1
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Egan G, Hannah AJ, Donnelly S, Connolly P, Seib FP. The Biologically Active Biopolymer Silk: The Antibacterial Effects of Solubilized Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin with Common Wound Pathogens. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300115. [PMID: 38411381 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300115] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Antibacterial properties are desirable in wound dressings. Silks, among many material formats, have been investigated for use in wound care. However, the antibacterial properties of liquid silk are poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the inherent antibacterial properties of a Bombyx mori silk fibroin solution. Silk fibroin solutions containing ≥ 4% w/v silk fibroin do not support the growth of two common wound pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When liquid silk is added to a wound pad and placed on inoculated culture plates mimicking wound fluid, silk is bacteriostatic. Viability tests of the bacterial cells in the presence of liquid silk show that cells remain intact within the silk but could not be cultured. Liquid silk appears to provide a hostile environment for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and inhibits growth without disrupting the cell membrane. This effect can be beneficial for wound healing and supports future healthcare applications for silk. This observation also indicates that liquid silk stored prior to processing is unlikely to experience microbial spoilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Egan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - Aiden J Hannah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - Sean Donnelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - Patricia Connolly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - F Philipp Seib
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology & Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstr. 8, 07743, Jena, Germany
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2
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Solomonov A, Kozell A, Shimanovich U. Designing Multifunctional Biomaterials via Protein Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318365. [PMID: 38206201 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318365] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Protein self-assembly is a fundamental biological process where proteins spontaneously organize into complex and functional structures without external direction. This process is crucial for the formation of various biological functionalities. However, when protein self-assembly fails, it can trigger the development of multiple disorders, thus making understanding this phenomenon extremely important. Up until recently, protein self-assembly has been solely linked either to biological function or malfunction; however, in the past decade or two it has also been found to hold promising potential as an alternative route for fabricating materials for biomedical applications. It is therefore necessary and timely to summarize the key aspects of protein self-assembly: how the protein structure and self-assembly conditions (chemical environments, kinetics, and the physicochemical characteristics of protein complexes) can be utilized to design biomaterials. This minireview focuses on the basic concepts of forming supramolecular structures, and the existing routes for modifications. We then compare the applicability of different approaches, including compartmentalization and self-assembly monitoring. Finally, based on the cutting-edge progress made during the last years, we summarize the current knowledge about tailoring a final function by introducing changes in self-assembly and link it to biomaterials' performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Solomonov
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl st., Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Anna Kozell
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl st., Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Ulyana Shimanovich
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl st., Rehovot, 76100, Israel
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3
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Alaoui Selsouli Y, Rho HS, Eischen-Loges M, Galván-Chacón VP, Stähli C, Viecelli Y, Döbelin N, Bohner M, Tahmasebi Birgani Z, Habibović P. Optimization of a tunable process for rapid production of calcium phosphate microparticles using a droplet-based microfluidic platform. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1352184. [PMID: 38600949 PMCID: PMC11004461 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1352184] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium phosphate (CaP) biomaterials are amongst the most widely used synthetic bone graft substitutes, owing to their chemical similarities to the mineral part of bone matrix and off-the-shelf availability. However, their ability to regenerate bone in critical-sized bone defects has remained inferior to the gold standard autologous bone. Hence, there is a need for methods that can be employed to efficiently produce CaPs with different properties, enabling the screening and consequent fine-tuning of the properties of CaPs towards effective bone regeneration. To this end, we propose the use of droplet microfluidics for rapid production of a variety of CaP microparticles. Particularly, this study aims to optimize the steps of a droplet microfluidic-based production process, including droplet generation, in-droplet CaP synthesis, purification and sintering, in order to obtain a library of CaP microparticles with fine-tuned properties. The results showed that size-controlled, monodisperse water-in-oil microdroplets containing calcium- and phosphate-rich solutions can be produced using a flow-focusing droplet-generator microfluidic chip. We optimized synthesis protocols based on in-droplet mineralization to obtain a range of CaP microparticles without and with inorganic additives. This was achieved by adjusting synthesis parameters, such as precursor concentration, pH value, and aging time, and applying heat treatment. In addition, our results indicated that the synthesis and fabrication parameters of CaPs in this method can alter the microstructure and the degradation behavior of CaPs. Overall, the results highlight the potential of the droplet microfluidic platform for engineering CaP microparticle biomaterials with fine-tuned properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Alaoui Selsouli
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - H. S. Rho
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - M. Eischen-Loges
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - V. P. Galván-Chacón
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - C. Stähli
- RMS Foundation, Bettlach, Switzerland
| | | | | | - M. Bohner
- RMS Foundation, Bettlach, Switzerland
| | - Z. Tahmasebi Birgani
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - P. Habibović
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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4
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Wiita EG, Toprakcioglu Z, Jayaram AK, Knowles TPJ. Selenium-silk microgels as antifungal and antibacterial agents. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:609-619. [PMID: 38288551 PMCID: PMC10962633 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00385j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a leading threat to global health. Alternative therapeutics to combat the rise in drug-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi are thus needed, but the development of new classes of small molecule therapeutics has remained challenging. Here, we explore an orthogonal approach and address this issue by synthesising micro-scale, protein colloidal particles that possess potent antimicrobial properties. We describe an approach for forming silk-based microgels that contain selenium nanoparticles embedded within the protein scaffold. We demonstrate that these materials have both antibacterial and antifungal properties while, crucially, also remaining highly biocompatible with mammalian cell lines. By combing the nanoparticles with silk, the protein microgel is able to fulfill two critical functions; it protects the mammalian cells from the cytotoxic effects of the bare nanoparticles, while simultaneously serving as a carrier for microbial eradication. Furthermore, since the antimicrobial activity originates from physical contact, bacteria and fungi are unlikely to develop resistance to our hybrid biomaterials, which remains a critical issue with current antibiotic and antifungal treatments. Therefore, taken together, these results provide the basis for innovative antimicrobial materials that can target drug-resistant microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Wiita
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lenseld Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lenseld Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Akhila K Jayaram
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lenseld Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lenseld Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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5
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Kamada A, Toprakcioglu Z, Knowles TPJ. Kinetic Analysis Reveals the Role of Secondary Nucleation in Regenerated Silk Fibroin Self-Assembly. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1709-1716. [PMID: 36926854 PMCID: PMC10091410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Silk proteins obtained from the Bombyx mori silkworm have been extensively studied due to their remarkable mechanical properties. One of the major structural components of this complex material is silk fibroin, which can be isolated and processed further in vitro to form artificial functional materials. Due to the excellent biocompatibility and rich self-assembly behavior, there has been sustained interest in such materials formed through the assembly of regenerated silk fibroin feedstocks. The molecular mechanisms by which the soluble regenerated fibroin molecules self-assemble into protein nanofibrils remain, however, largely unknown. Here, we use the framework of chemical kinetics to connect macroscopic measurements of regenerated silk fibroin self-assembly to the underlying microscopic mechanisms. Our results reveal that the aggregation of regenerated silk fibroin is dominated by a nonclassical secondary nucleation processes, where the formation of new fibrils is catalyzed by the existing aggregates in an autocatalytic manner. Such secondary nucleation pathways were originally discovered in the context of polymerization of disease-associated proteins, but the present results demonstrate that this pathway can also occur in functional assembly. Furthermore, our results show that shear flow induces the formation of nuclei, which subsequently accelerate the process of aggregation through an autocatalytic amplification driven by the secondary nucleation pathway. Taken together, these results allow us to identify the parameters governing the kinetics of regenerated silk fibroin self-assembly and expand our current understanding of the spinning of bioinspired protein-based fibers, which have a wide range of applications in materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kamada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FE, U.K
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6
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Toprakcioglu Z, Wiita EG, Jayaram AK, Gregory RC, Knowles TPJ. Selenium Silk Nanostructured Films with Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:10452-10463. [PMID: 36802477 PMCID: PMC9982822 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and fungi poses a threat for healthcare worldwide. The development of novel effective small molecule therapeutic strategies in this space has remained challenging. Therefore, one orthogonal approach is to explore biomaterials with physical modes of action that have the potential to generate antimicrobial activity and, in some cases, even prevent antimicrobial resistance. Here, to this effect, we describe an approach for forming silk-based films that contain embedded selenium nanoparticles. We show that these materials exhibit both antibacterial and antifungal properties while crucially also remaining highly biocompatible and noncytotoxic toward mammalian cells. By incorporating the nanoparticles into silk films, the protein scaffold acts in a 2-fold manner; it protects the mammalian cells from the cytotoxic effects of the bare nanoparticles, while also providing a template for bacterial and fungal eradication. A range of hybrid inorganic/organic films were produced and an optimum concentration was found, which allowed for both high bacterial and fungal death while also exhibiting low mammalian cell cytotoxicity. Such films can thus pave the way for next-generation antimicrobial materials for applications such as wound healing and as agents against topical infections, with the added benefit that bacteria and fungi are unlikely to develop antimicrobial resistance to these hybrid materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth G. Wiita
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Akhila K. Jayaram
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Department of Physics, University
of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca C. Gregory
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Department of Physics, University
of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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7
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Kopp MRG, Grigolato F, Zürcher D, Das TK, Chou D, Wuchner K, Arosio P. Surface-Induced Protein Aggregation and Particle Formation in Biologics: Current Understanding of Mechanisms, Detection and Mitigation Strategies. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:377-385. [PMID: 36223809 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein stability against aggregation is a major quality concern for the production of safe and effective biopharmaceuticals. Amongst the different drivers of protein aggregation, increasing evidence indicates that interactions between proteins and interfaces represent a major risk factor for the formation of protein aggregates in aqueous solutions. Potentially harmful surfaces relevant to biologics manufacturing and storage include air-water and silicone oil-water interfaces as well as materials from different processing units, storage containers, and delivery devices. The impact of some of these surfaces, for instance originating from impurities, can be difficult to predict and control. Moreover, aggregate formation may additionally be complicated by the simultaneous presence of interfacial, hydrodynamic and mechanical stresses, whose contributions may be difficult to deconvolute. As a consequence, it remains difficult to identify the key chemical and physical determinants and define appropriate analytical methods to monitor and predict protein instability at these interfaces. In this review, we first discuss the main mechanisms of surface-induced protein aggregation. We then review the types of contact materials identified as potentially harmful or detected as potential triggers of proteinaceous particle formation in formulations and discuss proposed mitigation strategies. Finally, we present current methods to probe surface-induced instabilities, which represent a starting point towards assays that can be implemented in early-stage screening and formulation development of biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R G Kopp
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fulvio Grigolato
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Zürcher
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Gonzalez-Obeso C, Jane Hartzell E, Albert Scheel R, Kaplan DL. Delivering on the promise of recombinant silk-inspired proteins for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 192:114622. [PMID: 36414094 PMCID: PMC9812964 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Effective drug delivery is essential for the success of a medical treatment. Polymeric drug delivery systems (DDSs) are preferred over systemic administration of drugs due to their protection capacity, directed release, and reduced side effects. Among the numerous polymer sources, silks and recombinant silks have drawn significant attention over the past decade as DDSs. Native silk is produced from a variety of organisms, which are then used as sources or guides of genetic material for heterologous expression or engineered designs. Recombinant silks bear the outstanding properties of natural silk, such as processability in aqueous solution, self-assembly, drug loading capacity, drug stabilization/protection, and degradability, while incorporating specific properties beneficial for their success as DDS, such as monodispersity and tailored physicochemical properties. Moreover, the on-demand inclusion of sequences that customize the DDS for the specific application enhances efficiency. Often, inclusion of a drug into a DDS is achieved by simple mixing or diffusion and stabilized by non-specific molecular interactions; however, these interactions can be improved by the incorporation of drug-binding peptide sequences. In this review we provide an overview of native sources for silks and silk sequences, as well as the design and formulation of recombinant silk biomaterials as drug delivery systems in a variety of formats, such as films, hydrogels, porous sponges, or particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constancio Gonzalez-Obeso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Emily Jane Hartzell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Ryan Albert Scheel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA.
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9
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Zhu H, Roode LW, Parry AJ, Erkamp NA, Rodriguez-Garcia M, Narita M, Shen Y, Ou Y, Toprakcioglu Z, Narita M, Knowles TP. Core–Shell Spheroid‐Laden Microgels Crosslinked under Biocompatible Conditions for Probing Cancer‐Stromal Communication. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Zhu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Lianne W.Y. Roode
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Aled J. Parry
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute University of Cambridge Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0RE UK
| | - Nadia A. Erkamp
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Marc Rodriguez-Garcia
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Masako Narita
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute University of Cambridge Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0RE UK
| | - Yi Shen
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Yangteng Ou
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Masashi Narita
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute University of Cambridge Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 0RE UK
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI) Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology Yokohama, Tokyo 152-8550 Japan
| | - Tuomas P.J. Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- Department of Physics University of Cambridge JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0HE UK
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10
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Food-grade microgel capsules tailored for anti-obesity strategies through microfluidic preparation. Curr Opin Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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11
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Hakala TA, Yates EV, Challa PK, Toprakcioglu Z, Nadendla K, Matak-Vinkovic D, Dobson CM, Martínez R, Corzana F, Knowles TPJ, Bernardes GJL. Accelerating Reaction Rates of Biomolecules by Using Shear Stress in Artificial Capillary Systems. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16401-16410. [PMID: 34606279 PMCID: PMC8517977 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biomimetics is a design principle within chemistry, biology, and engineering, but chemistry biomimetic approaches have been generally limited to emulating nature's chemical toolkit while emulation of nature's physical toolkit has remained largely unexplored. To begin to explore this, we designed biophysically mimetic microfluidic reactors with characteristic length scales and shear stresses observed within capillaries. We modeled the effect of shear with molecular dynamics studies and showed that this induces specific normally buried residues to become solvent accessible. We then showed using kinetics experiments that rates of reaction of these specific residues in fact increase in a shear-dependent fashion. We applied our results in the creation of a new microfluidic approach for the multidimensional study of cysteine biomarkers. Finally, we used our approach to establish dissociation of the therapeutic antibody trastuzumab in a reducing environment. Our results have implications for the efficacy of existing therapeutic antibodies in blood plasma as well as suggesting in general that biophysically mimetic chemistry is exploited in biology and should be explored as a research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuuli A Hakala
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Emma V Yates
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Pavan K Challa
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Karthik Nadendla
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Dijana Matak-Vinkovic
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M Dobson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Martínez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Francisco Corzana
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.,Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J. J. Thomson Avenue, CB3 0HE Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gonçalo J L Bernardes
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina de Universidad de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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12
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Toprakcioglu Z, Knowles TPJ. Sequential storage and release of microdroplets. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:76. [PMID: 34631144 PMCID: PMC8481565 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00303-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidic methods have opened up the possibility of studying a plethora of phenomena ranging from biological to physical or chemical processes at ultra low volumes and high throughput. A key component of such approaches is the ability to trap droplets for observation, and many device architectures for achieving this objective have been developed. A challenge with such approaches is, however, recovering the droplets following their confinement for applications involving further analysis. Here, we present a device capable of generating, confining and releasing microdroplets in a sequential manner. Through a combination of experimental and computational simulations, we shed light on the key features required for successful droplet storage and retrieval. Moreover, we explore the effect of the flow rate of the continuous phase on droplet release, determining that a critical rate is needed to ensure complete droplet deformation through constrictions holding the droplets in place prior to release. Finally, we find that once released, droplets can be retrieved and collected off chip. The ability to generate, store and sequentially release droplets renders such a device particularly promising for future applications where reactions may not only be monitored on-chip, but droplets can also be retrieved for further analysis, facilitating new exploratory avenues in the fields of analytical chemistry and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW UK
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE UK
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