1
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Witzdam L, White T, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C. Steps Toward Recapitulating Endothelium: A Perspective on the Next Generation of Hemocompatible Coatings. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400152. [PMID: 39072925 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Endothelium, the lining in this blood vessel, orchestrates three main critical functions such as protecting blood components, modulating of hemostasis by secreting various inhibitors, and directing clot digestion (fibrinolysis) by activating tissue plasminogen activator. No other surface can perform these tasks; thus, the contact of blood and blood-contacting medical devices inevitably leads to the activation of coagulation, often causing device failure, and thromboembolic complications. This perspective, first, discusses the biological mechanisms of activation of coagulation and highlights the efforts of advanced coatings to recapitulate one characteristic of endothelium, hereafter single functions of endothelium and noting necessity of the synergistic integration of its three main functions. Subsequently, it is emphasized that to overcome the challenges of blood compatibility an endothelium-mimicking system is needed, proposing a synergy of bottom-up synthetic biology, particularly synthetic cells, with passive- and bioactive surface coatings. Such integration holds promise for developing advanced biomaterials capable of recapitulating endothelial functions, thereby enhancing the hemocompatibility and performance of blood-contacting medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Witzdam
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac, 10, 12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom White
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac, 10, 12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac, 10, 12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking, Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, The Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
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2
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Doerner B, Della Sala F, Wang S, Webb SJ. Reaction, Recognition, Relay: Anhydride Hydrolysis Reported by Conformationally Responsive Fluorinated Foldamers in Micelles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405924. [PMID: 38703400 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405924] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Natural membrane receptors are proteins that can report on changes in the concentration of external chemical messengers. Messenger binding to a receptor produces conformational changes that are relayed through the membrane into the cell; this information allows cells to adapt to changes in their environment. Artificial membrane receptors (R)-1 and (S)-1 are helical α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) foldamers that replicate key parts of this information relay. Solution-phase 19F NMR spectroscopy of zinc(II)-capped receptor 1, either in organic solvent or in membrane-mimetic micelles, showed messenger binding produced an enrichment of either left- or right-handed screw-sense; the chirality of the bound messenger was relayed to the other receptor terminus. Furthermore, in situ production of a chemical messenger in the external aqueous environment could be detected in real-time by a racemic mixture of receptor 1 in micelles. The hydrolysis of insoluble anhydrides produced carboxylate in the aqueous phase, which bound to the receptors and gave a distinct 19F NMR output from inside the hydrophobic region of the micelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedicte Doerner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Flavio Della Sala
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Webb
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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3
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Chao X, Johnson TG, Temian MC, Docker A, Wallabregue ALD, Scott A, Conway SJ, Langton MJ. Coupling Photoresponsive Transmembrane Ion Transport with Transition Metal Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:4351-4356. [PMID: 38334376 PMCID: PMC10885138 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Artificial ion transporters have been explored both as tools for studying fundamental ion transport processes and as potential therapeutics for cancer and channelopathies. Here we demonstrate that synthetic transporters may also be used to regulate the transport of catalytic metal ions across lipid membranes and thus control chemical reactivity inside lipid-bound compartments. We show that acyclic lipophilic pyridyltriazoles enable Pd(II) cations to be transported from the external aqueous phase across the lipid bilayer and into the interior of large unilamellar vesicles. In situ reduction generates Pd(0) species, which catalyze the generation of a fluorescent product. Photocaging the Pd(II) transporter allows for photoactivation of the transport process and hence photocontrol over the internal catalysis process. This work demonstrates that artificial transporters enable control over catalysis inside artificial cell-like systems, which could form the basis of biocompatible nanoreactors for applications such as drug synthesis and delivery or to mediate phototargeted catalyst delivery into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Chao
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Toby G. Johnson
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Maria-Carmen Temian
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Andrew Docker
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | | | - Aaron Scott
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of California Los Angeles, 607 Charles E. Young Drive East, P.O. Box 951569, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
| | - Matthew J. Langton
- Chemistry
Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
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4
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Sun S, Li S, Feng W, Luo J, Russell TP, Shi S. Reconfigurable droplet networks. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1058. [PMID: 38316759 PMCID: PMC10844234 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45214-1] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Droplet networks stabilized by lipid interfacial bilayers or colloidal particles have been extensively investigated in recent years and are of great interest for compartmentalized reactions and biological functions. However, current design strategies are disadvantaged by complex preparations and limited droplet size. Here, by using the assembly and jamming of cucurbit[8]uril surfactants at the oil-water interface, we show a novel means of preparing droplet networks that are multi-responsive, reconfigurable, and internally connected over macroscopic distances. Openings between the droplets enable the exchange of matter, affording a platform for chemical reactions and material synthesis. Our work requires only a manual compression to construct complex patterns of droplet networks, underscoring the simplicity of this strategy and the range of potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Shuailong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Weixiao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqiu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas P Russell
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Shaowei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, China.
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5
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Stimuli-responsive vesicles as distributed artificial organelles for bacterial activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206563119. [PMID: 36223394 PMCID: PMC9586261 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206563119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication is a hallmark of living systems. As such, engineering artificial cells that possess this behavior has been at the heart of activities in bottom-up synthetic biology. Communication between artificial and living cells has potential to confer novel capabilities to living organisms that could be exploited in biomedicine and biotechnology. However, most current approaches rely on the exchange of chemical signals that cannot be externally controlled. Here, we report two types of remote-controlled vesicle-based artificial organelles that translate physical inputs into chemical messages that lead to bacterial activation. Upon light or temperature stimulation, artificial cell membranes are activated, releasing signaling molecules that induce protein expression in Escherichia coli. This distributed approach differs from established methods for engineering stimuli-responsive bacteria. Here, artificial cells (as opposed to bacterial cells themselves) are the design unit. Having stimuli-responsive elements compartmentalized in artificial cells has potential applications in therapeutics, tissue engineering, and bioremediation. It will underpin the design of hybrid living/nonliving systems where temporal control over population interactions can be exerted.
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6
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Koner S, Tawfik J, Mashali F, Kennison KB, McClintic WT, Heberle FA, Tu YM, Kumar M, Sarles SA. Homogeneous hybrid droplet interface bilayers assembled from binary mixtures of DPhPC phospholipids and PB-b-PEO diblock copolymers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183997. [PMID: 35718208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.183997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid membranes built from phospholipids and amphiphilic block copolymers seek to capitalize on the benefits of both constituents for constructing biomimetic interfaces with improved performance. However, hybrid membranes have not been formed or studied using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) method, an approach that offers advantages for revealing nanoscale changes in membrane structure and mechanics and offers a path toward assembling higher-order tissues. We report on hybrid droplet interface bilayers (hDIBs) formed in hexadecane from binary mixtures of synthetic diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) lipids and low molecular weight 1,2 polybutadiene-b-polyethylene oxide (PBPEO) amphiphilic block copolymers and use electrophysiology measurements and imaging to assess the effects of PBPEO in the membrane. This work reveals that hDIBs containing up to 15 mol% PBPEO plus DPhPC are homogeneously mixtures of lipids and polymers, remain highly resistive to ion transport, and are stable-including under applied voltage. Moreover, they exhibit hydrophobic thicknesses similar to DPhPC-only bilayers, but also have significantly lower values of membrane tension. These characteristics coincide with reduced energy of adhesion between droplets and the formation of alamethicin ion channels at significantly lower threshold voltages, demonstrating that even moderate amounts of amphiphilic block copolymers in a lipid bilayer provide a route for tuning the physical properties of a biomimetic membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadeep Koner
- Department of Mechanical Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Joseph Tawfik
- Department of Mechanical Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Farzin Mashali
- Department of Mechanical Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Kristen B Kennison
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | | | | | - Yu-Ming Tu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Manish Kumar
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Stephen A Sarles
- Department of Mechanical Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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7
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Challenges and opportunities in achieving the full potential of droplet interface bilayers. Nat Chem 2022; 14:862-870. [PMID: 35879442 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-00989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Model membranes can be used to elucidate the intricacies of the chemical processes that occur in cell membranes, but the perfectly biomimetic, yet bespoke, model membrane has yet to be built. Droplet interface bilayers are a new type of model membrane able to mimic some features of real cell membranes better than traditional models, such as liposomes and black lipid membranes. In this Perspective, we discuss recent work in the field that is starting to showcase the potential of these model membranes to enable the quantification of membrane processes, such as the behaviour of protein transporters and the prediction of in vivo drug movement, and their use as scaffolds for electrophysiological measurements. We also highlight the challenges that remain to enable droplet interface bilayers to achieve their full potential as artificial cells, and as biological analytical platforms to quantify molecular transport.
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8
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Li J, Jamieson WD, Dimitriou P, Xu W, Rohde P, Martinac B, Baker M, Drinkwater BW, Castell OK, Barrow DA. Building programmable multicompartment artificial cells incorporating remotely activated protein channels using microfluidics and acoustic levitation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4125. [PMID: 35840619 PMCID: PMC9287423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular compartments are functional units that support the metabolism within living cells, through spatiotemporal regulation of chemical reactions and biological processes. Consequently, as a step forward in the bottom-up creation of artificial cells, building analogous intracellular architectures is essential for the expansion of cell-mimicking functionality. Herein, we report the development of a droplet laboratory platform to engineer complex emulsion-based, multicompartment artificial cells, using microfluidics and acoustic levitation. Such levitated models provide free-standing, dynamic, definable droplet networks for the compartmentalisation of chemical species. Equally, they can be remotely operated with pneumatic, heating, and magnetic elements for post-processing, including the incorporation of membrane proteins; alpha-hemolysin; and mechanosensitive channel of large-conductance. The assembly of droplet networks is three-dimensionally patterned with fluidic input configurations determining droplet contents and connectivity, whilst acoustic manipulation can be harnessed to reconfigure the droplet network in situ. The mechanosensitive channel can be repeatedly activated and deactivated in the levitated artificial cell by the application of acoustic and magnetic fields to modulate membrane tension on demand. This offers possibilities beyond one-time chemically mediated activation to provide repeated, non-contact, control of membrane protein function. Collectively, this expands our growing capability to program and operate increasingly sophisticated artificial cells as life-like materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - William D Jamieson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Wen Xu
- Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Aberconway Building, Colum Dr, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK
| | - Paul Rohde
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinhurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinhurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Matthew Baker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bruce W Drinkwater
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK.
| | - Oliver K Castell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK.
| | - David A Barrow
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
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9
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Smith JM, Chowdhry R, Booth MJ. Controlling Synthetic Cell-Cell Communication. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:809945. [PMID: 35071327 PMCID: PMC8766733 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.809945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cells, which mimic cellular function within a minimal compartment, are finding wide application, for instance in studying cellular communication and as delivery devices to living cells. However, to fully realise the potential of synthetic cells, control of their function is vital. An array of tools has already been developed to control the communication of synthetic cells to neighbouring synthetic cells or living cells. These tools use either chemical inputs, such as small molecules, or physical inputs, such as light. Here, we examine these current methods of controlling synthetic cell communication and consider alternative mechanisms for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael J. Booth
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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10
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Cazimoglu I, Booth MJ, Bayley H. A Lipid-Based Droplet Processor for Parallel Chemical Signals. ACS NANO 2021; 15:20214-20224. [PMID: 34788543 PMCID: PMC8717631 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A key goal of bottom-up synthetic biology is to construct cell- and tissue-like structures. Underpinning cellular life is the ability to process several external chemical signals, often in parallel. Until now, cell- and tissue-like structures have been constructed with no more than one signaling pathway. Many pathways rely on signal transport across membranes using protein nanopores. However, such systems currently suffer from the slow transport of molecules. We have optimized the application of these nanopores to permit fast molecular transport, which has allowed us to construct a processor for parallel chemical signals from the bottom up in a modular fashion. The processor comprises three aqueous droplet compartments connected by lipid bilayers and operates in an aqueous environment. It can receive two chemical signals from the external environment, process them orthogonally, and then produce a distinct output for each signal. It is suitable for both sensing and enzymatic processing of environmental signals, with fluorescence and molecular outputs. In the future, such processors could serve as smart drug delivery vehicles or as modules within synthetic tissues to control their behavior in response to external chemical signals.
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11
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Allen ME, Albon J, Elani Y. Layer-by-layer assembly of multi-layered droplet interface bilayers (multi-DIBs). Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 58:60-63. [PMID: 34877578 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc05155e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) have tremendous promise as platforms for fundamental biomembrane studies and in biotechnology. Being composed of a single bilayer however limits their biomimetic potential, as many cell membrane motifs are composed of multiple aligned bilayers. We describe a technology to manufacture cell-sized multi-layered DIBs (multi-DIBs) by coating giant unilamellar vesicles with a further monolayer, and allowing such structures to make contact with themselves or a monolayer coated droplet. This easily customisable strategy will pave the way for an expanded repertoire of DIB functionality, for example by facilitating the incorporation of multiple-bilayer spanning protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Allen
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub White City, London, W12 0BZ, UK.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK. .,Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - James Albon
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub White City, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK. .,Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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12
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Chemical communication at the synthetic cell/living cell interface. Commun Chem 2021; 4:161. [PMID: 36697795 PMCID: PMC9814394 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the complexity of synthetic cells has continued to increase in recent years, chemical communication between protocell models and living organisms remains a key challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology and bioengineering. In this Review, we discuss how communication channels and modes of signal processing can be established between living cells and cytomimetic agents such as giant unilamellar lipid vesicles, proteinosomes, polysaccharidosomes, polymer-based giant vesicles and membrane-less coacervate micro-droplets. We describe three potential modes of chemical communication in consortia of synthetic and living cells based on mechanisms of distributed communication and signal processing, physical embodiment and nested communication, and network-based contact-dependent communication. We survey the potential for applying synthetic cell/living cell communication systems in biomedicine, including the in situ production of therapeutics and development of new bioreactors. Finally, we present a short summary of our findings.
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13
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Amstad E, Harrington MJ. From vesicles to materials: bioinspired strategies for fabricating hierarchically structured soft matter. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2021; 379:20200338. [PMID: 34334030 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Certain organisms including species of mollusks, polychaetes, onychophorans and arthropods produce exceptional polymeric materials outside their bodies under ambient conditions using concentrated fluid protein precursors. While much is understood about the structure-function relationships that define the properties of such materials, comparatively less is understood about how such materials are fabricated and specifically, how their defining hierarchical structures are achieved via bottom-up assembly. Yet this information holds great potential for inspiring sustainable manufacture of advanced polymeric materials with controlled multi-scale structure. In the present perspective, we first examine recent work elucidating the formation of the tough adhesive fibres of the mussel byssus via secretion of vesicles filled with condensed liquid protein phases (coacervates and liquid crystals)-highlighting which design principles are relevant for bio-inspiration. In the second part of the perspective, we examine the potential of recent advances in drops and additive manufacturing as a bioinspired platform for mimicking such processes to produce hierarchically structured materials. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 1)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Amstad
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew J Harrington
- Dept. of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0B8
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14
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Alcinesio A, Krishna Kumar R, Bayley H. Functional Multivesicular Structures with Controlled Architecture from 3D‐Printed Droplet Networks. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alcinesio
- Department of Chemistry University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | | | - Hagan Bayley
- Department of Chemistry University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
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15
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Joseph K, Kushida S, Smarsly E, Ihiawakrim D, Thomas A, Paravicini‐Bagliani GL, Nagarajan K, Vergauwe R, Devaux E, Ersen O, Bunz UHF, Ebbesen TW. Supramolecular Assembly of Conjugated Polymers under Vibrational Strong Coupling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kripa Joseph
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Soh Kushida
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai Tsukuba 305-8577 Japan
| | - Emanuel Smarsly
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg INF 270 69120 Heidelberg Germany
| | - Dris Ihiawakrim
- University of Strasbourg CNRS, IPCMS 23 rue du Loess 67034 Strasbourg France
| | - Anoop Thomas
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
- Present address: Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru 560012 Bengaluru India
| | | | - Kalaivanan Nagarajan
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Robrecht Vergauwe
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Eloise Devaux
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Ovidiu Ersen
- University of Strasbourg CNRS, IPCMS 23 rue du Loess 67034 Strasbourg France
| | - Uwe H. F. Bunz
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg INF 270 69120 Heidelberg Germany
| | - Thomas W. Ebbesen
- University of Strasbourg CNRS ISIS & icFRC 8 allée Gaspard Monge 67000 Strasbourg France
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16
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Joseph K, Kushida S, Smarsly E, Ihiawakrim D, Thomas A, Paravicini-Bagliani GL, Nagarajan K, Vergauwe R, Devaux E, Ersen O, Bunz UHF, Ebbesen TW. Supramolecular Assembly of Conjugated Polymers under Vibrational Strong Coupling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:19665-19670. [PMID: 34255910 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Strong coupling plays a significant role in influencing chemical reactions and tuning material properties by modifying the energy landscapes of the systems. Here we study the effect of vibrational strong coupling (VSC) on supramolecular organization. For this purpose, a rigid-rod conjugated polymer known to form gels was strongly coupled together with its solvent in a microfluidic IR Fabry-Perot cavity. Absorption and fluorescence studies indicate a large modification of the self-assembly under such cooperative VSC. Electron microscopy confirms that in this case, the supramolecular morphology is totally different from that observed in the absence of strong coupling. In addition, the self-assembly kinetics are altered and depend on the solvent vibration under VSC. The results are compared to kinetic isotope effects on the self-assembly to help clarify the role of different parameters under strong coupling. These findings indicate that VSC is a valuable new tool for controlling supramolecular assemblies with broad implications for the molecular and material sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kripa Joseph
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Soh Kushida
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Emanuel Smarsly
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, INF 270, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dris Ihiawakrim
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, IPCMS, 23 rue du Loess, 67034, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anoop Thomas
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Present address: Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Kalaivanan Nagarajan
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Robrecht Vergauwe
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eloise Devaux
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ovidiu Ersen
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, IPCMS, 23 rue du Loess, 67034, Strasbourg, France
| | - Uwe H F Bunz
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, INF 270, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas W Ebbesen
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS & icFRC, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, 67000, Strasbourg, France
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17
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Dimitriou P, Li J, Tornillo G, McCloy T, Barrow D. Droplet Microfluidics for Tumor Drug-Related Studies and Programmable Artificial Cells. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000123. [PMID: 34267927 PMCID: PMC8272004 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drug development is a crucial step toward cancer treatment, that requires realistic predictions of malignant tissue development and sophisticated drug delivery. Tumors often acquire drug resistance and drug efficacy, hence cannot be accurately predicted in 2D tumor cell cultures. On the other hand, 3D cultures, including multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), mimic the in vivo cellular arrangement and provide robust platforms for drug testing when grown in hydrogels with characteristics similar to the living body. Microparticles and liposomes are considered smart drug delivery vehicles, are able to target cancerous tissue, and can release entrapped drugs on demand. Microfluidics serve as a high-throughput tool for reproducible, flexible, and automated production of droplet-based microscale constructs, tailored to the desired final application. In this review, it is described how natural hydrogels in combination with droplet microfluidics can generate MCTSs, and the use of microfluidics to produce tumor targeting microparticles and liposomes. One of the highlights of the review documents the use of the bottom-up construction methodologies of synthetic biology for the formation of artificial cellular assemblies, which may additionally incorporate both target cancer cells and prospective drug candidates, as an integrated "droplet incubator" drug assay platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelitsa Dimitriou
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Jin Li
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Giusy Tornillo
- Hadyn Ellis BuildingCardiff UniversityMaindy RoadCardiffCF24 4HQUK
| | - Thomas McCloy
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - David Barrow
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
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18
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Galanti A, Moreno-Tortolero RO, Azad R, Cross S, Davis S, Gobbo P. A Floating Mold Technique for the Programmed Assembly of Protocells into Protocellular Materials Capable of Non-Equilibrium Biochemical Sensing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2100340. [PMID: 33960013 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite important breakthroughs in bottom-up synthetic biology, a major challenge still remains the construction of free-standing, macroscopic, and robust materials from protocell building blocks that are stable in water and capable of emergent behaviors. Herein, a new floating mold technique for the fabrication of millimeter- to centimeter-sized protocellular materials (PCMs) of any shape that overcomes most of the current challenges in prototissue engineering is reported. Significantly, this technique also allows for the generation of 2D periodic arrays of PCMs that display an emergent non-equilibrium spatiotemporal sensing behavior. These arrays are capable of collectively translating the information provided by the external environment and are encoded in the form of propagating reaction-diffusion fronts into a readable dynamic signal output. Overall, the methodology opens up a route to the fabrication of macroscopic and robust tissue-like materials with emergent behaviors, providing a new paradigm of bottom-up synthetic biology and biomimetic materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Galanti
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | | | - Raihan Azad
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Stephen Cross
- Wolfson Bioimaging Facility, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Sean Davis
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
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19
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Elani Y. Interfacing Living and Synthetic Cells as an Emerging Frontier in Synthetic Biology. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 133:5662-5671. [PMID: 38505493 PMCID: PMC10946473 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202006941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The construction of artificial cells from inanimate molecular building blocks is one of the grand challenges of our time. In addition to being used as simplified cell models to decipher the rules of life, artificial cells have the potential to be designed as micromachines deployed in a host of clinical and industrial applications. The attractions of engineering artificial cells from scratch, as opposed to re-engineering living biological cells, are varied. However, it is clear that artificial cells cannot currently match the power and behavioural sophistication of their biological counterparts. Given this, many in the synthetic biology community have started to ask: is it possible to interface biological and artificial cells together to create hybrid living/synthetic systems that leverage the advantages of both? This article will discuss the motivation behind this cellular bionics approach, in which the boundaries between living and non-living matter are blurred by bridging top-down and bottom-up synthetic biology. It details the state of play of this nascent field and introduces three generalised hybridisation modes that have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical EngineeringImperial College LondonExhibition RoadLondonUK
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20
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Elani Y. Interfacing Living and Synthetic Cells as an Emerging Frontier in Synthetic Biology. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:5602-5611. [PMID: 32909663 PMCID: PMC7983915 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The construction of artificial cells from inanimate molecular building blocks is one of the grand challenges of our time. In addition to being used as simplified cell models to decipher the rules of life, artificial cells have the potential to be designed as micromachines deployed in a host of clinical and industrial applications. The attractions of engineering artificial cells from scratch, as opposed to re-engineering living biological cells, are varied. However, it is clear that artificial cells cannot currently match the power and behavioural sophistication of their biological counterparts. Given this, many in the synthetic biology community have started to ask: is it possible to interface biological and artificial cells together to create hybrid living/synthetic systems that leverage the advantages of both? This article will discuss the motivation behind this cellular bionics approach, in which the boundaries between living and non-living matter are blurred by bridging top-down and bottom-up synthetic biology. It details the state of play of this nascent field and introduces three generalised hybridisation modes that have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical EngineeringImperial College LondonExhibition RoadLondonUK
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21
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Bioluminescent detection of isothermal DNA amplification in microfluidic generated droplets and artificial cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21886. [PMID: 33318599 PMCID: PMC7736893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78996-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic droplet generation affords precise, low volume, high throughput opportunities for molecular diagnostics. Isothermal DNA amplification with bioluminescent detection is a fast, low-cost, highly specific molecular diagnostic technique that is triggerable by temperature. Combining loop-mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP) and bioluminescent assay in real time (BART), with droplet microfluidics, should enable high-throughput, low copy, sequence-specific DNA detection by simple light emission. Stable, uniform LAMP–BART droplets are generated with low cost equipment. The composition and scale of these droplets are controllable and the bioluminescent output during DNA amplification can be imaged and quantified. Furthermore these droplets are readily incorporated into encapsulated droplet interface bilayers (eDIBs), or artificial cells, and the bioluminescence tracked in real time for accurate quantification off chip. Microfluidic LAMP–BART droplets with high stability and uniformity of scale coupled with high throughput and low cost generation are suited to digital DNA quantification at low template concentrations and volumes, where multiple measurement partitions are required. The triggerable reaction in the core of eDIBs can be used to study the interrelationship of the droplets with the environment and also used for more complex chemical processing via a self-contained network of droplets, paving the way for smart soft-matter diagnostics.
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22
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From protocells to prototissues: a materials chemistry approach. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:2579-2589. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20200310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prototissues comprise free-standing 3D networks of interconnected protocell consortia that communicate and display synergistic functions. Significantly, they can be constructed from functional molecules and materials, providing unprecedented opportunities to design tissue-like architectures that can do more than simply mimic living tissues. They could function under extreme conditions and exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties and bio-inspired metabolic functions. In this perspective, I will start by describing recent advancements in the design and synthetic construction of prototissues. I will then discuss the next challenges and the future impact of this emerging research field, which is destined to find applications in the most diverse areas of science and technology, from biomedical science to environmental science, and soft robotics.
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23
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Groaz A, Galvan S, Valer L, Rossetto D, Benedetti F, Guella G, Toparlak ÖD, Mansy SS. Cell-Free Synthesis of Dopamine and Serotonin in Two Steps with Purified Enzymes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000118. [PMID: 33107224 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of serotonin and dopamine with purified enzymes is described. Both pathways start from an amino acid substrate and synthesize the monoamine neurotransmitter in two enzymatic steps. The enzymes human tryptophan hydroxylase isoform 2, Rattus norvegicus tyrosine hydroxylase, Chlamydia pneumoniae Cpn1046, and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase from Drosophila melanogaster are recombinantly expressed, purified, and shown to be functional in vitro. The hydroxylases efficiently convert L-DOPA (L-dihydroxy-phenylalanine) and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) from L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan, respectively. A single aromatic amino acid decarboxylase is capable of converting both hydroxylated intermediates into the final neurotransmitter. The platform described here may facilitate future efforts to generate medically useful artificial cells and nanofactories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Groaz
- CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Silvia Galvan
- CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Luca Valer
- CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Daniele Rossetto
- CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | | | - Graziano Guella
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | | | - Sheref S Mansy
- CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento, 38123, Italy.,Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada
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