1
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Dimitriou P, Li J, Jamieson WD, Schneider JJ, Castell OK, Barrow DA. Manipulation of encapsulated artificial phospholipid membranes using sub-micellar lysolipid concentrations. Commun Chem 2024; 7:120. [PMID: 38824266 PMCID: PMC11144220 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Droplet Interface Bilayers (DIBs) constitute a commonly used model of artificial membranes for synthetic biology research applications. However, their practical use is often limited by their requirement to be surrounded by oil. Here we demonstrate in-situ bilayer manipulation of submillimeter, hydrogel-encapsulated droplet interface bilayers (eDIBs). Monolithic, Cyclic Olefin Copolymer/Nylon 3D-printed microfluidic devices facilitated the eDIB formation through high-order emulsification. By exposing the eDIB capsules to varying lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) concentrations, we investigated the interaction of lysolipids with three-dimensional DIB networks. Micellar LPC concentrations triggered the bursting of encapsulated droplet networks, while at lower concentrations the droplet network endured structural changes, precisely affecting the membrane dimensions. This chemically-mediated manipulation of enclosed, 3D-orchestrated membrane mimics, facilitates the exploration of readily accessible compartmentalized artificial cellular machinery. Collectively, the droplet-based construct can pose as a chemically responsive soft material for studying membrane mechanics, and drug delivery, by controlling the cargo release from artificial cell chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelitsa Dimitriou
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - Jin Li
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - William David Jamieson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Kind Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Johannes Josef Schneider
- Institute of Applied Mathematics and Physics, School of Engineering, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Technikumstr. 9, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kieran Castell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Kind Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - David Anthony Barrow
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK
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2
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Okada S, Shoji K. Microrail-assisted liposome trapping and aligning in microfluidic channels. RSC Adv 2024; 14:18003-18010. [PMID: 38841399 PMCID: PMC11152143 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02094d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Liposome assemblies with a specific shape are potential cell tissue models for studying intercellular communication. Microfluidic channels that can trap liposomes have been constructed to achieve efficient and high-throughput manipulation and observation of liposomes. However, the trapping and alignment of multiple liposomes in a specific space are still challenging because the liposomes are soft and easily ruptured. In this study, we focused on a microrail-assisted technique for manipulating water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions. In this technique, w/o emulsions are trapped under the microrails through a surface energy gradient. First, we investigated whether the microrail channel can be applied for liposome trapping and alignment and found that the numerical simulations showed that drag forces in the direction of the microrail acted on the liposomes, thereby moving the liposomes from the main channel to the microrail. Next, we designed a microrail device based on the simulation results and trapped liposomes using the device. Resultantly, 24.7 ± 8.5 liposomes were aligned under the microrail within an hour, and the microrail was filled with liposomes for 3 hours. Finally, we prepared the microrail devices with y-shaped and ring-shaped microrails and demonstrated the construction of liposome assemblies with specific shapes, not only the straight shape. Our results indicate that the microrail-assisted technique is a valuable method for manipulating liposomes because it has the potential to provide various-shaped liposome assemblies. We believe the microrail channel will be a powerful tool for constructing liposome-based cell-cell interaction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Okada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology 1603-1 Kamitomioka Nagaoka Niigata 940-2188 Japan
| | - Kan Shoji
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology 1603-1 Kamitomioka Nagaoka Niigata 940-2188 Japan
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3
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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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4
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Gao R, Yu X, Kumar BVVSP, Tian L. Hierarchical Structuration in Protocellular System. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300422. [PMID: 37438327 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300422] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Spatial control is one of the ubiquitous features in biological systems and the key to the functional complexity of living cells. The strategies to achieve such precise spatial control in protocellular systems are crucial to constructing complex artificial living systems with functional collective behavior. Herein, the authors review recent advances in the spatial control within a single protocell or between different protocells and discuss how such hierarchical structured protocellular system can be used to understand complex living systems or to advance the development of functional microreactors with the programmable release of various biomacromolecular payloads, or smart protocell-biological cell hybrid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinran Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | | | - Liangfei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Innovation Center for Smart Medical Technologies & Devices, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
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5
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Wang X, Qiao X, Chen H, Wang L, Liu X, Huang X. Synthetic-Cell-Based Multi-Compartmentalized Hierarchical Systems. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201712. [PMID: 37069779 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201712] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In the extant lifeforms, the self-sustaining behaviors refer to various well-organized biochemical reactions in spatial confinement, which rely on compartmentalization to integrate and coordinate the molecularly crowded intracellular environment and complicated reaction networks in living/synthetic cells. Therefore, the biological phenomenon of compartmentalization has become an essential theme in the field of synthetic cell engineering. Recent progress in the state-of-the-art of synthetic cells has indicated that multi-compartmentalized synthetic cells should be developed to obtain more advanced structures and functions. Herein, two ways of developing multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems, namely interior compartmentalization of synthetic cells (organelles) and integration of synthetic cell communities (synthetic tissues), are summarized. Examples are provided for different construction strategies employed in the above-mentioned engineering ways, including spontaneous compartmentalization in vesicles, host-guest nesting, phase separation mediated multiphase, adhesion-mediated assembly, programmed arrays, and 3D printing. Apart from exhibiting advanced structures and functions, synthetic cells are also applied as biomimetic materials. Finally, key challenges and future directions regarding the development of multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems are summarized; these are expected to lay the foundation for the creation of a "living" synthetic cell as well as provide a larger platform for developing new biomimetic materials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qiao
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
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6
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Wang K, Liu J. Coacervate Microdroplets as Synthetic Protocells for Cell Mimicking and Signaling Communications. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300042. [PMID: 36908048 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300042] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic protocells are minimal systems that mimic certain properties of natural cells and are used to research the emergence of life from a nonliving chemical network. Currently, coacervate microdroplets, which are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, are receiving wide attention in the context of cell biology and protocell research; these microdroplets are notable because they can provide liquid-like compartment structures for biochemical reactions by creating highly macromolecular crowded local environments. In this review, an overview of recent research on the formation of coacervate microdroplets through phase separation; the design of coacervate-based stimuli-responsive protocells, multichamber protocells, and membranized protocells; and their cell mimic behaviors, is provided. The simplified protocell models with precisely defined and tunable compositions advance the understanding of the requirements for cellular structure and function. Efforts are then discussed to establish signal communication systems in protocell and protocell consortia, as communication is a fundamental feature of life that coordinates matter exchanges and energy fluxes dynamically in space and time. Finally, some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic protocell research in biomimetic science and biomedical applications are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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7
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Sumino Y, Yamashita R, Miyaji K, Ishikawa H, Otani M, Yamamoto D, Okita E, Okamoto Y, Krafft MP, Yoshikawa K, Shioi A. Droplet duos on water display pairing, autonomous motion, and periodic eruption. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12377. [PMID: 37524759 PMCID: PMC10390526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Under non-equilibrium conditions, liquid droplets dynamically couple with their milieu through the continuous flux of matter and energy, forming active systems capable of self-organizing functions reminiscent of those of living organisms. Among the various dynamic behaviors demonstrated by cells, the pairing of heterogeneous cell units is necessary to enable collective activity and cell fusion (to reprogram somatic cells). Furthermore, the cyclic occurrence of eruptive events such as necroptosis or explosive cell lysis is necessary to maintain cell functions. However, unlike the self-propulsion behavior of cells, cyclic cellular behavior involving pairing and eruption has not been successfully modeled using artificial systems. Here, we show that a simple droplet system based on quasi-immiscible hydrophobic oils (perfluorodecalin and decane) deposited on water, mimics such complex cellular dynamics. Perfluorodecalin and decane droplet duos form autonomously moving Janus or coaxial structures, depending on their volumes. Notably, the system with a coaxial structure demonstrates cyclic behavior, alternating between autonomous motion and eruption. Despite their complexity, the dynamic behaviors of the system are consistently explained in terms of the spreading properties of perfluorodecalin/decane duplex interfacial films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Sumino
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan.
| | - Ryo Yamashita
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan
| | - Kazuki Miyaji
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ishikawa
- Department of Physics, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Maho Otani
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan
| | - Daigo Yamamoto
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan
| | - Erika Okita
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan
| | - Yasunao Okamoto
- Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Marie Pierre Krafft
- Institut Charles Sadron (CNRS), University of Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, 67034, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Kenichi Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Akihisa Shioi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan.
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8
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Lin AJ, Sihorwala AZ, Belardi B. Engineering Tissue-Scale Properties with Synthetic Cells: Forging One from Many. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1889-1907. [PMID: 37417657 PMCID: PMC11017731 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00061] [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] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
In metazoans, living cells achieve capabilities beyond individual cell functionality by assembling into multicellular tissue structures. These higher-order structures represent dynamic, heterogeneous, and responsive systems that have evolved to regenerate and coordinate their actions over large distances. Recent advances in constructing micrometer-sized vesicles, or synthetic cells, now point to a future where construction of synthetic tissue can be pursued, a boon to pressing material needs in biomedical implants, drug delivery systems, adhesives, filters, and storage devices, among others. To fully realize the potential of synthetic tissue, inspiration has been and will continue to be drawn from new molecular findings on its natural counterpart. In this review, we describe advances in introducing tissue-scale features into synthetic cell assemblies. Beyond mere complexation, synthetic cells have been fashioned with a variety of natural and engineered molecular components that serve as initial steps toward morphological control and patterning, intercellular communication, replication, and responsiveness in synthetic tissue. Particular attention has been paid to the dynamics, spatial constraints, and mechanical strengths of interactions that drive the synthesis of this next-generation material, describing how multiple synthetic cells can act as one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ahmed Z Sihorwala
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Brian Belardi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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9
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Turali-Emre ES, Emre AE, Vecchio DA, Kadiyala U, VanEpps JS, Kotov NA. Self-Organization of Iron Sulfide Nanoparticles into Complex Multicompartment Supraparticles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211244. [PMID: 36965166 PMCID: PMC10265277 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211244] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled compartments from nanoscale components are found in all life forms. Their characteristic dimensions are in 50-1000 nm scale, typically assembled from a variety of bioorganic "building blocks". Among the various functions that these mesoscale compartments carry out, protection of the content from the environment is central. Finding synthetic pathways to similarly complex and functional particles from technologically friendly inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is needed for a multitude of biomedical, biochemical, and biotechnological processes. Here, it is shown that FeS2 NPs stabilized by l-cysteine self-assemble into multicompartment supraparticles (mSPs). The NPs initially produce ≈55 nm concave assemblies that reconfigure into ≈75 nm closed mSPs with ≈340 interconnected compartments with an average size of ≈5 nm. The intercompartmental partitions and mSP surface are formed primarily from FeS2 and Fe2 O3 NPs, respectively. The intermediate formation of cup-like particles enables encapsulation of biological cargo. This capability is demonstrated by loading mSPs with DNA and subsequent transfection of mammalian cells. Also it is found that the temperature stability of the DNA cargo is enhanced compared to the traditional delivery vehicles. These findings demonstrate that biomimetic compartmentalized particles can be used to successfully encapsulate and enhance temperature stability of the nucleic acid cargo for a variety of bioapplications.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Sumeyra Turali-Emre
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute University of Michigan; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ahmet E. Emre
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute University of Michigan; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Drew A. Vecchio
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute University of Michigan; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Usha Kadiyala
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute University of Michigan; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - J. Scott VanEpps
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute University of Michigan; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Kotov
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Department, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute University of Michigan; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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10
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Archer RJ, Hamada S, Shimizu R, Nomura SIM. Scalable Synthesis of Planar Macroscopic Lipid-Based Multi-Compartment Structures. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:4863-4871. [PMID: 36973945 PMCID: PMC10100540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As life evolved, the path from simple single cell organisms to multicellular enabled increasingly complex functionalities. The spatial separation of reactions at the micron scale achieved by cellular structures allowed diverse and scalable implementation in biomolecular systems. Mimicking such spatially separated domains in a scalable approach could open a route to creating synthetic cell-like structured systems. Here, we report a facile and scalable method to create multicellular-like, multi-compartment (MC) structures. Aqueous droplet-based compartments ranging from 50 to 400 μm were stabilized and connected together by hydrophobic layers composed of phospholipids and an emulsifier. Planar centimeter-scale MC structures were formed by droplet deposition on a water interface. Further, the resulting macroscopic shapes were shown to be achieved by spatially controlled deposition. To demonstrate configurability and potential versatility, MC assemblies of both homogeneous and mixed compartment types were shown. Notably, magnetically heterogeneous systems were achieved by the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles in defined sections. Such structures demonstrated actuated motion with structurally imparted directionality. These novel and functionalized structures exemplify a route toward future applications including compartmentally assembled "multicellular" molecular robots.
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11
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Wang X, Huang Y, Ren Y, Wang S, Li J, Lin Y, Chen H, Wang L, Huang X. Biotic communities inspired proteinosome-based aggregation for enhancing utilization rate of enzyme. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 635:456-465. [PMID: 36599243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.132] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Compared with the individuals, the collective behavior of biotic communities could show certain superior characteristics. Inspired by this idea and based on the conjugation between phenylboronic acid-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles and the polysaccharide functionalized membrane of proteinosomes, a type of proteinosomes-based aggregations was constructed. We demonstrated the emergent characteristics of proteinosomes aggregations including accelerated settling velocity and population surviving by sacrificing outside members for the inside. Moreover, this kind of "hand in hand" architecture provided the proteinosomes aggregations with the characteristic of resistance to the negative pressure phagocytosis of micropipette, as well as enhancing utilization rate of the encapsulated enzymes. Overall, it is anticipated that the construction and application of proteinosomes aggregations could contribute to advance the functionality of life-like assembled biomaterial in another way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yan Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yu Ren
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shengliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Junbo Li
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Youping Lin
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
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12
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Signal processing and generation of bioactive nitric oxide in a model prototissue. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5254. [PMID: 36068269 PMCID: PMC9448809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32941-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The design and construction of synthetic prototissues from integrated assemblies of artificial protocells is an important challenge for synthetic biology and bioengineering. Here we spatially segregate chemically communicating populations of enzyme-decorated phospholipid-enveloped polymer/DNA coacervate protocells in hydrogel modules to construct a tubular prototissue-like vessel capable of modulating the output of bioactive nitric oxide (NO). By decorating the protocells with glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase or catalase and arranging different modules concentrically, a glucose/hydroxyurea dual input leads to logic-gate signal processing under reaction-diffusion conditions, which results in a distinct NO output in the internal lumen of the model prototissue. The NO output is exploited to inhibit platelet activation and blood clot formation in samples of plasma and whole blood located in the internal channel of the device, thereby demonstrating proof-of-concept use of the prototissue-like vessel for anticoagulation applications. Our results highlight opportunities for the development of spatially organized synthetic prototissue modules from assemblages of artificial protocells and provide a step towards the organization of biochemical processes in integrated micro-compartmentalized media, micro-reactor technology and soft functional materials. A challenge for synthetic biology is the design and construction of prototissue. Here, the authors spatially segregate layers of enzyme-decorated coacervate protocells as a model prototissue capable of chemical signal processing and modulating outputs of nitric oxide to inhibit blood clot formation.
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13
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Li C, Zhang X, Yang B, Wei F, Ren Y, Mu W, Han X. Reversible Deformation of Artificial Cell Colonies Triggered by Actin Polymerization for Muscle Behavior Mimicry. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2204039. [PMID: 35765153 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of artificial cells to mimic living tissues is beneficial for understanding the mechanism of interaction among cells. Artificial cells hold immense potential in the field of tissue engineering. Self-powered artificial cells capable of reversible deformation are developed by encapsulating living mitochondria, actins, and methylcellulose. Upon addition of pyruvate molecules, the mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which acts as an energy source to trigger actin polymerization. The reversible deformation of artificial cells occurs with a spindle shape resulting from the polymerization of actins to form filaments adjacent to the lipid bilayer that subsequently returns to a spherical shape resulting from the depolymerization of actin filaments upon laser irradiation. The linear colonies composed of these artificial cells exhibit collective contraction and relaxation to mimic muscle tissues. At maximum contraction, the long axis of each giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) is parallel to each other. All the colonies are synchronized in the contraction phase. The deformation of each GUV in the colonies is influenced by its adjacent GUVs. The muscle-like artificial cell colonies described here pave the way to develop sustainably self-powered artificial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Boyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Feng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yongshuo Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
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14
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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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15
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Challenges and opportunities in achieving the full potential of droplet interface bilayers. Nat Chem 2022; 14:862-870. [PMID: 35879442 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-00989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Model membranes can be used to elucidate the intricacies of the chemical processes that occur in cell membranes, but the perfectly biomimetic, yet bespoke, model membrane has yet to be built. Droplet interface bilayers are a new type of model membrane able to mimic some features of real cell membranes better than traditional models, such as liposomes and black lipid membranes. In this Perspective, we discuss recent work in the field that is starting to showcase the potential of these model membranes to enable the quantification of membrane processes, such as the behaviour of protein transporters and the prediction of in vivo drug movement, and their use as scaffolds for electrophysiological measurements. We also highlight the challenges that remain to enable droplet interface bilayers to achieve their full potential as artificial cells, and as biological analytical platforms to quantify molecular transport.
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16
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Gözen I, Köksal ES, Põldsalu I, Xue L, Spustova K, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Ryskulov R, Meng F, Jesorka A. Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2106624. [PMID: 35322554 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202106624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg, 40530, Sweden
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Fanda Meng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- School of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
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17
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Yu X, Zhou L, Wang G, Wang L, Dou H. Hierarchical Structures in Macromolecule-assembled Synthetic Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100926. [PMID: 35445490 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100926] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Various models of synthetic cells have been developed as researchers have sought to explore the origin of life. Based on the fact that structural complexity is the foundation of higher-order functions, this review will focus on hierarchical structures in synthetic cell models that are inspired by living systems, in which macromolecules are the dominant participants. We discuss the underlying advantages and functions provided by biomimetic higher-order structures from four perspectives, including hierarchical structures in membranes, in the composite construction of membrane-coated artificial cytoplasm, in organelle-like subcellular compartments, as well as in synthetic cell-cell assembled synthetic tissues. In parallel, various feasible driving forces and approaches for the fabrication of such higher-order structures are showcased. Furthermore, we highlight both the implemented and potential applications of biomimetic systems, bottom-up biosynthesis, biomedical tissue engineering, and disease therapy. This thriving field is gradually narrowing the gap between fundamental research and applied science. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Gangyang Wang, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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18
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Enhancing membrane-based soft materials with magnetic reconfiguration events. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1703. [PMID: 35105905 PMCID: PMC8807651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05501-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive and bioinspired droplet-based materials are built using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) technique, assembling networks of lipid membranes through adhered microdroplets. The properties of these lipid membranes are linked to the properties of the droplets forming the interface. Consequently, rearranging the relative positions of the droplets within the network will also alter the properties of the lipid membranes formed between them, modifying the transmembrane exchanges between neighboring compartments. In this work, we achieved this through the use of magnetic fluids or ferrofluids selectively dispersed within the droplet-phase of DIB structures. First, the ferrofluid DIB properties are optimized for reconfiguration using a coupled experimental-computational approach, exploring the ideal parameters for droplet manipulation through magnetic fields. Next, these findings are applied towards larger, magnetically-heterogeneous collections of DIBs to investigate magnetically-driven reconfiguration events. Activating electromagnets bordering the DIB networks generates rearrangement events by separating and reforming the interfacial membranes bordering the dispersed magnetic compartments. These findings enable the production of dynamic droplet networks capable of modifying their underlying membranous architecture through magnetic forces.
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19
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Schmidt BVKJ. Multicompartment Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100895. [PMID: 35092101 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels belong to the most promising materials in polymer and materials science at the moment. As they feature soft and tissue-like character as well as high water-content, a broad range of applications are addressed with hydrogels, e.g. tissue engineering and wound dressings but also soft robotics, drug delivery, actuators and catalysis. Ways to tailor hydrogel properties are crosslinking mechanism, hydrogel shape and reinforcement, but new features can be introduced by variation of hydrogel composition as well, e.g. via monomer choice, functionalization or compartmentalization. Especially, multicompartment hydrogels drive progress towards complex and highly functional soft materials. In the present review the latest developments in multicompartment hydrogels are highlighted with a focus on three types of compartments, i.e. micellar/vesicular, droplets or multi-layers including various sub-categories. Furthermore, several morphologies of compartmentalized hydrogels and applications of multicompartment hydrogels will be discussed as well. Finally, an outlook towards future developments of the field will be given. The further development of multicompartment hydrogels is highly relevant for a broad range of applications and will have a significant impact on biomedicine and organic devices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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20
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Zhang X, Qu Q, Zhou A, Wang Y, Zhang J, Xiong R, Lenders V, Manshian BB, Hua D, Soenen SJ, Huang C. Core-shell microparticles: From rational engineering to diverse applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 299:102568. [PMID: 34896747 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Core-shell microparticles, composed of solid, liquid, or gas bubbles surrounded by a protective shell, are gaining considerable attention as intelligent and versatile carriers that show great potential in biomedical fields. In this review, an overview is given of recent developments in design and applications of biodegradable core-shell systems. Several emerging methodologies including self-assembly, gas-shearing, and coaxial electrospray are discussed and microfluidics technology is emphasized in detail. Furthermore, the characteristics of core-shell microparticles in artificial cells, drug release and cell culture applications are discussed and the superiority of these advanced multi-core microparticles for the generation of artificial cells is highlighted. Finally, the respective developing orientations and limitations inherent to these systems are addressed. It is hoped that this review can inspire researchers to propel the development of this field with new ideas.
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21
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Feng K, Gao N, Li W, Dong H, Sun F, He G, Zhou K, Zhao H, Li G. Arrested Coalescence of Ionic Liquid Droplets: A Facile Strategy for Spatially Organized Multicompartment Assemblies. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2104385. [PMID: 34643335 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Multicompartment assemblies attract much attention for their wide applications. However, the fabrication of multicompartment assemblies usually requires elaborately designed building blocks and careful controlling. The emergence of droplet networks has provided a facile way to construct multiple droplet architectures, which can further be converted to multicompartment assemblies. Herein, the bind motif-free building blocks are presented, which consist of the hydrophobic Tf2 N- -based ionic liquid (IL) dissolving LiTf2 N salt, that can conjugate via arrested coalescence in confined-space templates to form IL droplet networks. Subsequent ultraviolent polymerization generates robust free-standing multicompartment assemblies. The conjugation of building blocks relies not on the peripheral bind motif but on the interfacial instability-induced arrested coalescence, avoiding tedious surface modification and assembly process. By tuning structures of templates and building blocks, multicompartment assemblies with 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D structures are prepared in a facile and high-throughput way. Importantly, the bottom-up construction enables modular control over the compositions and spatial positions of individual building blocks. Combining with the excellent solvency of ILs, this system can serve as a general platform towards versatile multicompartment architectures. As demonstrations, by tailoring the chambers the multicompartment assemblies can spatiotemporally sense and report the chemical cues and perform various modes of motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fuwei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Guokang He
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Guangtao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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22
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Green DW, Watson JA, Ben-Nissan B, Watson GS, Stamboulis A. Synthetic tissue engineering with smart, cytomimetic protocells. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120941. [PMID: 34298445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic protocells are rudimentary origin-of-life versions of natural cell counterparts. Protocells are widely engineered to advance efforts and useful accepted outcomes in synthetic biology, soft matter chemistry and bioinspired materials chemistry. Protocells in collective symbiosis generate synthetic proto-tissues that display unprecedented autonomy and yield advanced materials with desirable life-like features for smart multi-drug delivery, micro bioreactors, renewable fuel production, environmental clean-up, and medicine. Current levels of protocell and proto-tissue functionality and adaptivity are just sufficient to apply them in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they animate biomaterials and increase therapeutic cell productivity. As of now, structural biomaterials for tissue engineering lack the properties of living biomaterials such as self-repair, stochasticity, cell synergy and the sequencing of molecular and cellular events. Future protocell-based biomaterials provide these core properties of living organisms, but excluding evolution. Most importantly, protocells are programmable for a broad array of cell functions and behaviors and collectively in consortia are tunable for multivariate functions. Inspired by upcoming designs of smart protocells, we review their developmental background and cover the most recently reported developments in this promising field of synthetic proto-biology. Our emphasis is on manufacturing proto-tissues for tissue engineering of organoids, stem cell niches and reprogramming and tissue formation through stages of embryonic development. We also highlight the exciting reported developments arising from fusing living cells and tissues, in a valuable hybrid symbiosis, with synthetic counterparts to bring about novel functions, and living tissue products for a new synthetic tissue engineering discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- David William Green
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, Proto-cellular Biomaterials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Jolanta Anna Watson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
| | - Besim Ben-Nissan
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology, PO BOX 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory Shaun Watson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
| | - Artemis Stamboulis
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, Proto-cellular Biomaterials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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23
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Gao N, Li M, Tian L, Patil AJ, Pavan Kumar BVVS, Mann S. Chemical-mediated translocation in protocell-based microactuators. Nat Chem 2021; 13:868-879. [PMID: 34168327 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Artificial cell-like communities participate in diverse modes of chemical interaction but exhibit minimal interfacing with their local environment. Here we develop an interactive microsystem based on the immobilization of a population of enzyme-active semipermeable proteinosomes within a helical hydrogel filament to implement signal-induced movement. We attach large single-polynucleotide/peptide microcapsules at one or both ends of the helical protocell filament to produce free-standing soft microactuators that sense and process chemical signals to perform mechanical work. Different modes of translocation are achieved by synergistic or antagonistic enzyme reactions located within the helical connector or inside the attached microcapsule loads. Mounting the microactuators on a ratchet-like surface produces a directional push-pull movement. Our methodology opens up a route to protocell-based chemical systems capable of utilizing mechanical work and provides a step towards the engineering of soft microscale objects with increased levels of operational autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. .,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Liangfei Tian
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Avinash J Patil
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - B V V S Pavan Kumar
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. .,Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. .,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
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24
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Chen Y, Zhang Y, Li M, Liu S, Yang X, Wang K, Mann S, Liu J. Self-immobilization of coacervate droplets by enzyme-mediated hydrogelation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:5438-5441. [PMID: 33949484 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01483h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An artificial protocell model mimicking stimuli-triggered extracellular matrix formation is demonstrated based on the self-immobilization of coacervate microdroplets. Endogenous enzyme activity within the microdroplets results in the release of Ca2+ ions that trigger hydrogelation throughout the external environment, which in turn mechanically supports and chemically stabilizes the protocells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research, Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Songyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research, Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
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25
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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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26
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Czekalska MA, Jacobs AMJ, Toprakcioglu Z, Kong L, Baumann KN, Gang H, Zubaite G, Ye R, Mu B, Levin A, Huck WTS, Knowles TPJ. One-Step Generation of Multisomes from Lipid-Stabilized Double Emulsions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:6739-6747. [PMID: 33522221 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Multisomes are multicompartmental structures formed by a lipid-stabilized network of aqueous droplets, which are contained by an outer oil phase. These biomimetic structures are emerging as a versatile platform for soft matter and synthetic biology applications. While several methods for producing multisomes have been described, including microfluidic techniques, approaches for generating biocompatible, monodisperse multisomes in a reproducible manner remain challenging to implement due to low throughput and complex device fabrication. Here, we report on a robust method for the dynamically controlled generation of multisomes with controllable sizes and high monodispersity from lipid-based double emulsions. The described microfluidic approach entails the use of three different phases forming a water/oil/water (W/O/W) double emulsion stabilized by lipid layers. We employ a gradient of glycerol concentration between the inner core and outer phase to drive the directed osmosis, allowing the swelling of lamellar lipid layers resulting in the formation of small aqueous daughter droplets at the interface of the inner aqueous core. By adding increasing concentrations of glycerol to the outer aqueous phase and subsequently varying the osmotic gradient, we show that key structural parameters, including the size of the internal droplets, can be specifically controlled. Finally, we show that this approach can be used to generate multisomes encapsulating small-molecule cargo, with potential applications in synthetic biology, drug delivery, and as carriers for active materials in the food and cosmetics industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A Czekalska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, Warsaw 01-224, Poland
| | - Anne M J Jacobs
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lingling Kong
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Applied Chemistry Institute, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Kevin N Baumann
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hongze Gang
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Applied Chemistry Institute, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Greta Zubaite
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ruqiang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Applied Chemistry Institute, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Bozhong Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Applied Chemistry Institute, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Aviad Levin
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J. J. Thomson Avenue, CB2 0HE Cambridge, United Kingdom
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27
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Cao Q, Amini S, Kumru B, Schmidt BVKJ. Molding and Encoding Carbon Nitride-Containing Edible Oil Liquid Objects via Interfacial Toughening in Waterborne Systems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:4643-4651. [PMID: 33463148 PMCID: PMC7877700 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c18064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Charge interaction-driven jamming of nanoparticle monolayers at the oil-water interface can be employed as a method to mold liquids into tailored stable 3D liquid objects. Here, 3D liquid objects are fabricated via a combination of biocompatible aqueous poly(vinyl sulfonic acid, sodium salt) solution and a colloidal dispersion of highly fluorescent organo-modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in edible sunflower oil. The as-formed liquid object shows stability in a broad pH range, as well as flexible pathways for efficient exchange of molecules at the liquid-liquid interphase, which allows for photodegradation of rhodamine B at the interface via visible light irradiation that also enables an encoding concept. The g-C3N4-based liquid objects point toward various applications, for example, all-liquid biphasic photocatalysis, artificial compartmentalized systems, liquid-liquid printing, or bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cao
- Department
of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute
of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shahrouz Amini
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Baris Kumru
- Department
of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute
of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Bernhard V. K. J. Schmidt
- Department
of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute
of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G128QQ, U.K.
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28
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Chen Y, Yuan M, Zhang Y, Liu S, Yang X, Wang K, Liu J. Construction of coacervate-in-coacervate multi-compartment protocells for spatial organization of enzymatic reactions. Chem Sci 2020; 11:8617-8625. [PMID: 34123122 PMCID: PMC8163383 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03849k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coacervate microdroplets, formed via liquid–liquid phase separation, have been extensively explored as a compartment model for the construction of artificial cells or organelles. In this study, coacervate-in-coacervate multi-compartment protocells were constructed using four polyelectrolytes, in which carboxymethyl-dextran and diethylaminoethyl-dextran were deposited on the surface of as-prepared polydiallyldimethyl ammonium/deoxyribonucleic acid coacervate microdroplets through layer-by-layer assembly. The resulting multi-compartment protocells were composed from two immiscible coacervate phases with distinct physical and chemical properties. Molecule transport experiments indicated that small molecules could diffuse between two coacervate phases and that macromolecular enzymes could be retained. Furthermore, a competitive cascade enzymatic reaction of glucose oxidase/horseradish peroxidase–catalase was performed in the multi-compartment protocells. The different enzyme organization and productions of H2O2 led to a distinct polymerization of dopamine. The spatial organization of different enzymes in immiscible coacervate phases, the distinct reaction fluxes between coacervate phases, and the enzymatic cascade network led to distinguishable signal generation and product outputs. The development of this multi-compartment structure could pave the way toward the spatial organization of multi-enzyme cascades and provide new ideas for the design of organelle-containing artificial cells. A coacervate-in-coacervate micro-architecture is constructed as a multi-compartment protocell model, in which a multi-enzyme cascade is spatially organized for competitive enzymatic reactions.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Min Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Songyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
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29
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Müller J, Jäkel AC, Schwarz D, Aufinger L, Simmel FC. Programming Diffusion and Localization of DNA Signals in 3D-Printed DNA-Functionalized Hydrogels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2001815. [PMID: 32597010 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202001815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing enables the generation of 3D structures with predefined shapes from a wide range of printable materials. However, most of the materials employed so far are static and do not provide any intrinsic programmability or pattern-forming capability. Here, a low-cost 3D bioprinting approach is developed, which is based on a commercially available extrusion printer that utilizes a DNA-functionalized bioink, which allows to combine concepts developed in dynamic DNA nanotechnology with additive patterning techniques. Hybridization between diffusing DNA signal strands and immobilized anchor strands can be used to tune diffusion properties of the signals, or to localize DNA strands within the gel in a sequence-programmable manner. Furthermore, strand displacement mechanisms can be used to direct simple pattern formation processes and to control the availability of DNA sequences at specific locations. To support printing of DNA-functionalized gel voxels at arbitrary positions, an open source python script that generates machine-readable code (GCODE) from simple vector graphics input is developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Müller
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Anna Christina Jäkel
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Dominic Schwarz
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Lukas Aufinger
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
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30
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Liu J, Tian L, Qiao Y, Zhou S, Patil AJ, Wang K, Li M, Mann S. Hydrogel‐Immobilized Coacervate Droplets as Modular Microreactor Assemblies. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201916481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringKey Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan ProvinceHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Liangfei Tian
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Yan Qiao
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Shaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringKey Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan ProvinceHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Avinash J. Patil
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringKey Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan ProvinceHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
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31
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Liu J, Tian L, Qiao Y, Zhou S, Patil AJ, Wang K, Li M, Mann S. Hydrogel‐Immobilized Coacervate Droplets as Modular Microreactor Assemblies. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:6853-6859. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201916481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringKey Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan ProvinceHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Liangfei Tian
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Yan Qiao
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Shaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringKey Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan ProvinceHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Avinash J. Patil
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringKey Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan ProvinceHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter ChemistrySchool of ChemistryUniversity of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
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32
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Ai Y, Xie R, Xiong J, Liang Q. Microfluidics for Biosynthesizing: from Droplets and Vesicles to Artificial Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903940. [PMID: 31603270 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of artificial biomimetic materials has attracted abundant attention. As one of the subcategories of biomimetic materials, artificial cells are highly significant for multiple disciplines and their synthesis has been intensively pursued. In order to manufacture robust "alive" artificial cells with high throughput, easy operation, and precise control, flexible microfluidic techniques are widely utilized. Herein, recent advances in microfluidic-based methods for the synthesis of droplets, vesicles, and artificial cells are summarized. First, the advances of droplet fabrication and manipulation on the T-junction, flow-focusing, and coflowing microfluidic devices are discussed. Then, the formation of unicompartmental and multicompartmental vesicles based on microfluidics are summarized. Furthermore, the engineering of droplet-based and vesicle-based artificial cells by microfluidics is also reviewed. Moreover, the artificial cells applied for imitating cell behavior and acting as bioreactors for synthetic biology are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future trends in microfluidic-based artificial cells are discussed. This review should be helpful for researchers in the fields of microfluidics, biomaterial fabrication, and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Ai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ruoxiao Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jialiang Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Qionglin Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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33
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Designing minimalist membrane proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1233-1245. [PMID: 31671181 PMCID: PMC6824673 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The construction of artificial membrane proteins from first principles is of fundamental interest and holds considerable promise for new biotechnologies. This review considers the potential advantages of adopting a strictly minimalist approach to the process of membrane protein design. As well as the practical benefits of miniaturisation and simplicity for understanding sequence-structure-function relationships, minimalism should also support the abstract conceptualisation of membrane proteins as modular components for synthetic biology. These ideas are illustrated with selected examples that focus upon α-helical membrane proteins, and which demonstrate how such minimalist membrane proteins might be integrated into living biosystems.
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34
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Lai SN, Zhou X, Ouyang X, Zhou H, Liang Y, Xia J, Zheng B. Artificial Cells Capable of Long-Lived Protein Synthesis by Using Aptamer Grafted Polymer Hydrogel. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:76-83. [PMID: 31880928 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein we report a new type of artificial cells capable of long-term protein expression and regulation. We constructed the artificial cells by grafting anti-His-tag aptamer into the polymer backbone of the hydrogel particles, and then immobilizing the His-tagged proteinaceous factors of the transcription and translation system into the hydrogel particles. Long-term protein expression for at least 16 days was achieved by continuously flowing feeding buffer through the artificial cells. The effect of various metal ions on the protein expression in the artificial cells was investigated. Utilizing the lac operator-repressor system, we could regulate the expression level of eGFP in the artificial cells by controlling the β-D-1-thiogalatopyranoside (IPTG) concentration in the feeding buffer. The artificial cells based on the aptamer grafted hydrogel provide a useful platform for gene circuit engineering, metabolic engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Nga Lai
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , City University of Hong Kong , 83 Tat Chee Avenue , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xiaofei Ouyang
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Yujie Liang
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Chemistry , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Sha Tin , Hong Kong
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35
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Makhoul-Mansour MM, El-Beyrouthy JB, Mumme HL, Freeman EC. Photopolymerized microdomains in both lipid leaflets establish diffusive transport pathways across biomimetic membranes. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:8718-8727. [PMID: 31553025 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01658a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Controlled transport within a network of aqueous subcompartments provides a foundation for the construction of biologically-inspired materials. These materials are commonly assembled using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) technique, adhering droplets together into a network of lipid membranes. DIB structures may be functionalized to generate conductive pathways by enhancing the permeability of pre-selected membranes, a strategy inspired by nature. Traditionally these pathways are generated by dissolving pore-forming toxins (PFTs) in the aqueous phase. A downside of this approach when working with larger DIB networks is that transport is enabled in all membranes bordering the droplets containing the PFT, instead of occurring exclusively between selected droplets. To rectify this limitation, photopolymerizable phospholipids (23:2 DiynePC) are incorporated within the aqueous phase of the DIB platform, forming conductive pathways in the lipid membranes post-exposure to UV-C light. Notably these pathways are only formed in the membrane if both adhered droplets contain the photo-responsive lipids. Patterned DIB networks can then be generated by controlling the lipid composition within select droplets which creates conductive routes one droplet thick. We propose that the incorporation of photo-polymerizable phospholipids within the aqueous phase of DIB networks will improve the resolution of the patterned conductive pathways and reduce diffusive loss within the synthetic biological network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Makhoul-Mansour
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
| | - Joyce B El-Beyrouthy
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
| | - Hope L Mumme
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Eric C Freeman
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
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36
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Yeh Martín N, Valer L, Mansy SS. Toward long-lasting artificial cells that better mimic natural living cells. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:597-607. [PMID: 33523164 PMCID: PMC7288992 DOI: 10.1042/etls20190026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chemical communication is ubiquitous in biology, and so efforts in building convincing cellular mimics must consider how cells behave on a population level. Simple model systems have been built in the laboratory that show communication between different artificial cells and artificial cells with natural, living cells. Examples include artificial cells that depend on purely abiological components and artificial cells built from biological components and are driven by biological mechanisms. However, an artificial cell solely built to communicate chemically without carrying the machinery needed for self-preservation cannot remain active for long periods of time. What is needed is to begin integrating the pathways required for chemical communication with metabolic-like chemistry so that robust artificial systems can be built that better inform biology and aid in the generation of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noël Yeh Martín
- Systems Biophysics, Physics Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Amalienstraße 54, 80799 München, Germany
| | - Luca Valer
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Sheref S Mansy
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G2
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37
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Abstract
While significant advances have been achieved with non-living synthetic cells built from the bottom-up, less progress has been made with the fabrication of synthetic tissues built from such cells. Synthetic tissues comprise patterned three-dimensional (3D) collections of communicating compartments. They can include both biological and synthetic parts and may incorporate features that do more than merely mimic nature. 3D-printed materials based on droplet-interface bilayers are the basis of the most advanced synthetic tissues and are being developed for several applications, including the controlled release of therapeutic agents and the repair of damaged organs. Current goals include the ability to manipulate synthetic tissues by remote signaling and the formation of hybrid structures with fabricated or natural living tissues.
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38
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Synthetic organelles. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:587-595. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20190056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One approach towards the creation of bottom-up synthetic biological systems of higher complexity relies on the subcompartmentalization of synthetic cell structures using artificially generated organelles — roughly mimicking the architecture of eukaryotic cells. Organelles create dedicated chemical environments for specific synthesis tasks — they separate incompatible processes from each other and help to create or maintain chemical gradients that drive other chemical processes. Artificial organelles have been used to compartmentalize enzyme reactions, to generate chemical fuels via photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and they have been utilized to spatially organize cell-free gene expression reactions. In this short review article, we provide an overview of recent developments in this field, which involve a wide variety of compartmentalization strategies ranging from lipid and polymer membrane systems to membraneless compartmentalization via coacervation.
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39
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Mason A, Yewdall NA, Welzen PLW, Shao J, van Stevendaal M, van Hest JCM, Williams DS, Abdelmohsen LKEA. Mimicking Cellular Compartmentalization in a Hierarchical Protocell through Spontaneous Spatial Organization. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:1360-1365. [PMID: 31482118 PMCID: PMC6716124 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A systemic feature of eukaryotic cells is the spatial organization of functional components through compartmentalization. Developing protocells with compartmentalized synthetic organelles is, therefore, a critical milestone toward emulating one of the core characteristics of cellular life. Here we demonstrate the bottom-up, multistep, noncovalent, assembly of rudimentary subcompartmentalized protocells through the spontaneous encapsulation of semipermeable, polymersome proto-organelles inside cell-sized coacervates. The coacervate microdroplets are membranized using tailor-made terpolymers, to complete the hierarchical self-assembly of protocells, a system that mimics both the condensed cytosol and the structure of a cell membrane. In this way, the spatial organization of enzymes can be finely tuned, leading to an enhancement of functionality. Moreover, incompatible components can be sequestered in the same microenvironments without detrimental effect. The robust stability of the subcompartmentalized coacervate protocells in biocompatible milieu, such as in PBS or cell culture media, makes it a versatile platform to be extended toward studies in vitro, and perhaps, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
F. Mason
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - N. Amy Yewdall
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal L. W. Welzen
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jingxin Shao
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen van Stevendaal
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - David S. Williams
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea
University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Chemical Engineering
and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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40
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Tian L, Li M, Patil AJ, Drinkwater BW, Mann S. Artificial morphogen-mediated differentiation in synthetic protocells. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3321. [PMID: 31346180 PMCID: PMC6658542 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The design and assembly of artificial protocell consortia displaying dynamical behaviours and systems-based properties are emerging challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology. Cellular processes such as morphogenesis and differentiation rely in part on reaction-diffusion gradients, and the ability to mimic rudimentary aspects of these non-equilibrium processes in communities of artificial cells could provide a step to life-like systems capable of complex spatiotemporal transformations. Here we expose acoustically formed arrays of initially identical coacervate micro-droplets to uni-directional or counter-directional reaction-diffusion gradients of artificial morphogens to induce morphological differentiation and spatial patterning in single populations of model protocells. Dynamic reconfiguration of the droplets in the morphogen gradients produces a diversity of membrane-bounded vesicles that are spontaneously segregated into multimodal populations with differentiated enzyme activities. Our results highlight the opportunities for constructing protocell arrays with graded structure and functionality and provide a step towards the development of artificial cell platforms capable of multiple operations. The ability to mimic aspects of cellular process that rely on reaction-diffusion gradients could provide a step to building life-like systems capable of complex behaviour. Here the authors demonstrate morphological differentiation in coacervate micro-droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangfei Tian
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Avinash J Patil
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Bruce W Drinkwater
- Faculty of Engineering, Queens Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
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41
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Menon G, Krishnan J. Design Principles for Compartmentalization and Spatial Organization of Synthetic Genetic Circuits. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:1601-1619. [PMID: 31257861 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is a hallmark of cellular systems and an ingredient actively exploited in evolution. It is also being engineered and exploited in synthetic biology, in multiple ways. While these have demonstrated important experimental capabilities, understanding design principles underpinning compartmentalization of genetic circuits has been elusive. We develop a systems framework to elucidate the interplay between the nature of the genetic circuit, the spatial organization of compartments, and their operational state (well-mixed or otherwise). In so doing, we reveal a number of unexpected features associated with compartmentalizing synthetic and template-based circuits. These include (i) the consequences of distributing circuits including trade-offs and how they may be circumvented, (ii) hidden constraints in realizing a distributed circuit, and (iii) appealing new features of compartmentalized circuits. We build on this to examine exemplar applications, which consolidate and extend the design principles we have obtained. Our insights, which emerge from the most basic and general considerations of compartmentalizing genetic circuits, are relevant in a broad range of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govind Menon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW72AZ, United Kingdom
| | - J. Krishnan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW72AZ, United Kingdom
- Institute for Systems and Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW72AZ, United Kingdom
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42
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Mandal C, Banerjee U, Sen AK. Transport of a Sessile Aqueous Droplet over Spikes of Oil Based Ferrofluid in the Presence of a Magnetic Field. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:8238-8245. [PMID: 31141667 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Droplets can be used as carrier vehicles for the transportation of biological and chemical reagents. Manipulation of water- and oil-based ferromagnetic droplets in the presence of a magnetic field has been well-studied. Here, we elucidate the transport of a sessile aqueous (diamagnetic) droplet placed over spikes of oil-based ferrofluid (FF) in the presence of a nonuniform magnetic field. An oil-based FF droplet, dispensed over a rigid oleophilic surface, interacts with a magnetic field to get transformed into an array of spikes which then act as a carrier for the transportation of the aqueous droplet. Our study reveals that transportation phenomena is governed by the interplay of three different forces: magnetic force Fm, frictional force Ff, and interfacial tension force Fi, which is expressed in terms of the magnetic Laplace number ( Lam) and magnetic Bond number ( Bom) as Lam?1 = ( Ff1/ Fm, x) and Bom Lam?1 = ( Ff2/ Fi). Based on the values of the dimensionless numbers, three different regimes, steady droplet transport, spike extraction, and magnet disengagement, are identified. It is found that steady droplet transport is observed for Lam?1 ? 1 and Bom Lam?1 ? 1, whereas extraction of spikes is observed for Lam?1 ? 1 and Bom Lam?1 > 1 and magnet disengagement is observed for Lam?1 > 1. In the steady droplet transport regime, velocity of the aqueous droplet Uds was found to be dependent on the volumes of the aqueous droplet Vw and FF droplet VFF following Uds ? Vw?0.19 VFF0.36. A simple model is presented that accurately predicts the aqueous droplet velocity Uds within 5% of the corresponding experimental data. In the spike extraction regime, the spike extraction distance Lse was found to vary with Vw, VFF, and the magnet velocity Ums following Lse ? Vw?1.75 VFF0.75 Ums?1.56.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mandal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology Madras , Chennai - 600036 , India
| | - U Banerjee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology Madras , Chennai - 600036 , India
| | - A K Sen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology Madras , Chennai - 600036 , India
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43
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Jeong D, Klocke M, Agarwal S, Kim J, Choi S, Franco E, Kim J. Cell-Free Synthetic Biology Platform for Engineering Synthetic Biological Circuits and Systems. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:E39. [PMID: 31164618 PMCID: PMC6632179 DOI: 10.3390/mps2020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology brings engineering disciplines to create novel biological systems for biomedical and technological applications. The substantial growth of the synthetic biology field in the past decade is poised to transform biotechnology and medicine. To streamline design processes and facilitate debugging of complex synthetic circuits, cell-free synthetic biology approaches has reached broad research communities both in academia and industry. By recapitulating gene expression systems in vitro, cell-free expression systems offer flexibility to explore beyond the confines of living cells and allow networking of synthetic and natural systems. Here, we review the capabilities of the current cell-free platforms, focusing on nucleic acid-based molecular programs and circuit construction. We survey the recent developments including cell-free transcription-translation platforms, DNA nanostructures and circuits, and novel classes of riboregulators. The links to mathematical models and the prospects of cell-free synthetic biology platforms will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohyun Jeong
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea.
| | - Melissa Klocke
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Siddharth Agarwal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Jeongwon Kim
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea.
| | - Seungdo Choi
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea.
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea.
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44
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Aufinger L, Simmel FC. Artificial Gel-Based Organelles for Spatial Organization of Cell-Free Gene Expression Reactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:17245-17248. [PMID: 30394633 PMCID: PMC6640049 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201809374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gel-based artificial organelles have been developed that enable sequence-specific and programmable localization of cell-free transcription and translation reactions inside an artificial cellular system. To this end, we utilize agarose microgels covalently modified with DNA templates coding for various functions and encapsulate them into emulsion droplets. We show that RNA signals transcribed from transcription organelles can be specifically targeted to capture organelles via hybridization to the corresponding DNA addresses. We also demonstrate that mRNA molecules, produced from transcription organelles and controlled by toehold switch riboregulators, are only translated in translation organelles containing their cognate DNA triggers. Spatial confinement of transcription and translation in separate organelles is thus superficially similar to gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Combining communicating gel spheres with specialized functions opens up new possibilities for programming artificial cellular systems at the organelle level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Aufinger
- Physics-Department and ZNN, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physics-Department and ZNN, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
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45
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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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46
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Aufinger L, Simmel FC. Künstliche, gelbasierte Organellen für die räumliche Organisation von zellfreien Genexpressionsreaktionen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201809374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Aufinger
- Physik-Department und ZNN Technische Universität München Am Coulombwall 4a 85748 Garching Deutschland
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physik-Department und ZNN Technische Universität München Am Coulombwall 4a 85748 Garching Deutschland
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47
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Controlled Construction of Stable Network Structure Composed of Honeycomb-Shaped Microhydrogels. Life (Basel) 2018; 8:life8040038. [PMID: 30241312 PMCID: PMC6316562 DOI: 10.3390/life8040038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the construction of models for multicellular systems such as tissues has been attracting great interest. These model systems are expected to reproduce a cell communication network and provide insight into complicated functions in living systems./Such network structures have mainly been modelled using a droplet and a vesicle. However, in the droplet and vesicle network, there are difficulties attributed to structural instabilities due to external stimuli and perturbations. Thus, the fabrication of a network composed of a stable component such as hydrogel is desired. In this article, the construction of a stable network composed of honeycomb-shaped microhydrogels is described. We produced the microhydrogel network using a centrifugal microfluidic technique and a photosensitive polymer. In the network, densely packed honeycomb-shaped microhydrogels were observed. Additionally, we successfully controlled the degree of packing of microhydrogels in the network by changing the centrifugal force. We believe that our stable network will contribute to the study of cell communication in multicellular systems.
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48
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Zhu C, Itel F, Chandrawati R, Han X, Städler B. Multicompartmentalized Microreactors Containing Nuclei and Catalase-Loaded Liposomes. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:4379-4385. [PMID: 30231209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fabian Itel
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rona Chandrawati
- School of Chemical Engineering and Australian Centre for Nanomedicine (ACN), The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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49
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Antagonistic chemical coupling in self-reconfigurable host-guest protocells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3652. [PMID: 30194369 PMCID: PMC6128866 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of compartmentalised chemical systems with nested architectures and biomimetic properties has important implications for controlling the positional assembly of functional components, spatiotemporal regulation of enzyme cascades and modelling of proto-organelle behaviour in synthetic protocells. Here, we describe the spontaneous capture of glucose oxidase-containing proteinosomes in pH-sensitive fatty acid micelle coacervate droplets as a facile route to multi-compartmentalised host–guest protocells capable of antagonistic chemical and structural coupling. The nested system functions co-operatively at low-substrate turnover, while high levels of glucose give rise to pH-induced disassembly of the droplets, release of the incarcerated proteinosomes and self-reconfiguration into spatially organised enzymatically active vesicle-in-proteinosome protocells. Co-encapsulation of antagonistic enzymes within the proteinosomes produces a sequence of self-induced capture and host–guest reconfiguration. Taken together, our results highlight opportunities for the fabrication of self-reconfigurable host–guest protocells and provide a step towards the development of protocell populations exhibiting both synergistic and antagonistic modes of interaction. Multi-compartmentalised soft micro-systems are used as models of synthetic protocells. Here, the authors developed nested host–guest protocell constructs capable of self-reconfiguration in response to changes in pH generated by antagonistic modes of enzyme-mediated coupling.
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50
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Trantidou T, Friddin MS, Salehi-Reyhani A, Ces O, Elani Y. Droplet microfluidics for the construction of compartmentalised model membranes. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2488-2509. [PMID: 30066008 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00028j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The design of membrane-based constructs with multiple compartments is of increasing importance given their potential applications as microreactors, as artificial cells in synthetic-biology, as simplified cell models, and as drug delivery vehicles. The emergence of droplet microfluidics as a tool for their construction has allowed rapid scale-up in generation throughput, scale-down of size, and control over gross membrane architecture. This is true on several levels: size, level of compartmentalisation and connectivity of compartments can all be programmed to various degrees. This tutorial review explains and explores the reasons behind this. We discuss microfluidic strategies for the generation of a family of compartmentalised systems that have lipid membranes as the basic structural motifs, where droplets are either the fundamental building blocks, or are precursors to the membrane-bound compartments. We examine the key properties associated with these systems (including stability, yield, encapsulation efficiency), discuss relevant device fabrication technologies, and outline the technical challenges. In doing so, we critically review the state-of-play in this rapidly advancing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Trantidou
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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