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Abstract
Recent years have seen substantial efforts aimed at constructing artificial cells from various molecular components with the aim of mimicking the processes, behaviours and architectures found in biological systems. Artificial cell development ultimately aims to produce model constructs that progress our understanding of biology, as well as forming the basis for functional bio-inspired devices that can be used in fields such as therapeutic delivery, biosensing, cell therapy and bioremediation. Typically, artificial cells rely on a bilayer membrane chassis and have fluid aqueous interiors to mimic biological cells. However, a desire to more accurately replicate the gel-like properties of intracellular and extracellular biological environments has driven increasing efforts to build cell mimics based on hydrogels. This has enabled researchers to exploit some of the unique functional properties of hydrogels that have seen them deployed in fields such as tissue engineering, biomaterials and drug delivery. In this Review, we explore how hydrogels can be leveraged in the context of artificial cell development. We also discuss how hydrogels can potentially be incorporated within the next generation of artificial cells to engineer improved biological mimics and functional microsystems.
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2
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Huang Y, Fuller G, Chandran Suja V. Physicochemical characteristics of droplet interface bilayers. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 304:102666. [PMID: 35429720 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Droplet interface bilayer (DIB) is a lipid bilayer formed when two lipid monolayer-coated aqueous droplets are brought in contact within an oil phase. DIBs, especially post functionalization, are a facile model system to study the biophysics of the cell membrane. Continued advances in enhancing and functionalizing DIBs to be a faithful cell membrane mimetic requires a deep understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of droplet interface bilayers. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current scientific understanding of DIB characteristics starting with the key experimental frameworks for DIB generation, visualization and functionalization. Subsequently we report experimentally measured physical, electrical and transport characteristics of DIBs across physiologically relevant lipids. Advances in simulations and mathematical modelling of DIBs are also discussed, with an emphasis on revealing principles governing the key physicochemical characteristics. Finally, we conclude the review with important outstanding questions in the field.
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3
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Guha A, Kalkus TJ, Schroeder TBH, Willis OG, Rader C, Ianiro A, Mayer M. Powering Electronic Devices from Salt Gradients in AA-Battery-Sized Stacks of Hydrogel-Infused Paper. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2101757. [PMID: 34165826 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202101757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Strongly electric fish use gradients of ions within their bodies to generate stunning external electrical discharges; the most powerful of these organisms, the Atlantic torpedo ray, can produce pulses of over 1 kW from its electric organs. Despite extensive study of this phenomenon in nature, the development of artificial power generation schemes based on ion gradients for portable, wearable, or implantable human use has remained out of reach. Previously, an artificial electric organ inspired by the electric eel demonstrated that electricity generated from ion gradients within stacked hydrogels can exceed 100 V. The current of this power source, however, was too low to power standard electronics. Here, an artificial electric organ inspired by the unique morphologies of torpedo rays for maximal current output is introduced. This power source uses a hybrid material of hydrogel-infused paper to create, organize, and reconfigure stacks of thin, arbitrarily large gel films in series and in parallel. The resulting increase in electrical power by almost two orders of magnitude compared to the original eel-inspired design makes it possible to power electronic devices and establishes that biology's mechanism of generating significant electrical power can now be realized from benign and soft materials in a portable size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirvan Guha
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Trevor J Kalkus
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Thomas B H Schroeder
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Oliver G Willis
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Chris Rader
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Ianiro
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
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4
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Makhoul-Mansour MM, Freeman EC. Droplet-Based Membranous Soft Materials. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:3231-3247. [PMID: 33686860 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by the structure and functionality of natural cellular tissues, droplet interface bilayer (DIB)-based materials strategically combine model membrane assembly techniques and droplet microfluidics. These structures have shown promising results in applications ranging from biological computing to chemical microrobots. This Feature Article briefly explores recent advances in the areas of construction, manipulation, and functionalization of DIB networks; discusses their unique mechanics; and focuses on the contributions of our lab in the advancement of this platform. We also reflect on some of the limitations facing DIB-based materials and how they might be addressed, highlighting promising applications made possible through the refinement of the material concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Makhoul-Mansour
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Eric C Freeman
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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5
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Shoji K, Kawano R, White RJ. Recessed Ag/AgCl Microelectrode-Supported Lipid Bilayer for Nanopore Sensing. Anal Chem 2020; 92:10856-10862. [PMID: 32597640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological nanopores reconstituted into supported lipid bilayer membranes are widely used as a platform for stochastic nanopore sensing with the ability to detect single molecules including, for example, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and miRNA. A main thrust in this area of research has been to improve overall bilayer stability and ease of measurements. These improvements are achieved through a variety of clever strategies including droplet-based techniques; however, they typically require specific microfabrication techniques to prepare devices or special manipulation techniques for microdroplets. Here, we describe a new method to prepare lipid bilayers using a recessed-in-glass Ag/AgCl microelectrode as a support structure. The lipid bilayer is formed at the tip of the microelectrode by immersing the microelectrode into a layered bath solution consisting of an oil/lipid mixture and an aqueous electrolyte solution. In this paper, we demonstrate this stable, supported lipid bilayer structure for channel current measurements of pore-forming toxins and single-molecule detection of ssDNA. This Ag/AgCl-supported lipid bilayer can potentially be widely adopted as a lipid membrane platform for nanopore sensing because of its simple and easy procedure needed to prepare lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Shoji
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States.,Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryan J White
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
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6
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Downs FG, Lunn DJ, Booth MJ, Sauer JB, Ramsay WJ, Klemperer RG, Hawker CJ, Bayley H. Multi-responsive hydrogel structures from patterned droplet networks. Nat Chem 2020; 12:363-371. [PMID: 32221498 PMCID: PMC7117959 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-020-0444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Responsive hydrogels that undergo controlled shape changes in response to a range of stimuli are of interest for microscale soft robotic and biomedical devices. However, these applications require fabrication methods capable of preparing complex, heterogeneous materials. Here we report a new approach for making patterned, multi-material and multi-responsive hydrogels, on a micrometre to millimetre scale. Nanolitre aqueous pre-gel droplets were connected through lipid bilayers in predetermined architectures and photopolymerized to yield continuous hydrogel structures. By using this droplet network technology to pattern domains containing temperature-responsive or non-responsive hydrogels, structures that undergo reversible curling were produced. Through patterning of gold nanoparticle-containing domains into the hydrogels, light-activated shape change was achieved, while domains bearing magnetic particles allowed movement of the structures in a magnetic field. To highlight our technique, we generated a multi-responsive hydrogel that, at one temperature, could be moved through a constriction under a magnetic field and, at a second temperature, could grip and transport a cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Lunn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | | | - Joshua B Sauer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Craig J Hawker
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Hagan Bayley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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7
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8
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Lombardo D, Calandra P, Pasqua L, Magazù S. Self-assembly of Organic Nanomaterials and Biomaterials: The Bottom-Up Approach for Functional Nanostructures Formation and Advanced Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E1048. [PMID: 32110877 PMCID: PMC7084717 DOI: 10.3390/ma13051048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we survey recent advances in the self-assembly processes of novel functional platforms for nanomaterials and biomaterials applications. We provide an organized overview, by analyzing the main factors that influence the formation of organic nanostructured systems, while putting into evidence the main challenges, limitations and emerging approaches in the various fields of nanotechology and biotechnology. We outline how the building blocks properties, the mutual and cooperative interactions, as well as the initial spatial configuration (and environment conditions) play a fundamental role in the construction of efficient nanostructured materials with desired functional properties. The insertion of functional endgroups (such as polymers, peptides or DNA) within the nanostructured units has enormously increased the complexity of morphologies and functions that can be designed in the fabrication of bio-inspired materials capable of mimicking biological activity. However, unwanted or uncontrollable effects originating from unexpected thermodynamic perturbations or complex cooperative interactions interfere at the molecular level with the designed assembly process. Correction and harmonization of unwanted processes is one of the major challenges of the next decades and requires a deeper knowledge and understanding of the key factors that drive the formation of nanomaterials. Self-assembly of nanomaterials still remains a central topic of current research located at the interface between material science and engineering, biotechnology and nanomedicine, and it will continue to stimulate the renewed interest of biologist, physicists and materials engineers by combining the principles of molecular self-assembly with the concept of supramolecular chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Lombardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Calandra
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Studio Materiali Nanostrutturati, 00015 Roma, Italy;
| | - Luigi Pasqua
- Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Magazù
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Università di Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
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9
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Liu YW, Wang P, Wang J, Xu B, Xu J, Yuan JG, Yu YY, Wang Q. Transparent and tough poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels prepared in water/IL mixtures. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj00214c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A kind of transparent poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogels with superior mechanical performance is prepared by in situ free radical polymerization of HEMA in water/BmimCl mixtures followed by the exchange of BmimCl with water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
| | - Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- Sichuan Water Conservancy Vocational College
- Chengdu 611231
- P. R. China
| | - Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
| | - Jiu-gang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
| | - Yuan-yuan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Textile
- Ministry of Education
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi 214122
- P. R. China
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10
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Su EJ, Jeeawoody S, Herr AE. Protein diffusion from microwells with contrasting hydrogel domains. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:026101. [PMID: 31069338 PMCID: PMC6481738 DOI: 10.1063/1.5078650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding and controlling molecular transport in hydrogel materials is important for biomedical tools, including engineered tissues and drug delivery, as well as life sciences tools for single-cell analysis. Here, we scrutinize the ability of microwells-micromolded in hydrogel slabs-to compartmentalize lysate from single cells. We consider both (i) microwells that are "open" to a large fluid (i.e., liquid) reservoir and (ii) microwells that are "closed," having been capped with either a slab of high-density polyacrylamide gel or an impermeable glass slide. We use numerical modeling to gain insight into the sensitivity of time-dependent protein concentration distributions on hydrogel partition and protein diffusion coefficients and open and closed microwell configurations. We are primarily concerned with diffusion-driven protein loss from the microwell cavity. Even for closed microwells, confocal fluorescence microscopy reports that a fluid (i.e., liquid) film forms between the hydrogel slabs (median thickness of 1.7 μm). Proteins diffuse from the microwells and into the fluid (i.e., liquid) layer, yet concentration distributions are sensitive to the lid layer partition coefficients and the protein diffusion coefficient. The application of a glass lid or a dense hydrogel retains protein in the microwell, increasing the protein solute concentration in the microwell by ∼7-fold for the first 15 s. Using triggered release of Protein G from microparticles, we validate our simulations by characterizing protein diffusion in a microwell capped with a high-density polyacrylamide gel lid (p > 0.05, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Here, we establish and validate a numerical model useful for understanding protein transport in and losses from a hydrogel microwell across a range of boundary conditions.
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11
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Challita EJ, Freeman EC. Hydrogel Microelectrodes for the Rapid, Reliable, and Repeatable Characterization of Lipid Membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:15166-15173. [PMID: 30468580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Model lipid bilayer membranes provide approximations of natural cellular membranes that may be formed in the laboratory to study their mechanics and interactions with the surrounding environment. A new approach for their formation is proposed here based on the self-assembly of lipid monolayers at oil-water interfaces, creating a lipid-coated hydrogel-tipped electrode that produces a stable lipid membrane on the surface when introduced to a lipid-coated aqueous droplet. Membrane formation using the hydrogel microelectrode is tested for a variety of lipids and oils. The channel-forming peptide alamethicin is added to the membrane, and its functionality is verified. Finally, asymmetric membranes are created using varying lipid compositions, and the capacity for repeated quantification of membrane structure is demonstrated. The proposed hydrogel microelectrodes are compatible with multiple oils and lipids, simple to use, and suitable for detecting the presence of both biomolecular transporters and dissolved lipid compositions within aqueous droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio J Challita
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering , University of Georgia , 110 Riverbend Road , Athens , Georgia 30605 , United States
| | - Eric C Freeman
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering , University of Georgia , 110 Riverbend Road , Athens , Georgia 30605 , United States
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12
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Pick H, Alves AC, Vogel H. Single-Vesicle Assays Using Liposomes and Cell-Derived Vesicles: From Modeling Complex Membrane Processes to Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Applications. Chem Rev 2018; 118:8598-8654. [PMID: 30153012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The plasma membrane is of central importance for defining the closed volume of cells in contradistinction to the extracellular environment. The plasma membrane not only serves as a boundary, but it also mediates the exchange of physical and chemical information between the cell and its environment in order to maintain intra- and intercellular functions. Artificial lipid- and cell-derived membrane vesicles have been used as closed-volume containers, representing the simplest cell model systems to study transmembrane processes and intracellular biochemistry. Classical examples are studies of membrane translocation processes in plasma membrane vesicles and proteoliposomes mediated by transport proteins and ion channels. Liposomes and native membrane vesicles are widely used as model membranes for investigating the binding and bilayer insertion of proteins, the structure and function of membrane proteins, the intramembrane composition and distribution of lipids and proteins, and the intermembrane interactions during exo- and endocytosis. In addition, natural cell-released microvesicles have gained importance for early detection of diseases and for their use as nanoreactors and minimal protocells. Yet, in most studies, ensembles of vesicles have been employed. More recently, new micro- and nanotechnological tools as well as novel developments in both optical and electron microscopy have allowed the isolation and investigation of individual (sub)micrometer-sized vesicles. Such single-vesicle experiments have revealed large heterogeneities in the structure and function of membrane components of single vesicles, which were hidden in ensemble studies. These results have opened enormous possibilities for bioanalysis and biotechnological applications involving unprecedented miniaturization at the nanometer and attoliter range. This review will cover important developments toward single-vesicle analysis and the central discoveries made in this exciting field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horst Pick
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Ana Catarina Alves
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Horst Vogel
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
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13
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Booth MJ, Restrepo Schild V, Downs FG, Bayley H. Functional aqueous droplet networks. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:1658-1691. [PMID: 28766622 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00192d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs), comprising individual lipid bilayers between pairs of aqueous droplets in an oil, are proving to be a useful tool for studying membrane proteins. Recently, attention has turned to the elaboration of networks of aqueous droplets, connected through functionalized interface bilayers, with collective properties unachievable in droplet pairs. Small 2D collections of droplets have been formed into soft biodevices, which can act as electronic components, light-sensors and batteries. A substantial breakthrough has been the development of a droplet printer, which can create patterned 3D droplet networks of hundreds to thousands of connected droplets. The 3D networks can change shape, or carry electrical signals through defined pathways, or express proteins in response to patterned illumination. We envisage using functional 3D droplet networks as autonomous synthetic tissues or coupling them with cells to repair or enhance the properties of living tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Booth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
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14
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Kim YH, Hang L, Cifelli JL, Sept D, Mayer M, Yang J. Frequency-Based Analysis of Gramicidin A Nanopores Enabling Detection of Small Molecules with Picomolar Sensitivity. Anal Chem 2018; 90:1635-1642. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Sept
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110, United States
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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15
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Bayoumi M, Bayley H, Maglia G, Sapra KT. Multi-compartment encapsulation of communicating droplets and droplet networks in hydrogel as a model for artificial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45167. [PMID: 28367984 PMCID: PMC5377250 DOI: 10.1038/srep45167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Constructing a cell mimic is a major challenge posed by synthetic biologists. Efforts to this end have been primarily focused on lipid- and polymer-encapsulated containers, liposomes and polymersomes, respectively. Here, we introduce a multi-compartment, nested system comprising aqueous droplets stabilized in an oil/lipid mixture, all encapsulated in hydrogel. Functional capabilities (electrical and chemical communication) were imparted by protein nanopores spanning the lipid bilayer formed at the interface of the encapsulated aqueous droplets and the encasing hydrogel. Crucially, the compartmentalization enabled the formation of two adjoining lipid bilayers in a controlled manner, a requirement for the realization of a functional protocell or prototissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Bayoumi
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hagan Bayley
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Maglia
- Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.,Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K Tanuj Sapra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Mallikarjunachari G, Ghosh P. Analysis of strength and response of polymer nano thin film interfaces applying nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques. POLYMER 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Tamaddoni N, Sarles SA. Toward cell-inspired materials that feel: measurements and modeling of mechanotransduction in droplet-based, multi-membrane arrays. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2016; 11:036008. [PMID: 27127199 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/11/3/036008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The droplet interface bilayer (DIB) was recently used to show that a 5 nm thick lipid membrane placed near a vibrating synthetic hair could transduce hair motion into electrical current. Herein, we study for the first time mechanoelectrical transduction of hair motion using multi-membrane DIB arrays formed with more than 2 droplets connected in series, and we introduce a transduction model to investigate how airflow across the hair generates current in a membrane-based hair cell. Measurements of sensing currents across every membrane in serial chains of up to 5 connected droplets demonstrate that perturbation of a single hair creates vibrations that propagate across several droplets, allowing for membranes that are not directly attached to the hair to still transduce its motion. Membranes positioned closest to the hair generate the largest currents, while those farther away produce less current due to energy loss from fluid damping. Inserting multiple hairs of different lengths into different droplets in the array yields sensing currents that exhibit multiple characteristic frequencies in addition to location specific current intensities, features that can be used to spatially localize mechanical perturbations. We also develop a transduction model that provides an order-of-magnitude approximation of the sensing current generated by a membrane in response to airflow across the hair. This model provides physical insights into how membrane-based materials can be used for sensing mechanical stimuli--just like nature does.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Tamaddoni
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1512 Middle Dr, 414 Dougherty Engr. Bldg., Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
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18
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Cravotto G, Caporaso M, Jicsinszky L, Martina K. Enabling technologies and green processes in cyclodextrin chemistry. Beilstein J Org Chem 2016; 12:278-94. [PMID: 26977187 PMCID: PMC4778522 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.12.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of efficient synthetic green strategies for the selective modification of cyclodextrins (CDs) is still a challenging task. Outstanding results have been achieved in recent years by means of so-called enabling technologies, such as microwaves, ultrasound and ball mills, that have become irreplaceable tools in the synthesis of CD derivatives. Several examples of sonochemical selective modification of native α-, β- and γ-CDs have been reported including heterogeneous phase Pd- and Cu-catalysed hydrogenations and couplings. Microwave irradiation has emerged as the technique of choice for the production of highly substituted CD derivatives, CD grafted materials and polymers. Mechanochemical methods have successfully furnished greener, solvent-free syntheses and efficient complexation, while flow microreactors may well improve the repeatability and optimization of critical synthetic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Cravotto
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco and NIS - Centre for Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Marina Caporaso
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco and NIS - Centre for Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Laszlo Jicsinszky
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco and NIS - Centre for Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Katia Martina
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco and NIS - Centre for Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
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19
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Grossutti M, Seenath R, Lipkowski J. Infrared and Fluorescence Spectroscopic Investigations of the Acyl Surface Modification of Hydrogel Beads for the Deposition of a Phospholipid Coating. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2015; 31:11598-11604. [PMID: 26429738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b02813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The scaffolded vesicle has been employed as an alternative means of developing natural model membranes and envisioned as a potential nutraceutical transporter. Furthering the research of the scaffolded vesicle system, a nucleophilic substitution reaction was implemented to form an ester linkage between palmitate and terminal hydroxyl groups of dextran in order to hydrophobically modify the hydrogel scaffold. An average tilt angle of 38° of the hydrophobic palmitate modifying layer on the surface of the hydrogel was determined from dichroic ratios obtained from infrared spectra collected in the attenuated total reflection (ATR) configuration. ATR-IR studies of the DMPC-coated acylated hydrogel demonstrated that the hydrocarbon chains of the DMPC coating was similar to those of the DMPC bilayers and that the underlying palmitate layer had a negligible effect on the average tilt angle (26°) of the DMPC coating. The permeability of this acylated hydrogel was investigated with fluorescence spectroscopy and the terbium/dipicolinic acid assay. The hydrophobic modification on the surface of the hydrogel bead allowed for an efficient deposition of a DMPC layer that served as an impermeable barrier to terbium efflux. About 72% of DMPC-coated acylated hydrogel beads showed ideal barrier properties. The remaining 28% were leaking, but the half-life of terbium efflux of the DMPC-coated acylated hydrogel was increasing, and the total amount of leaked terbium was decreasing with the incubation time. The half-life time and the retention were considered a marked improvement relative to past scaffolded vesicle preparations. The process of acylating hydrogel beads for efficient DMPC deposition has been identified as another viable method for controlling the permeability of the scaffolded vesicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Grossutti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph , Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Ryan Seenath
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph , Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Jacek Lipkowski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph , Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
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20
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McGinn S, Bauer D, Brefort T, Dong L, El-Sagheer A, Elsharawy A, Evans G, Falk-Sörqvist E, Forster M, Fredriksson S, Freeman P, Freitag C, Fritzsche J, Gibson S, Gullberg M, Gut M, Heath S, Heath-Brun I, Heron AJ, Hohlbein J, Ke R, Lancaster O, Le Reste L, Maglia G, Marie R, Mauger F, Mertes F, Mignardi M, Moens L, Oostmeijer J, Out R, Pedersen JN, Persson F, Picaud V, Rotem D, Schracke N, Sengenes J, Stähler PF, Stade B, Stoddart D, Teng X, Veal CD, Zahra N, Bayley H, Beier M, Brown T, Dekker C, Ekström B, Flyvbjerg H, Franke A, Guenther S, Kapanidis AN, Kaye J, Kristensen A, Lehrach H, Mangion J, Sauer S, Schyns E, Tost J, van Helvoort JMLM, van der Zaag PJ, Tegenfeldt JO, Brookes AJ, Mir K, Nilsson M, Willcocks JP, Gut IG. New technologies for DNA analysis--a review of the READNA Project. N Biotechnol 2015; 33:311-30. [PMID: 26514324 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The REvolutionary Approaches and Devices for Nucleic Acid analysis (READNA) project received funding from the European Commission for 41/2 years. The objectives of the project revolved around technological developments in nucleic acid analysis. The project partners have discovered, created and developed a huge body of insights into nucleic acid analysis, ranging from improvements and implementation of current technologies to the most promising sequencing technologies that constitute a 3(rd) and 4(th) generation of sequencing methods with nanopores and in situ sequencing, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven McGinn
- CEA - Centre National de Génotypage, 2, rue Gaston Cremieux, 91057 Evry Cedex, France
| | - David Bauer
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Thomas Brefort
- Comprehensive Biomarker Center GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 583, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liqin Dong
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Afaf El-Sagheer
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; Chemistry Branch, Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez 43721, Egypt
| | - Abdou Elsharawy
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU), Am Botanischen Garten 11, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; Faculty of Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Damietta University, New Damietta City, Egypt
| | - Geraint Evans
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Elin Falk-Sörqvist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Michael Forster
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU), Am Botanischen Garten 11, D-24118 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Peter Freeman
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Camilla Freitag
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joachim Fritzsche
- Department of Applied Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Spencer Gibson
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mats Gullberg
- Olink AB, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 52A, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marta Gut
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, C/Baldiri Reixac 7, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simon Heath
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, C/Baldiri Reixac 7, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Heath-Brun
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, C/Baldiri Reixac 7, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew J Heron
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, England, UK
| | - Johannes Hohlbein
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Rongqin Ke
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Box 1031, Se-171 21 Solna, Sweden; Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Owen Lancaster
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Ludovic Le Reste
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Giovanni Maglia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, England, UK
| | - Rodolphe Marie
- DTU Nanotech, Oerstedsplads Building 345 East, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Florence Mauger
- CEA - Centre National de Génotypage, 2, rue Gaston Cremieux, 91057 Evry Cedex, France
| | - Florian Mertes
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 73, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Mignardi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Box 1031, Se-171 21 Solna, Sweden; Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Lotte Moens
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Ruud Out
- FlexGen BV, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Fredrik Persson
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vincent Picaud
- CEA-Saclay, Bât DIGITEO 565 - Pt Courrier 192, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Dvir Rotem
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, England, UK
| | - Nadine Schracke
- Comprehensive Biomarker Center GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 583, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Sengenes
- CEA - Centre National de Génotypage, 2, rue Gaston Cremieux, 91057 Evry Cedex, France
| | - Peer F Stähler
- Comprehensive Biomarker Center GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 583, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Björn Stade
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU), Am Botanischen Garten 11, D-24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - David Stoddart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, England, UK
| | - Xia Teng
- FlexGen BV, Galileiweg 8, 2333 BD Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Colin D Veal
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Nathalie Zahra
- University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Hagan Bayley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, England, UK
| | - Markus Beier
- Comprehensive Biomarker Center GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 583, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tom Brown
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Cees Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Ekström
- Olink AB, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 52A, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Flyvbjerg
- DTU Nanotech, Oerstedsplads Building 345 East, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU), Am Botanischen Garten 11, D-24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Simone Guenther
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Frankfurter Straße 129B, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Achillefs N Kapanidis
- Biological Physics Research Group, Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Jane Kaye
- HeLEX - Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Anders Kristensen
- DTU Nanotech, Oerstedsplads Building 345 East, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hans Lehrach
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 73, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonathan Mangion
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Frankfurter Straße 129B, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sascha Sauer
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 73, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Emile Schyns
- PHOTONIS France S.A.S. Avenue Roger Roncier, 19100 Brive B.P. 520, 19106 BRIVE Cedex, France
| | - Jörg Tost
- CEA - Centre National de Génotypage, 2, rue Gaston Cremieux, 91057 Evry Cedex, France
| | | | - Pieter J van der Zaag
- Philips Research Laboratories, High Tech Campus 11, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas O Tegenfeldt
- Division of Solid State Physics and NanoLund, Lund University, Box 118, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Kalim Mir
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Mats Nilsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Box 1031, Se-171 21 Solna, Sweden; Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - James P Willcocks
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Edmund Cartwright House, 4 Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GA, UK
| | - Ivo G Gut
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, C/Baldiri Reixac 7, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
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21
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22
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Ahadian S, Banan Sadeghian R, Yaginuma S, Ramón-Azcón J, Nashimoto Y, Liang X, Bae H, Nakajima K, Shiku H, Matsue T, Nakayama KS, Khademhosseini A. Hydrogels containing metallic glass sub-micron wires for regulating skeletal muscle cell behaviour. Biomater Sci 2015; 3:1449-58. [DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00215j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid Pd-based metallic glass sub-micron wires-hydrogel scaffolds are efficient in regulating behaviours of skeletal muscle cells.
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23
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Boreyko JB, Polizos G, Datskos PG, Sarles SA, Collier CP. Air-stable droplet interface bilayers on oil-infused surfaces. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:7588-93. [PMID: 24821774 PMCID: PMC4040577 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1400381111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Droplet interface bilayers are versatile model membranes useful for synthetic biology and biosensing; however, to date they have always been confined to fluid reservoirs. Here, we demonstrate that when two or more water droplets collide on an oil-infused substrate, they exhibit noncoalescence due to the formation of a thin oil film that gets squeezed between the droplets from the bottom up. We show that when phospholipids are included in the water droplets, a stable droplet interface bilayer forms between the noncoalescing water droplets. As with traditional oil-submerged droplet interface bilayers, we were able to characterize ion channel transport by incorporating peptides into each droplet. Our findings reveal that droplet interface bilayers can function in ambient environments, which could potentially enable biosensing of airborne matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Polizos
- Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; and
| | - Panos G Datskos
- Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; and
| | - Stephen A Sarles
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
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24
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Hybrid hydrogels containing vertically aligned carbon nanotubes with anisotropic electrical conductivity for muscle myofiber fabrication. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4271. [PMID: 24642903 PMCID: PMC3958721 DOI: 10.1038/srep04271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological scaffolds with tunable electrical and mechanical properties are of great interest in many different fields, such as regenerative medicine, biorobotics, and biosensing. In this study, dielectrophoresis (DEP) was used to vertically align carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels in a robust, simple, and rapid manner. GelMA-aligned CNT hydrogels showed anisotropic electrical conductivity and superior mechanical properties compared with pristine GelMA hydrogels and GelMA hydrogels containing randomly distributed CNTs. Skeletal muscle cells grown on vertically aligned CNTs in GelMA hydrogels yielded a higher number of functional myofibers than cells that were cultured on hydrogels with randomly distributed CNTs and horizontally aligned CNTs, as confirmed by the expression of myogenic genes and proteins. In addition, the myogenic gene and protein expression increased more profoundly after applying electrical stimulation along the direction of the aligned CNTs due to the anisotropic conductivity of the hybrid GelMA-vertically aligned CNT hydrogels. We believe that platform could attract great attention in other biomedical applications, such as biosensing, bioelectronics, and creating functional biomedical devices.
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25
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Wauer T, Gerlach H, Mantri S, Hill J, Bayley H, Sapra KT. Construction and manipulation of functional three-dimensional droplet networks. ACS NANO 2014; 8:771-9. [PMID: 24341760 DOI: 10.1021/nn405433y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we reported the manual assembly of lipid-coated aqueous droplets in oil to form two-dimensional (2D) networks in which the droplets are connected through single lipid bilayers. Here we assemble lipid-coated droplets in robust, freestanding 3D geometries: for example, a 14-droplet pyramidal assembly. The networks are designed, and each droplet is placed in a designated position. When protein pores are inserted in the bilayers between specific constituent droplets, electrical and chemical communication pathways are generated. We further describe an improved means to construct 3D droplet networks with defined organizations by the manipulation of aqueous droplets containing encapsulated magnetic beads. The droplets are maneuvered in a magnetic field to form simple construction modules, which are then used to form larger 2D and 3D structures including a 10-droplet pyramid. A methodology to construct freestanding, functional 3D droplet networks is an important step toward the programmed and automated manufacture of synthetic minimal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wauer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
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26
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Marchioretto M, Podobnik M, Dalla Serra M, Anderluh G. What planar lipid membranes tell us about the pore-forming activity of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Biophys Chem 2013; 182:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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27
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Tsuji Y, Kawano R, Osaki T, Kamiya K, Miki N, Takeuchi S. Droplet Split-and-Contact Method for High-Throughput Transmembrane Electrical Recording. Anal Chem 2013; 85:10913-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ac402299z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Tsuji
- Artificial
Cell
Membrane System Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1
Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi,
Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Artificial
Cell
Membrane System Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1
Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Osaki
- Artificial
Cell
Membrane System Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1
Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Koki Kamiya
- Artificial
Cell
Membrane System Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1
Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Norihisa Miki
- Artificial
Cell
Membrane System Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1
Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi,
Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Shoji Takeuchi
- Artificial
Cell
Membrane System Group, Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), 3-2-1
Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
- CIRMM-IIS, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
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28
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An engineered dimeric protein pore that spans adjacent lipid bilayers. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1725. [PMID: 23591892 PMCID: PMC3644966 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of artificial tissues is an underexplored area of synthetic biology. An important challenge is communication between constituent compartments of the engineered tissue, and between the engineered tissue and additional compartments, including extracellular fluids, further engineered tissue and living cells. Here we present a dimeric transmembrane pore that can span two adjacent lipid bilayers, and thereby allow aqueous compartments to communicate. Two heptameric staphylococcal α-hemolysin pores were covalently linked in an aligned cap-to-cap orientation. The structure of the dimer, (α7)2, was confirmed by biochemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy and single-channel electrical recording. We show that one of two β-barrels of (α7)2 can insert into the lipid bilayer of a small unilamellar vesicle, while the other spans a planar lipid bilayer. The (α7)2 pores spanning two bilayers were also observed by transmission electron microscopy.
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29
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Ramón-Azcón J, Ahadian S, Estili M, Liang X, Ostrovidov S, Kaji H, Shiku H, Ramalingam M, Nakajima K, Sakka Y, Khademhosseini A, Matsue T. Dielectrophoretically aligned carbon nanotubes to control electrical and mechanical properties of hydrogels to fabricate contractile muscle myofibers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2013; 25:4028-34. [PMID: 23798469 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201301300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis is used to align carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels in a facile and rapid manner. Aligned GelMA-CNT hydrogels show higher electrical properties compared with pristine and randomly distributed CNTs in GelMA hydrogels. The muscle cells cultured on these materials demonstrate higher maturation compared with cells cultured on pristine and randomly distributed CNTs in GelMA hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ramón-Azcón
- WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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30
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Mashaghi S, Jadidi T, Koenderink G, Mashaghi A. Lipid nanotechnology. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:4242-82. [PMID: 23429269 PMCID: PMC3588097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14024242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that covers a vast and diverse array of devices and machines derived from engineering, physics, materials science, chemistry and biology. These devices have found applications in biomedical sciences, such as targeted drug delivery, bio-imaging, sensing and diagnosis of pathologies at early stages. In these applications, nano-devices typically interface with the plasma membrane of cells. On the other hand, naturally occurring nanostructures in biology have been a source of inspiration for new nanotechnological designs and hybrid nanostructures made of biological and non-biological, organic and inorganic building blocks. Lipids, with their amphiphilicity, diversity of head and tail chemistry, and antifouling properties that block nonspecific binding to lipid-coated surfaces, provide a powerful toolbox for nanotechnology. This review discusses the progress in the emerging field of lipid nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Mashaghi
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Centre for Synthetic Biology, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| | - Tayebeh Jadidi
- Department of Physics, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastraße 7, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Gijsje Koenderink
- FOM Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, 1098XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- FOM Institute AMOLF, Science Park 104, 1098XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands; E-Mail:
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
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