: From Dexterous Tentacles to Reconfigurable Carpets. ACS NANO 2022; 16:13728-13739. [PMID: 35925818 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05244] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microrobot swarms have promising prospects in biomedical applications ranging from targeted cargo delivery to minimally invasive surgery. However, such potential is constrained by the small output force and low efficiency of the current microrobot swarms. To address this challenge, we report a tentacle-like reconfigurable microrobot swarm by programming paramagnetic microparticles into reconfigurable carpets with numerous cilia. This wirelessly controlled microrobot swarm is constructed via a strong gradient magnetic field in combination with a programmable oscillating magnetic field. The gradient magnetic field is supplied by a permanent magnet, which enables fast formation of a microrobot swarm with powerful collective behaviors via cooperative physical structures within the swarm. The oscillating magnetic field is produced by a custom-built electromagnetic coil system, which is adopted as an actuation device for conducting dexterous manipulation via controllable oscillation motion. Using the proposed microrobot swarming strategy, a milligram-level magnetic carpet achieves a millinewton-level output force. By applying different types of magnetic fields, the magnetic carpet accomplishes dexterous manipulation tasks, lesion removal, and controllable drug diffusion with a high-efficiency response in microscale executions. The formation and control mechanisms of the microrobot swarm reported here provide a practical candidate for in vivo biomedical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Qingsong Xu
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang Y, Nitta T, Hiratsuka Y, Morishima K. In situ integrated microrobots driven by artificial muscles built from biomolecular motors. Sci Robot 2022; 7:eaba8212. [PMID: 36001686 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aba8212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Microrobots have been developed for applications in the submillimeter domain such as the manipulation of micro-objects and microsurgery. Rapid progress has been achieved in developing miniaturized components for microrobotic systems, resulting in a variety of functional microactuators and soft components for creating untethered microrobots. Nevertheless, the integration of microcomponents, especially the assembly of actuators and mechanical components, is still time-consuming and has inherent restrictions, thus limiting efficient fabrications of microrobots and their potential applications. Here, we propose a method for fabricating microrobots in situ inspired by the construction of microsystems in living organisms. In a microfluidic chip, hydrogel mechanical components and artificial muscle actuators are successively photopatterned from hydrogel prepolymer and biomolecular motors, respectively, and integrated in situ into functional microrobots. The proposed method allows the fast fabrication of microrobots through simple operations and affordable materials while providing versatile functions through the precise spatiotemporal control of in situ integration and reconfiguration of artificial muscles. To validate the method, we fabricated microrobots to elicit different motions and on-chip robots with unique characteristics for microfluidic applications. This study may establish a new paradigm for microrobot integration and lead to the production of unique biohybrid microrobots with various advantages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhe Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nitta
- Applied Physics Course, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu City 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiratsuka
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan
| | - Keisuke Morishima
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jia H, Flommersfeld J, Heymann M, Vogel SK, Franquelim HG, Brückner DB, Eto H, Broedersz CP, Schwille P. 3D printed protein-based robotic structures actuated by molecular motor assemblies. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:703-709. [PMID: 35618822 PMCID: PMC9156402 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Upscaling motor protein activity to perform work in man-made devices has long been an ambitious goal in bionanotechnology. The use of hierarchical motor assemblies, as realized in sarcomeres, has so far been complicated by the challenges of arranging sufficiently high numbers of motor proteins with nanoscopic precision. Here, we describe an alternative approach based on actomyosin cortex-like force production, allowing low complexity motor arrangements in a contractile meshwork that can be coated onto soft objects and locally activated by ATP. The design is reminiscent of a motorized exoskeleton actuating protein-based robotic structures from the outside. It readily supports the connection and assembly of micro-three-dimensional printed modules into larger structures, thereby scaling up mechanical work. We provide an analytical model of force production in these systems and demonstrate the design flexibility by three-dimensional printed units performing complex mechanical tasks, such as microhands and microarms that can grasp and wave following light activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Jia
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Johannes Flommersfeld
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Heymann
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sven K Vogel
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - David B Brückner
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiromune Eto
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Chase P Broedersz
- Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Petra Schwille
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Linking path and filament persistence lengths of microtubules gliding over kinesin. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3081. [PMID: 35197505 PMCID: PMC8866476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06941-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules and kinesin motor proteins are involved in intracellular transports in living cells. Such intracellular material transport systems can be reconstructed for utilisation in synthetic environments, and they are called molecular shuttles driven by kinesin motors. The performance of the molecular shuttles depends on the nature of their trajectories, which can be characterized by the path persistence length of microtubules. It has been theoretically predicted that the path persistence length should be equal to the filament persistence length of the microtubules, where the filament persistence length is a measure of microtubule flexural stiffness. However, previous experiments have shown that there is a significant discrepancy between the path and filament persistence lengths. Here, we showed how this discrepancy arises by using computer simulation. By simulating molecular shuttle movements under external forces, the discrepancy between the path and filament persistence lengths was reproduced as observed in experiments. Our close investigations of molecular shuttle movements revealed that the part of the microtubules bent due to the external force was extended more than it was assumed in the theory. By considering the extended length, we could elucidate the discrepancy. The insights obtained here are expected to lead to better control of molecular shuttle movements.
Collapse
|
19
|
Chu S, Wang AL, Bhattacharya A, Montclare JK. Protein Based Biomaterials for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications. PROGRESS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 4:012003. [PMID: 34950852 PMCID: PMC8691744 DOI: 10.1088/2516-1091/ac2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are some of the most versatile and studied macromolecules with extensive biomedical applications. The natural and biological origin of proteins offer such materials several advantages over their synthetic counterparts, such as innate bioactivity, recognition by cells and reduced immunogenic potential. Furthermore, proteins can be easily functionalized by altering their primary amino acid sequence and can often be further self-assembled into higher order structures either spontaneously or under specific environmental conditions. This review will feature the recent advances in protein-based biomaterials in the delivery of therapeutic cargo such as small molecules, genetic material, proteins, and cells. First, we will discuss the ways in which secondary structural motifs, the building blocks of more complex proteins, have unique properties that enable them to be useful for therapeutic delivery. Next, supramolecular assemblies, such as fibers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, made from these building blocks that are engineered to behave in a cohesive manner, are discussed. Finally, we will cover additional modifications to protein materials that impart environmental responsiveness to materials. This includes the emerging field of protein molecular robots, and relatedly, protein-based theranostic materials that combine therapeutic potential with modern imaging modalities, including near-infrared fluorescence spectroscopy (NIRF), single-photo emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging (US/PAI).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Chu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Andrew L Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- College of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Aparajita Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jin Kim Montclare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry, NYU, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomaterials, NYU College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jiang S, Liu S, Lau S, Li J. Hemostatic biomaterials to halt non-compressible hemorrhage. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:7239-7259. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00546h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-compressible hemorrhage is an unmet clinical challenge, which occurs in inaccessible sites in the body where compression cannot be applied to stop bleeding. Current treatments reliant on blood transfusion are...
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Living cells move and change their shape because signaling chemical reactions modify the state of their cytoskeleton, an active gel that converts chemical energy into mechanical forces. To create life-like materials, it is thus key to engineer chemical pathways that drive active gels. Here we describe the preparation of DNA-responsive surfaces that control the activity of a cytoskeletal active gel composed of microtubules: A DNA signal triggers the release of molecular motors from the surface into the gel bulk, generating forces that structure the gel. Depending on the DNA sequence and concentration, the gel forms a periodic band pattern or contracts globally. Finally, we show that the structuration of the active gel can be spatially controlled in the presence of a gradient of DNA concentration. We anticipate that such DNA-controlled active matter will contribute to the development of life-like materials with self-shaping properties.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang H, Cai L, Zhang D, Shang L, Zhao Y. Responsive Janus Structural Color Hydrogel Micromotors for Label-Free Multiplex Assays. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2021; 2021:9829068. [PMID: 34888526 PMCID: PMC8628110 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9829068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Micromotors with self-propelling ability demonstrate great values in highly sensitive analysis. Developing novel micromotors to achieve label-free multiplex assay is particularly intriguing in terms of detection efficiency. Herein, structural color micromotors (SCMs) were developed and employed for this purpose. The SCMs were derived from phase separation of droplet templates and exhibited a Janus structure with two distinct sections, including one with structural colors and the other providing catalytic self-propelling functions. Besides, the SCMs were functionalized with ion-responsive aptamers, through which the interaction between the ions and aptamers resulted in the shift of the intrinsic color of the SCMs. It was demonstrated that the SCMs could realize multiplex label-free detection of ions based on their optical coding capacity and responsive behaviors. Moreover, the detection sensitivity was greatly improved benefiting from the autonomous motion of the SCMs which enhanced the ion-aptamer interactions. We anticipate that the SCMs can significantly promote the development of multiplex assay and biomedical fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210002, China
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Lijun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Dagan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Exploiting the fundamentals of biological organization for the advancement of biofabrication. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 74:42-54. [PMID: 34798447 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The field of biofabrication continues to progress, offering higher levels of spatial control, reproducibility, and functionality. However, we remain far from recapitulating what nature has achieved. Biological systems such as tissues and organs are assembled from the bottom-up through coordinated supramolecular and cellular processes that result in their remarkable structures and functionalities. In this perspective, we propose that incorporating such biological assembling mechanisms within fabrication techniques, offers an opportunity to push the boundaries of biofabrication. We dissect these mechanisms into distinct biological organization principles (BOPs) including self-assembly, compartmentalization, diffusion-reaction, disorder-to-order transitions, and out-of-equilibrium processes. We highlight recent work demonstrating the viability and potential of these approaches to enhance scalability, reproducibility, vascularization, and biomimicry; as well as current challenges to overcome.
Collapse
|
24
|
Dewey JA, Azizi SA, Lu V, Dickinson BC. A System for the Evolution of Protein-Protein Interaction Inducers. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2096-2110. [PMID: 34319091 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecules that induce interactions between proteins, often referred to as "molecular glues", are increasingly recognized as important therapeutic modalities and as entry points for rewiring cellular signaling networks. Here, we report a new PACE-based method to rapidly select and evolve molecules that mediate interactions between otherwise noninteracting proteins: rapid evolution of protein-protein interaction glues (rePPI-G). By leveraging proximity-dependent split RNA polymerase-based biosensors, we developed E. coli-based detection and selection systems that drive gene expression outputs only when interactions between target proteins are induced. We then validated the system using engineered bivalent molecular glues, showing that rePPI-G robustly selects for molecules that induce the target interaction. Proof-of-concept evolutions demonstrated that rePPI-G reduces the "hook effect" of the engineered molecular glues, due at least in part to tuning the interaction affinities of each individual component of the bifunctional molecule. Altogether, this work validates rePPI-G as a continuous, phage-based evolutionary technology for optimizing molecular glues, providing a strategy for developing molecules that reprogram protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Dewey
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60615, United States
| | - Saara-Anne Azizi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60615, United States
| | - Vivian Lu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60615, United States
| | - Bryan C. Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60615, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Inaba H, Matsuura K. Modulation of Microtubule Properties and Functions by Encapsulation of Nanomaterials Using a Tau-Derived Peptide. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Inaba
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Hess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|