1
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Vladisaljević GT. Droplet Microfluidics for High-Throughput Screening and Directed Evolution of Biomolecules. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:971. [PMID: 39203623 PMCID: PMC11356158 DOI: 10.3390/mi15080971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Directed evolution is a powerful technique for creating biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids with tailor-made properties for therapeutic and industrial applications by mimicking the natural evolution processes in the laboratory. Droplet microfluidics improved classical directed evolution by enabling time-consuming and laborious steps in this iterative process to be performed within monodispersed droplets in a highly controlled and automated manner. Droplet microfluidic chips can generate, manipulate, and sort individual droplets at kilohertz rates in a user-defined microchannel geometry, allowing new strategies for high-throughput screening and evolution of biomolecules. In this review, we discuss directed evolution studies in which droplet-based microfluidic systems were used to screen and improve the functional properties of biomolecules. We provide a systematic overview of basic on-chip fluidic operations, including reagent mixing by merging continuous fluid streams and droplet pairs, reagent addition by picoinjection, droplet generation, droplet incubation in delay lines, chambers and hydrodynamic traps, and droplet sorting techniques. Various microfluidic strategies for directed evolution using single and multiple emulsions and biomimetic materials (giant lipid vesicles, microgels, and microcapsules) are highlighted. Completely cell-free microfluidic-assisted in vitro compartmentalization methods that eliminate the need to clone DNA into cells after each round of mutagenesis are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran T Vladisaljević
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
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2
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Selivanovitch E, Ostwalt A, Chao Z, Daniel S. Emerging Designs and Applications for Biomembrane Biosensors. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2024; 17:339-366. [PMID: 39018354 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061622-042618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Nature has inspired the development of biomimetic membrane sensors in which the functionalities of biological molecules, such as proteins and lipids, are harnessed for sensing applications. This review provides an overview of the recent developments for biomembrane sensors compatible with either bulk or planar sensing applications, namely using lipid vesicles or supported lipid bilayers, respectively. We first describe the individual components required for these sensing platforms and the design principles that are considered when constructing them, and we segue into recent applications being implemented across multiple fields. Our goal for this review is to illustrate the versatility of nature's biomembrane toolbox and simultaneously highlight how biosensor platforms can be enhanced by harnessing it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Selivanovitch
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Alexis Ostwalt
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Zhongmou Chao
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
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3
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Ernits M, Reinsalu O, Yandrapalli N, Kopanchuk S, Moradpur-Tari E, Sanka I, Scheler O, Rinken A, Kurg R, Kyritsakis A, Linko V, Zadin V. Microfluidic production, stability and loading of synthetic giant unilamellar vesicles. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14071. [PMID: 38890456 PMCID: PMC11189546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64613-4] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In advanced drug delivery, versatile liposomal formulations are commonly employed for safer and more accurate therapies. Here we report a method that allows a straightforward production of synthetic monodisperse (~ 100 μm) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using a microfluidic system. The stability analysis based on the microscopy imaging showed that at ambient conditions the produced GUVs had a half-life of 61 ± 2 h. However, it was observed that ~ 90% of the calcein dye that was loaded into GUVs was transported into a surrounding medium in 24 h, thus indicating that the GUVs may release these small dye molecules without distinguishable membrane disruption. We further demonstrated the feasibility of our method by loading GUVs with larger and very different cargo objects; small soluble fluorescent proteins and larger magnetic microparticles in a suspension. Compared to previously reported microfluidics-based production techniques, the obtained results indicate that our simplified method could be equally harnessed in creating GUVs with less cost, effort and time, which could further benefit studying closed membrane systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart Ernits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olavi Reinsalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Naresh Yandrapalli
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sergei Kopanchuk
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ehsan Moradpur-Tari
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Immanuel Sanka
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Akadeemia Tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ott Scheler
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Akadeemia Tee 15, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Ago Rinken
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Reet Kurg
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andreas Kyritsakis
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Veikko Linko
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering, Kemistintie 1, 02150, Espoo, Finland.
| | - Veronika Zadin
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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4
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Yandrapalli N. Complex Emulsions as an Innovative Pharmaceutical Dosage form in Addressing the Issues of Multi-Drug Therapy and Polypharmacy Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:707. [PMID: 38931830 PMCID: PMC11206808 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the intersection of microfluidic technology and complex emulsion development as a promising solution to the challenges of formulations in multi-drug therapy (MDT) and polypharmacy. The convergence of microfluidic technology and complex emulsion fabrication could herald a transformative era in multi-drug delivery systems, directly confronting the prevalent challenges of polypharmacy. Microfluidics, with its unparalleled precision in droplet formation, empowers the encapsulation of multiple drugs within singular emulsion particles. The ability to engineer emulsions with tailored properties-such as size, composition, and release kinetics-enables the creation of highly efficient drug delivery vehicles. Thus, this innovative approach not only simplifies medication regimens by significantly reducing the number of necessary doses but also minimizes the pill burden and associated treatment termination-issues associated with polypharmacy. It is important to bring forth the opportunities and challenges of this synergy between microfluidic-driven complex emulsions and multi-drug therapy poses. Together, they not only offer a sophisticated method for addressing the intricacies of delivering multiple drugs but also align with broader healthcare objectives of enhancing treatment outcomes, patient safety, and quality of life, underscoring the importance of dosage form innovations in tackling the multifaceted challenges of modern pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Yandrapalli
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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5
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Zizzari A, Arima V. Glass Microdroplet Generator for Lipid-Based Double Emulsion Production. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:500. [PMID: 38675311 PMCID: PMC11052113 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics offers a highly controlled and reproducible route to synthesize lipid vesicles. In recent years, several microfluidic approaches have been introduced for this purpose, but double emulsions, such as Water-in-Oil-in-Water (W/O/W) droplets, are preferable to produce giant vesicles that are able to maximize material encapsulation. Flow focusing (FF) is a technique used to generate double emulsion droplets with high monodispersity, a controllable size, and good robustness. Many researchers use polydimethylsiloxane as a substrate material to fabricate microdroplet generators, but it has some limitations due to its hydrophobicity, incompatibility with organic solvents, and the molecular adsorption on the microchannel walls. Thus, specific surface modification and functionalization steps, which are uncomfortable to perform in closed microchannels, are required to overcome these shortcomings. Here, we propose glass as a material to produce a chip with a six-inlet junction geometry. The peculiar geometry and the glass physicochemical properties allow for W/O/W droplet formation without introducing microchannel wall functionalization and using a variety of reagents and organic solvents. The robust glass chip can be easily cleaned and used repeatedly, bringing advantages in terms of cost and reproducibility in emulsion preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zizzari
- CNR NANOTEC-Institute of Nanotechnology c/o Campus Ecotekne, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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6
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Waeterschoot J, Gosselé W, Alizadeh Zeinabad H, Lammertyn J, Koos E, Casadevall i Solvas X. Formation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Assisted by Fluorinated Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302461. [PMID: 37807811 PMCID: PMC10700689 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the quest to produce artificial cells, one key challenge that remains to be solved is the recreation of a complex cellular membrane. Among the existing models, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are particularly interesting due to their intrinsic compartmentalisation ability and their resemblance in size and shape to eukaryotic cells. Many techniques have been developed to produce GUVs all having inherent advantages and disadvantages. Here, the authors show that fluorinated silica nanoparticles (FNPs) used to form Pickering emulsions in a fluorinated oil can destabilise lipid nanosystems to template the formation of GUVs. This technique enables GUV production across a broad spectrum of buffer conditions, while preventing the leakage of the encapsulated components into the oil phase. Furthermore, a simple centrifugation process is sufficient for the release of the emulsion-trapped GUVs, bypassing the need to use emulsion-destabilising chemicals. With fluorescent FNPs and transmission electron microscopy, the authors confirm that FNPs are efficiently removed, producing contaminant-free GUVs. Further experiments assessing the lateral diffusion of lipids and unilamellarity of the GUVs demonstrate that they are comparable to GUVs produced via electroformation. Finally, the ability of incorporating transmembrane proteins is demonstrated, highlighting the potential of this method for the production of GUVs for artificial cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik Waeterschoot
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Willemien Gosselé
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Hojjat Alizadeh Zeinabad
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Jeroen Lammertyn
- Mechatronics, Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS) at KU LeuvenWillem de Croylaan 423001LeuvenBelgium
| | - Erin Koos
- Soft MatterRheology and Technology (SMaRT) at KU LeuvenCelestijnenlaan 200J3000LeuvenBelgium
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7
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Van de Cauter L, van Buren L, Koenderink GH, Ganzinger KA. Exploring Giant Unilamellar Vesicle Production for Artificial Cells - Current Challenges and Future Directions. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300416. [PMID: 37464561 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Creating an artificial cell from the bottom up is a long-standing challenge and, while significant progress has been made, the full realization of this goal remains elusive. Arguably, one of the biggest hurdles that researchers are facing now is the assembly of different modules of cell function inside a single container. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have emerged as a suitable container with many methods available for their production. Well-studied swelling-based methods offer a wide range of lipid compositions but at the expense of limited encapsulation efficiency. Emulsion-based methods, on the other hand, excel at encapsulation but are only effective with a limited set of membrane compositions and may entrap residual additives in the lipid bilayer. Since the ultimate artificial cell will need to comply with both specific membrane and encapsulation requirements, there is still no one-method-fits-all solution for GUV formation available today. This review discusses the state of the art in different GUV production methods and their compatibility with GUV requirements and operational requirements such as reproducibility and ease of use. It concludes by identifying the most pressing issues and proposes potential avenues for future research to bring us one step closer to turning artificial cells into a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Van de Cauter
- Autonomous Matter Department, AMOLF, Amsterdam, 1098 XG, The Netherlands
| | - Lennard van Buren
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
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8
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Ivanov T, Cao S, Bohra N, de Souza Melchiors M, Caire da Silva L, Landfester K. Polymeric Microreactors with pH-Controlled Spatial Localization of Cascade Reactions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:50755-50764. [PMID: 37903081 PMCID: PMC10636718 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Lipid and polymer vesicles provide versatile means of creating systems that mimic the architecture of cells. However, these constructs cannot mimic the adaptive compartmentalization observed in cells, where the assembly and disassembly of subcompartments are dynamically modulated by environmental cues. Here, we describe a fully polymeric microreactor with a coacervate-in-vesicle architecture that exhibits an adaptive response to pH. The system was fabricated by microfluidic generation of semipermeable biomimetic polymer vesicles within 1 min using oleyl alcohol as the oil phase. The polymersomes allowed for the diffusion of protons and substrates acting as external signals. Using this method, we were able to construct adaptive microreactors containing internal polyelectrolyte-based catalytic organelles capable of sequestering and localizing enzymes and reaction products in a dynamic process driven by an external stimulus. This approach provides a platform for the rapid and efficient construction of robust adaptive microreactors that can be used in catalysis, biosensing, and cell mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nitin Bohra
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marina de Souza Melchiors
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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9
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Long F, Guo Y, Zhang Z, Wang J, Ren Y, Cheng Y, Xu G. Recent Progress of Droplet Microfluidic Emulsification Based Synthesis of Functional Microparticles. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2023; 7:2300063. [PMID: 37745820 PMCID: PMC10517312 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable control function over the functional material formation process enabled by droplet microfluidic emulsification approaches can lead to the efficient and one-step encapsulation of active substances in microparticles, with the microparticle characteristics well regulated. In comparison to the conventional fabrication methods, droplet microfluidic technology can not only construct microparticles with various shapes, but also provide excellent templates, which enrich and expand the application fields of microparticles. For instance, intersection with disciplines in pharmacy, life sciences, and others, modifying the structure of microspheres and appending functional materials can be completed in the preparation of microparticles. The as-prepared polymer particles have great potential in a wide range of applications for chemical analysis, heavy metal adsorption, and detection. This review systematically introduces the devices and basic principles of particle preparation using droplet microfluidic technology and discusses the research of functional microparticle formation with high monodispersity, involving a plethora of types including spherical, nonspherical, and Janus type, as well as core-shell, hole-shell, and controllable multicompartment particles. Moreover, this review paper also exhibits a critical analysis of the current status and existing challenges, and outlook of the future development in the emerging fields has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Long
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing MaterialsNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNingbo315201P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
| | - Yong Ren
- Department of MechanicalMaterials and Manufacturing EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Research Group for Fluids and Thermal EngineeringUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation InstituteNingbo315040P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carbonaceous Wastes Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang ProvinceUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingbo315100P. R. China
| | - Yuchuan Cheng
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing MaterialsNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNingbo315201P. R. China
| | - Gaojie Xu
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049P. R. China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing MaterialsNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNingbo315201P. R. China
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10
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Trinh TND, Do HDK, Nam NN, Dan TT, Trinh KTL, Lee NY. Droplet-Based Microfluidics: Applications in Pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:937. [PMID: 37513850 PMCID: PMC10385691 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidics offer great opportunities for applications in various fields, such as diagnostics, food sciences, and drug discovery. A droplet provides an isolated environment for performing a single reaction within a microscale-volume sample, allowing for a fast reaction with a high sensitivity, high throughput, and low risk of cross-contamination. Owing to several remarkable features, droplet-based microfluidic techniques have been intensively studied. In this review, we discuss the impact of droplet microfluidics, particularly focusing on drug screening and development. In addition, we surveyed various methods of device fabrication and droplet generation/manipulation. We further highlight some promising studies covering drug synthesis and delivery that were updated within the last 5 years. This review provides researchers with a quick guide that includes the most up-to-date and relevant information on the latest scientific findings on the development of droplet-based microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ngoc Diep Trinh
- Department of Materials Science, School of Applied Chemistry, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Do
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ward 13, District 04, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Nhat Nam
- Biotechnology Center, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Thach Thi Dan
- Department of Materials Science, School of Applied Chemistry, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Kieu The Loan Trinh
- BioNano Applications Research Center, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
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11
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Rodríguez CF, Andrade-Pérez V, Vargas MC, Mantilla-Orozco A, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Breaking the clean room barrier: exploring low-cost alternatives for microfluidic devices. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1176557. [PMID: 37180035 PMCID: PMC10172592 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1176557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses both science and engineering, which aims to design and fabricate devices capable of manipulating extremely low volumes of fluids on a microscale level. The central objective of microfluidics is to provide high precision and accuracy while using minimal reagents and equipment. The benefits of this approach include greater control over experimental conditions, faster analysis, and improved experimental reproducibility. Microfluidic devices, also known as labs-on-a-chip (LOCs), have emerged as potential instruments for optimizing operations and decreasing costs in various of industries, including pharmaceutical, medical, food, and cosmetics. However, the high price of conventional prototypes for LOCs devices, generated in clean room facilities, has increased the demand for inexpensive alternatives. Polymers, paper, and hydrogels are some of the materials that can be utilized to create the inexpensive microfluidic devices covered in this article. In addition, we highlighted different manufacturing techniques, such as soft lithography, laser plotting, and 3D printing, that are suitable for creating LOCs. The selection of materials and fabrication techniques will depend on the specific requirements and applications of each individual LOC. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous alternatives for the development of low-cost LOCs to service industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Camila Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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12
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Zhang Y, Obuchi H, Toyota T. A Practical Guide to Preparation and Applications of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Formed via Centrifugation of Water-in-Oil Emulsion Droplets. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:440. [PMID: 37103867 PMCID: PMC10144487 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs), which are closed lipid bilayer membranes with a diameter of more than 1 μm, have attracted attention not only as model cell membranes but also for the construction of artificial cells. For encapsulating water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles or functionalizing membrane proteins and/or other synthesized amphiphiles, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been applied in various fields, such as supramolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, life sciences, and bioengineering. In this review, we focus on a preparation technique for GUVs that encapsulate water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles. It is based on the centrifugation of a water-in-oil emulsion layered on water and does not require special equipment other than a centrifuge, which makes it the first choice for laboratory use. Furthermore, we review recent studies on GUV-based artificial cells prepared using this technique and discuss their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Zhang
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Haruto Obuchi
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Taro Toyota
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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13
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Baldauf L, Frey F, Arribas Perez M, Idema T, Koenderink GH. Branched actin cortices reconstituted in vesicles sense membrane curvature. Biophys J 2023:S0006-3495(23)00124-8. [PMID: 36806830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The actin cortex is a complex cytoskeletal machinery that drives and responds to changes in cell shape. It must generate or adapt to plasma membrane curvature to facilitate diverse functions such as cell division, migration, and phagocytosis. Due to the complex molecular makeup of the actin cortex, it remains unclear whether actin networks are inherently able to sense and generate membrane curvature, or whether they rely on their diverse binding partners to accomplish this. Here, we show that curvature sensing is an inherent capability of branched actin networks nucleated by Arp2/3 and VCA. We develop a robust method to encapsulate actin inside giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and assemble an actin cortex at the inner surface of the GUV membrane. We show that actin forms a uniform and thin cortical layer when present at high concentration and distinct patches associated with negative membrane curvature at low concentration. Serendipitously, we find that the GUV production method also produces dumbbell-shaped GUVs, which we explain using mathematical modeling in terms of membrane hemifusion of nested GUVs. We find that branched actin networks preferentially assemble at the neck of the dumbbells, which possess a micrometer-range convex curvature comparable with the curvature of the actin patches found in spherical GUVs. Minimal branched actin networks can thus sense membrane curvature, which may help mammalian cells to robustly recruit actin to curved membranes to facilitate diverse cellular functions such as cytokinesis and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Baldauf
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Felix Frey
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Marcos Arribas Perez
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Timon Idema
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Gijsje H Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
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14
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van Buren L, Koenderink GH, Martinez-Torres C. DisGUVery: A Versatile Open-Source Software for High-Throughput Image Analysis of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:120-135. [PMID: 36508359 PMCID: PMC9872171 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are cell-sized aqueous compartments enclosed by a phospholipid bilayer. Due to their cell-mimicking properties, GUVs have become a widespread experimental tool in synthetic biology to study membrane properties and cellular processes. In stark contrast to the experimental progress, quantitative analysis of GUV microscopy images has received much less attention. Currently, most analysis is performed either manually or with custom-made scripts, which makes analysis time-consuming and results difficult to compare across studies. To make quantitative GUV analysis accessible and fast, we present DisGUVery, an open-source, versatile software that encapsulates multiple algorithms for automated detection and analysis of GUVs in microscopy images. With a performance analysis, we demonstrate that DisGUVery's three vesicle detection modules successfully identify GUVs in images obtained with a wide range of imaging sources, in various typical GUV experiments. Multiple predefined analysis modules allow the user to extract properties such as membrane fluorescence, vesicle shape, and internal fluorescence from large populations. A new membrane segmentation algorithm facilitates spatial fluorescence analysis of nonspherical vesicles. Altogether, DisGUVery provides an accessible tool to enable high-throughput automated analysis of GUVs, and thereby to promote quantitative data analysis in synthetic cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennard van Buren
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZDelft, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje Hendrika Koenderink
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZDelft, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Martinez-Torres
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZDelft, The Netherlands
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15
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Yandrapalli N, Antonietti M. Dewetting-Assisted Interface Templating: Complex Emulsions to Multicavity Particles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203265. [PMID: 35961950 PMCID: PMC9561762 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial tension-driven formation of intricate microparticle geometries from complex emulsions is presented in this work. Emulsion-templating is a reliable platform for the generation of a diverse set of microparticles. Here, water-in-styrene-in-water complex emulsions undergo reproducible metamorphosis, i.e., from liquid state emulsions to solid structured microparticles are employed. In contrast to the traditional usage of glass-based microfluidics, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) swelling behavior is employed to generate complex emulsions with multiple inner cores. In the presence of block copolymer surfactant, these emulsions undergo gravity-driven dewetting of styrene, to transform into membranous structures with compartments. Further polymerization of styrene skeletal remains resulted in microparticles with interesting geometries and intact membranes. Mechanical and confocal microscopic studies prove the absence of polystyrene within these membranes. Using osmotic pressure, membrane rupture and release of encapsulated gold nanoparticles from such polymerized emulsions leading up to applications in cargo delivery and membrane transport are promoted. Even after membrane rupture, the structured microparticles have shown interesting light-scattering behavior for applications in structural coloring and biosensing. Thereby, proving PDMS-based swelling as a potential methodology for reproducible production of complex emulsions with a potential to be transformed into membranous emulsions or solid microparticles with intricate structures and multiple applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Yandrapalli
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesDepartment of Colloid ChemistryAm Mühlenberg 114476PotsdamGermany
| | - Markus Antonietti
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesDepartment of Colloid ChemistryAm Mühlenberg 114476PotsdamGermany
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16
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Guerzoni LPB, de Goes AVC, Kalacheva M, Haduła J, Mork M, De Laporte L, Boersma AJ. High Macromolecular Crowding in Liposomes from Microfluidics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201169. [PMID: 35904258 PMCID: PMC9507340 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular environment is crowded with macromolecules that influence biochemical equilibria and biomacromolecule diffusion. The incorporation of such crowding in synthetic cells would be needed to mimic the biochemistry of living cells. However, only a few methods provide crowded artificial cells, moreover providing cells with either heterogeneous size and composition or containing a significant oil fraction. Therefore, a method that generates monodisperse liposomes with minimal oil content and tunable macromolecular crowding using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidics is presented. Lipid stabilized water-in-oil-in-water emulsions that are stable for at least several months and with a high macromolecular crowder concentration that can be controlled with the external osmolality are formed. A crucial feature is that the oil phase can be removed using high flow conditions at any point after production, providing the highly crowded liposomes. Genetically encoded macromolecular crowding sensors show that the high level of macromolecular crowding in the emulsions is fully retained throughout the generation of minimal-oil lipid bilayers. This modular and robust platform will serve the study of biochemistry under physiologically relevant crowding conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P. B. Guerzoni
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
| | - André V. C. de Goes
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Milara Kalacheva
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Jakub Haduła
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Matthias Mork
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
- Department Advanced Materials for BiomedicineInstitute of Applied Medical EngineeringUniversity Hospital RWTH AachenForckenbeckstrasse 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Arnold J. Boersma
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
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17
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Han WB, Kang DH, Kim TS. 3D Artificial Cell Membranes as Versatile Platforms for Biological Applications. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Chien PJ, Shih YL, Cheng CT, Tu HL. Chip assisted formation of phase-separated liposomes for reconstituting spatial protein-lipid interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2540-2548. [PMID: 35667105 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00089j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spatially organized molecular interactions are fundamental features underlying many biochemical processes in cells. These spatially defined reactions are essential to ensure high signaling specificity and are indispensable for maintaining cell functions. The construction of synthetic cell models that can resemble such properties is thus important yet less investigated. In this study, we present a reliable method for the rapid production of highly uniform phase-separated liposomes as synthetic cell models. Specifically, a microfluidics-based strategy coupled with custom reagents for generating size-tunable liposomes with various lipid compositions is presented. In addition, an important cell signaling interacting pair, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and PIP2 lipid, is used to demonstrate the controlled molecular assembly inside these liposomes. The result shows that PIP2 on phase-separated domains successfully recruits the PH domains to realize spatially defined molecular interactions. Such a system is versatile and can be expanded to synthesize other proteins for realizing multiplexed molecular interactions in the same liposome. Phase-separated lipid domains can also be used to recruit targeted proteins to initiate localized reactions, thus paving the way for organizing a complex signaling cascade in the synthetic cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Jen Chien
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Lun Shih
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Teng Cheng
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Hsiung-Lin Tu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Taiwan
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19
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Miele Y, Holló G, Lagzi I, Rossi F. Shape Deformation, Budding and Division of Giant Vesicles and Artificial Cells: A Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:841. [PMID: 35743872 PMCID: PMC9224789 DOI: 10.3390/life12060841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the shape-change dynamics leading to the budding and division of artificial cells has gained much attention in the past few decades due to an increased interest in designing stimuli-responsive synthetic systems and minimal models of biological self-reproduction. In this respect, membranes and their composition play a fundamental role in many aspects related to the stability of the vesicles: permeability, elasticity, rigidity, tunability and response to external changes. In this review, we summarise recent experimental and theoretical work dealing with shape deformation and division of (giant) vesicles made of phospholipids and/or fatty acids membranes. Following a classic approach, we divide the strategies used to destabilise the membranes into two different types, physical (osmotic stress, temperature and light) and chemical (addition of amphiphiles, the addition of reactive molecules and pH changes) even though they often act in synergy when leading to a complete division process. Finally, we review the most important theoretical methods employed to describe the equilibrium shapes of giant vesicles and how they provide ways to explain and control the morphological changes leading from one equilibrium structure to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Miele
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Gábor Holló
- MTA-BME Condensed Matter Research Group, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Muegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - István Lagzi
- MTA-BME Condensed Matter Research Group, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Muegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Physics, Institute of Physics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Muegyetem rkp. 3, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Federico Rossi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences—DEEP Sciences, University of Siena, Pian dei Mantellini 44, 53100 Siena, Italy
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20
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Ling B, Battiato I. Module-Fluidics: Building Blocks for Spatio-Temporal Microenvironment Control. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:774. [PMID: 35630241 PMCID: PMC9148019 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Generating the desired solute concentration signal in micro-environments is vital to many applications ranging from micromixing to analyzing cellular response to a dynamic microenvironment. We propose a new modular design to generate targeted temporally varying concentration signals in microfluidic systems while minimizing perturbations to the flow field. The modularized design, here referred to as module-fluidics, similar in principle to interlocking toy bricks, is constructed from a combination of two building blocks and allows one to achieve versatility and flexibility in dynamically controlling input concentration. The building blocks are an oscillator and an integrator, and their combination enables the creation of controlled and complex concentration signals, with different user-defined time-scales. We show two basic connection patterns, in-series and in-parallel, to test the generation, integration, sampling and superposition of temporally-varying signals. All such signals can be fully characterized by analytic functions, in analogy with electric circuits, and allow one to perform design and optimization before fabrication. Such modularization offers a versatile and promising platform that allows one to create highly customizable time-dependent concentration inputs which can be targeted to the specific application of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilenia Battiato
- Energy Resource Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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21
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Toyota T, Zhang Y. Identifying and Manipulating Giant Vesicles: Review of Recent Approaches. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:644. [PMID: 35630111 PMCID: PMC9144095 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs) are closed bilayer membranes that primarily comprise amphiphiles with diameters of more than 1 μm. Compared with regular vesicles (several tens of nanometers in size), GVs are of greater scientific interest as model cell membranes and protocells because of their structure and size, which are similar to those of biological systems. Biopolymers and nano-/microparticles can be encapsulated in GVs at high concentrations, and their application as artificial cell bodies has piqued interest. It is essential to develop methods for investigating and manipulating the properties of GVs toward engineering applications. In this review, we discuss current improvements in microscopy, micromanipulation, and microfabrication technologies for progress in GV identification and engineering tools. Combined with the advancement of GV preparation technologies, these technological advancements can aid the development of artificial cell systems such as alternative tissues and GV-based chemical signal processing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Toyota
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan;
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Yiting Zhang
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan;
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22
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Abele T, Messer T, Jahnke K, Hippler M, Bastmeyer M, Wegener M, Göpfrich K. Two-Photon 3D Laser Printing Inside Synthetic Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2106709. [PMID: 34800321 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Toward the ambitious goal of manufacturing synthetic cells from the bottom up, various cellular components have already been reconstituted inside lipid vesicles. However, the deterministic positioning of these components inside the compartment has remained elusive. Here, by using two-photon 3D laser printing, 2D and 3D hydrogel architectures are manufactured with high precision and nearly arbitrary shape inside preformed giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUVs). The required water-soluble photoresist is brought into the GUVs by diffusion in a single mixing step. Crucially, femtosecond two-photon printing inside the compartment does not destroy the GUVs. Beyond this proof-of-principle demonstration, early functional architectures are realized. In particular, a transmembrane structure acting as a pore is 3D printed, thereby allowing for the transport of biological cargo, including DNA, into the synthetic compartment. These experiments show that two-photon 3D laser microprinting can be an important addition to the existing toolbox of synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Abele
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Messer
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Wolfgang-Gaede-Str. 1, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Kevin Jahnke
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc Hippler
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Zoological Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin Bastmeyer
- Zoological Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 4, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute for Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Martin Wegener
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Wolfgang-Gaede-Str. 1, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Göpfrich
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Gonzales D, Yandrapalli N, Robinson T, Zechner C, Tang TYD. Cell-Free Gene Expression Dynamics in Synthetic Cell Populations. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:205-215. [PMID: 35057626 PMCID: PMC8787815 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability to build synthetic cellular populations from the bottom-up provides the groundwork to realize minimal living tissues comprising single cells which can communicate and bridge scales into multicellular systems. Engineered systems made of synthetic micron-sized compartments and integrated reaction networks coupled with mathematical modeling can facilitate the design and construction of complex and multiscale chemical systems from the bottom-up. Toward this goal, we generated populations of monodisperse liposomes encapsulating cell-free expression systems (CFESs) using double-emulsion microfluidics and quantified transcription and translation dynamics within individual synthetic cells of the population using a fluorescent Broccoli RNA aptamer and mCherry protein reporter. CFE dynamics in bulk reactions were used to test different coarse-grained resource-limited gene expression models using model selection to obtain transcription and translation rate parameters by likelihood-based parameter estimation. The selected model was then applied to quantify cell-free gene expression dynamics in populations of synthetic cells. In combination, our experimental and theoretical approaches provide a statistically robust analysis of CFE dynamics in bulk and monodisperse synthetic cell populations. We demonstrate that compartmentalization of CFESs leads to different transcription and translation rates compared to bulk CFE and show that this is due to the semipermeable lipid membrane that allows the exchange of materials between the synthetic cells and the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David
T. Gonzales
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tom Robinson
- Max
Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Christoph Zechner
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Physics
of Life, Cluster of Excellence, TU Dresden, 01603 Dresden, Germany
| | - T-Y. Dora Tang
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Physics
of Life, Cluster of Excellence, TU Dresden, 01603 Dresden, Germany
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24
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Lussier F, Schröter M, Diercks NJ, Jahnke K, Weber C, Frey C, Platzman I, Spatz JP. pH-Triggered Assembly of Endomembrane Multicompartments in Synthetic Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:366-382. [PMID: 34889607 PMCID: PMC8787813 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
By using electrostatic interactions as driving force to assemble vesicles, the droplet-stabilized method was recently applied to reconstitute and encapsulate proteins, or compartments, inside giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) to act as minimal synthetic cells. However, the droplet-stabilized approach exhibits low production efficiency associated with the troublesome release of the GUVs from the stabilized droplets, corresponding to a major hurdle for the droplet-stabilized approach. Herein, we report the use of pH as a potential trigger to self-assemble droplet-stabilized GUVs (dsGUVs) by either bulk or droplet-based microfluidics. Moreover, pH enables the generation of compartmentalized GUVs with flexibility and robustness. By co-encapsulating pH-sensitive small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), negatively charged SUVs, and/or proteins, we show that acidification of the droplets efficiently produces dsGUVs while sequestrating the co-encapsulated material. Most importantly, the pH-mediated assembly of dsGUVs significantly improves the production efficiency of free-standing GUVs (i.e., released from the stabilizing-droplets) compared to its previous implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Lussier
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schröter
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicolas J. Diercks
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Jahnke
- Biophysical
Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Weber
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Frey
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim P. Spatz
- Department
of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute
for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Max
Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Carvalho BG, Ceccato BT, Michelon M, Han SW, de la Torre LG. Advanced Microfluidic Technologies for Lipid Nano-Microsystems from Synthesis to Biological Application. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35057037 PMCID: PMC8781930 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics is an emerging technology that can be employed as a powerful tool for designing lipid nano-microsized structures for biological applications. Those lipid structures can be used as carrying vehicles for a wide range of drugs and genetic materials. Microfluidic technology also allows the design of sustainable processes with less financial demand, while it can be scaled up using parallelization to increase production. From this perspective, this article reviews the recent advances in the synthesis of lipid-based nanostructures through microfluidics (liposomes, lipoplexes, lipid nanoparticles, core-shell nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanovesicles). Besides that, this review describes the recent microfluidic approaches to produce lipid micro-sized structures as giant unilamellar vesicles. New strategies are also described for the controlled release of the lipid payloads using microgels and droplet-based microfluidics. To address the importance of microfluidics for lipid-nanoparticle screening, an overview of how microfluidic systems can be used to mimic the cellular environment is also presented. Future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano and micro scales are also discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna G. Carvalho
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Bruno T. Ceccato
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
| | - Mariano Michelon
- School of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil;
| | - Sang W. Han
- Center for Cell Therapy and Molecular, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04044-010, Brazil;
| | - Lucimara G. de la Torre
- Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-852, Brazil; (B.G.C.); (B.T.C.)
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26
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Sharma B, Moghimianavval H, Hwang SW, Liu AP. Synthetic Cell as a Platform for Understanding Membrane-Membrane Interactions. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:912. [PMID: 34940413 PMCID: PMC8706075 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11120912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the pursuit of understanding life, model membranes made of phospholipids were envisaged decades ago as a platform for the bottom-up study of biological processes. Micron-sized lipid vesicles have gained great acceptance as their bilayer membrane resembles the natural cell membrane. Important biological events involving membranes, such as membrane protein insertion, membrane fusion, and intercellular communication, will be highlighted in this review with recent research updates. We will first review different lipid bilayer platforms used for incorporation of integral membrane proteins and challenges associated with their functional reconstitution. We next discuss different methods for reconstitution of membrane fusion and compare their fusion efficiency. Lastly, we will highlight the importance and challenges of intercellular communication between synthetic cells and synthetic cells-to-natural cells. We will summarize the review by highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with studying membrane-membrane interactions and possible future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bineet Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Hossein Moghimianavval
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Sung-Won Hwang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.S.); (H.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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27
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Shetty S, Yandrapalli N, Pinkwart K, Krafft D, Vidakovic-Koch T, Ivanov I, Robinson T. Directed Signaling Cascades in Monodisperse Artificial Eukaryotic Cells. ACS NANO 2021; 15:15656-15666. [PMID: 34570489 PMCID: PMC8552445 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of multicompartment artificial cells that are able to direct biochemical reactions along a specific spatial pathway remains a considerable engineering challenge. In this work, we address this with a microfluidic platform that is able to produce monodisperse multivesicular vesicles (MVVs) to serve as synthetic eukaryotic cells. Using a two-inlet polydimethylsiloxane channel design to co-encapsulate different populations of liposomes we are able to produce lipid-based MVVs in a high-throughput manner and with three separate inner compartments, each containing a different enzyme: α-glucosidase, glucose oxidase, and horseradish peroxidase. We demonstrate the ability of these MVVs to carry out directed chemical communication between the compartments via the reconstitution of size-selective membrane pores. Therefore, the signal transduction, which is triggered externally, follows a specific spatial pathway between the compartments. We use this platform to study the effects of enzyme cascade compartmentalization by direct analytical comparison between bulk, one-, two-, and three-compartment systems. This microfluidic strategy to construct complex hierarchical structures is not only suitable to study compartmentalization effects on biochemical reactions but is also applicable for developing advanced drug delivery systems as well as minimal cells in the field of bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunidhi
C. Shetty
- Theory
and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Naresh Yandrapalli
- Theory
and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Kerstin Pinkwart
- Theory
and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dorothee Krafft
- Max
Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Vidakovic-Koch
- Max
Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Max
Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tom Robinson
- Theory
and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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