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Cheng Y, Hay CD, Mahuttanatan SM, Hindley JW, Ces O, Elani Y. Microfluidic technologies for lipid vesicle generation. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:4679-4716. [PMID: 39323383 PMCID: PMC11425070 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00380b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Encapsulating biological and non-biological materials in lipid vesicles presents significant potential in both industrial and academic settings. When smaller than 100 nm, lipid vesicles and lipid nanoparticles are ideal vehicles for drug delivery, facilitating the delivery of payloads, improving pharmacokinetics, and reducing the off-target effects of therapeutics. When larger than 1 μm, vesicles are useful as model membranes for biophysical studies, as synthetic cell chassis, as bio-inspired supramolecular devices, and as the basis of protocells to explore the origin of life. As applications of lipid vesicles gain prominence in the fields of nanomedicine, biotechnology, and synthetic biology, there is a demand for advanced technologies for their controlled construction, with microfluidic methods at the forefront of these developments. Compared to conventional bulk methods, emerging microfluidic methods offer advantages such as precise size control, increased production throughput, high encapsulation efficiency, user-defined membrane properties (i.e., lipid composition, vesicular architecture, compartmentalisation, membrane asymmetry, etc.), and potential integration with lab-on-chip manipulation and analysis modules. We provide a review of microfluidic lipid vesicle generation technologies, focusing on recent advances and state-of-the-art techniques. Principal technologies are described, and key research milestones are highlighted. The advantages and limitations of each approach are evaluated, and challenges and opportunities for microfluidic engineering of lipid vesicles to underpin a new generation of therapeutics, vaccines, sensors, and bio-inspired technologies are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cheng
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Callum D Hay
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Suchaya M Mahuttanatan
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James W Hindley
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Oscar Ces
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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2
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Bai Y, Hu N, Duan X, Yang J, Ju H. Mechanisms and Factors Influencing the Production of Uniform-Sized Giant Unilamellar Vesicles by Discrete Lipid Film Arrays. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:45948-45955. [PMID: 39164880 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, we innovatively proposed a highly uniform vesicle preparation scheme based on the intervesicle mechanical self-constraint effect of vesicle crowding. By adjusting the spacing of discrete microwell structures, we observed that during the self-assembly of phospholipid molecules in microwells to form giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), the scale swelling of the vesicles during the continuous growth process would lead to the crowding of vesicles in adjacent microwells, thus inducing the formation of intervesicle mechanical self-constraint effect. The results of the experiment showed that this paper obtained the optimized discretized microwell structure (micropillar side: 30 μm; pitch: 0 μm), and the corresponding lipid mass was measured and determined, yielding homogeneous giant GUVs of 37.9 ± 2.0 μm. In this paper, homogenized GUVs (∼40 μm) with different cholesterol concentrations (10, 20, and 30%) were obtained by this method, and the above vesicles were subjected to controlled electroporation experiment under external electric fields of 23, 31, and 41 kV/cm, respectively. It showed that the mechanical self-constraint effect of vesicle crowding induced by patterned microstructures during the self-assembly of phospholipid molecules significantly enhances the size homogeneity of GUVs, which would be helpful for the wide applications of GUVs in other areas such as cell-like models and controlled release of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Bai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ning Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xinyu Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Huangxian Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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3
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Valente S, Galanti A, Maghin E, Najdi N, Piccoli M, Gobbo P. Matching Together Living Cells and Prototissues: Will There Be Chemistry? Chembiochem 2024:e202400378. [PMID: 39031571 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400378] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Scientific advancements in bottom-up synthetic biology have led to the development of numerous models of synthetic cells, or protocells. To date, research has mainly focused on increasing the (bio)chemical complexity of these bioinspired micro-compartmentalized systems, yet the successful integration of protocells with living cells remains one of the major challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of the art in hybrid protocell/living cell and prototissue/living cell systems. Inspired by recent breakthroughs in tissue engineering, we review the chemical, bio-chemical, and mechano-chemical aspects that hold promise for achieving an effective integration of non-living and living matter. The future production of fully integrated protocell/living cell systems and increasingly complex prototissue/living tissue systems not only has the potential to revolutionize the field of tissue engineering, but also paves the way for new technologies in (bio)sensing, personalized therapy, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Valente
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Agostino Galanti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Maghin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Nahid Najdi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Piccoli
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Unit of Trieste, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121, Firenze, Italy
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4
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Peng Z, Iwabuchi S, Izumi K, Takiguchi S, Yamaji M, Fujita S, Suzuki H, Kambara F, Fukasawa G, Cooney A, Di Michele L, Elani Y, Matsuura T, Kawano R. Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:996-1029. [PMID: 38239102 PMCID: PMC10898420 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00860f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zugui Peng
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoji Iwabuchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Kayano Izumi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Sotaro Takiguchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Misa Yamaji
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoko Fujita
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Harune Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Fumika Kambara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Genki Fukasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Aileen Cooney
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Tomoaki Matsuura
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
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5
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Bolmatov D, Collier CP, Katsaras J, Lavrentovich MO. Physical insights into biological memory using phospholipid membranes. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2024; 47:2. [PMID: 38206535 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-023-00391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Electrical signals may propagate along neuronal membranes in the brain, thus enabling communication between nerve cells. In doing so, lipid bilayers, fundamental scaffolds of all cell membranes, deform and restructure in response to such electrical activity. These changes impact the electromechanical properties of the membrane, which then physically store biological memory. This memory can exist either over a short or long period of time. Traditionally, biological memory is defined by the strengthening or weakening of transmissions between individual neurons. Here, we show that electrical stimulation may also alter the properties of the lipid membrane, thus pointing toward a novel mechanism for memory storage. Furthermore, based on the analysis of existing electrophysiological data, we study molecular mechanisms underlying the long-term potentiation in phospholipid membranes. Finally, we examine possible relationships between the memory capacitive properties of lipid membranes, neuronal learning, and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Bolmatov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
- Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - C Patrick Collier
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - John Katsaras
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
- Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - Maxim O Lavrentovich
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
- Department of Earth, Environment, and Physics, Worcester State University, Worcester, MA, 01602, USA.
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6
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Van de Cauter L, van Buren L, Koenderink GH, Ganzinger KA. Exploring Giant Unilamellar Vesicle Production for Artificial Cells - Current Challenges and Future Directions. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300416. [PMID: 37464561 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Creating an artificial cell from the bottom up is a long-standing challenge and, while significant progress has been made, the full realization of this goal remains elusive. Arguably, one of the biggest hurdles that researchers are facing now is the assembly of different modules of cell function inside a single container. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have emerged as a suitable container with many methods available for their production. Well-studied swelling-based methods offer a wide range of lipid compositions but at the expense of limited encapsulation efficiency. Emulsion-based methods, on the other hand, excel at encapsulation but are only effective with a limited set of membrane compositions and may entrap residual additives in the lipid bilayer. Since the ultimate artificial cell will need to comply with both specific membrane and encapsulation requirements, there is still no one-method-fits-all solution for GUV formation available today. This review discusses the state of the art in different GUV production methods and their compatibility with GUV requirements and operational requirements such as reproducibility and ease of use. It concludes by identifying the most pressing issues and proposes potential avenues for future research to bring us one step closer to turning artificial cells into a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Van de Cauter
- Autonomous Matter Department, AMOLF, Amsterdam, 1098 XG, The Netherlands
| | - Lennard van Buren
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
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7
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Nair KS, Bajaj H. Advances in giant unilamellar vesicle preparation techniques and applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 318:102935. [PMID: 37320960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are versatile and promising cell-sized bio-membrane mimetic platforms. Their applications range from understanding and quantifying membrane biophysical processes to acting as elementary blocks in the bottom-up assembly of synthetic cells. Definite properties and requisite goals in GUVs are dictated by the preparation techniques critical to the success of their applications. Here, we review key advances in giant unilamellar vesicle preparation techniques and discuss their formation mechanisms. Developments in lipid hydration and emulsion techniques for GUV preparation are described. Novel microfluidic-based techniques involving lipid or surfactant-stabilized emulsions are outlined. GUV immobilization strategies are summarized, including gravity-based settling, covalent linking, and immobilization by microfluidic, electric, and magnetic barriers. Moreover, some of the key applications of GUVs as biomimetic and synthetic cell platforms during the last decade have been identified. Membrane interface processes like phase separation, membrane protein reconstitution, and membrane bending have been deciphered using GUVs. In addition, vesicles are also employed as building blocks to construct synthetic cells with defined cell-like functions comprising compartments, metabolic reactors, and abilities to grow and divide. We critically discuss the pros and cons of preparation technologies and the properties they confer to the GUVs and identify potential techniques for dedicated applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika S Nair
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Harsha Bajaj
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695019, Kerala, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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8
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Tosaka T, Kamiya K. Function Investigations and Applications of Membrane Proteins on Artificial Lipid Membranes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087231. [PMID: 37108393 PMCID: PMC10138308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins play an important role in key cellular functions, such as signal transduction, apoptosis, and metabolism. Therefore, structural and functional studies of these proteins are essential in fields such as fundamental biology, medical science, pharmacology, biotechnology, and bioengineering. However, observing the precise elemental reactions and structures of membrane proteins is difficult, despite their functioning through interactions with various biomolecules in living cells. To investigate these properties, methodologies have been developed to study the functions of membrane proteins that have been purified from biological cells. In this paper, we introduce various methods for creating liposomes or lipid vesicles, from conventional to recent approaches, as well as techniques for reconstituting membrane proteins into artificial membranes. We also cover the different types of artificial membranes that can be used to observe the functions of reconstituted membrane proteins, including their structure, number of transmembrane domains, and functional type. Finally, we discuss the reconstitution of membrane proteins using a cell-free synthesis system and the reconstitution and function of multiple membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Tosaka
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Koki Kamiya
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
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9
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Kaur S, Singh D. A Sojourn on Liposomal Delivery System: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2023; 21:48-64. [PMID: 36856471 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2022.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposomes are unique novel drug delivery carriers that favor the effective transportation of pharmaceuticals. These vesicles acquire one or more phospholipid bilayer membranes, and an inner aqueous core can carry both aqueous and lipid drugs. While hydrophilic molecules can be confined in the aqueous core, hydrophobic molecules are injected into the bilayer membrane. Liposomes have many benefits as a drug delivery method, including biocompatibility, the capacity to carry large drug payloads, and a variety of physicochemical and biological parameters that can be altered to influence their biological characteristics. In addition, being a size of 10-100 nm range can have numerous additional benefits, including enhanced pharmacokinetics, clever escape from the reticuloendothelial system, greater in vivo stability, longer and site-specific administration, and increased internalization in tumor tissue (enhanced permeability and retention impact). The current review focuses on the structural composition of liposomes, formulation technologies, and suitable case studies for optimizing biopharmaceutical performance. Moreover, clinical trials and marketed formulations of liposomes have been also stated in the prior art.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simranjeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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10
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Al Badri YN, Chaw CS, Elkordy AA. Insights into Asymmetric Liposomes as a Potential Intervention for Drug Delivery Including Pulmonary Nanotherapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010294. [PMID: 36678922 PMCID: PMC9867527 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposome-based drug delivery systems are nanosized spherical lipid bilayer carriers that can encapsulate a broad range of small drug molecules (hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs) and large drug molecules (peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids). They have unique characteristics, such as a self-assembling bilayer vesicular structure. There are several FDA-approved liposomal-based medicines for treatment of cancer, bacterial, and viral infections. Most of the FDA-approved liposomal-based therapies are in the form of conventional "symmetric" liposomes and they are administered mainly by injection. Arikace® is the first and only FDA-approved liposomal-based inhalable therapy (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) to treat only adults with difficult-to-treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as a combinational antibacterial treatment. To date, no "asymmetric liposomes" are yet to be approved, although asymmetric liposomes have many advantages due to the asymmetric distribution of lipids through the liposome's membrane (which is similar to the biological membranes). There are many challenges for the formulation and stability of asymmetric liposomes. This review will focus on asymmetric liposomes in contrast to conventional liposomes as a potential clinical intervention drug delivery system as well as the formulation techniques available for symmetric and asymmetric liposomes. The review aims to renew the research in liposomal nanovesicle delivery systems with particular emphasis on asymmetric liposomes as future potential carriers for enhancing drug delivery including pulmonary nanotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amal Ali Elkordy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)-1915152576; Fax: +44-(0)-1915153405
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11
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Assembly methods for asymmetric lipid and polymer-lipid vesicles. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:609-617. [PMID: 36533596 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetric unilamellar vesicles are aqueous bodies surrounded by two dissimilar leaflets made from lipids, polymers, or both. They are great models for cell membranes and attractive vehicles in potential biomedicine applications. Despite their promise, asymmetric unilamellar vesicles are not widely studied or adopted in applications. This is largely due to the complexity in generating asymmetric membranes. Recent technical advances in microfluidics have opened doors to high throughput fabrication of asymmetric unilamellar vesicles. In this review, we focus on microfluidic methods for generating asymmetric lipid vesicles, with two dissimilar lipid leaflets, and asymmetric lipid-polymer vesicles, with one lipid leaflet and one polymer leaflet. We also review a few standard non-microfluidic methods for generating asymmetric vesicles. We hope to highlight the improved capability in obtaining asymmetric vesicles through a variety of methods and encourage the wider scientific community to adopt some of these for their own work.
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12
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Pramanik S, Steinkühler J, Dimova R, Spatz J, Lipowsky R. Binding of His-tagged fluorophores to lipid bilayers of giant vesicles. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:6372-6383. [PMID: 35975692 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00915c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
His-tagged molecules can be attached to lipid bilayers via certain anchor lipids, a method that has been widely used for the biofunctionalization of membranes and vesicles. To observe the membrane-bound molecules, it is useful to consider His-tagged molecules that are fluorescent as well. Here, we study two such molecules, green fluorescence protein (GFP) and green-fluorescent fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), both of which are tagged with a chain of six histidines (6H) that bind to the anchor lipids within the bilayers. The His-tag 6H is much smaller than the GFP molecule but somewhat larger than the FITC dye. The lipid bilayers form giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), the behavior of which can be directly observed in the optical microscope. We apply and compare three well-established preparation methods for GUVs: electroformation on platinum wire, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel swelling, and electroformation on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. Microfluidics is used to expose the GUVs to a constant fluorophore concentration in the exterior solution. The brightness of membrane-bound 6H-GFP exceeds the brightness of membrane-bound 6H-FITC, in contrast to the quantum yields of the two fluorophores in solution. In fact, 6H-FITC is observed to be strongly quenched by the anchor lipids which bind the fluorophores via Ni2+ ions. For both 6H-GFP and 6H-FITC, the membrane fluorescence is measured as a function of the fluorophores' molar concentration. The theoretical analysis of these data leads to the equilibrium dissociation constants Kd = 37.5 nM for 6H-GFP and Kd = 18.5 nM for 6H-FITC. We also observe a strong pH-dependence of the membrane fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Pramanik
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Jan Steinkühler
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Joachim Spatz
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
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13
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Zheng W, Xie R, Liang X, Liang Q. Fabrication of Biomaterials and Biostructures Based On Microfluidic Manipulation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2105867. [PMID: 35072338 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202105867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biofabrication technologies are of importance for the construction of organ models and functional tissue replacements. Microfluidic manipulation, a promising biofabrication technique with micro-scale resolution, can not only help to realize the fabrication of specific microsized structures but also build biomimetic microenvironments for biofabricated tissues. Therefore, microfluidic manipulation has attracted attention from researchers in the manipulation of particles and cells, biochemical analysis, tissue engineering, disease diagnostics, and drug discovery. Herein, biofabrication based on microfluidic manipulation technology is reviewed. The application of microfluidic manipulation technology in the manufacturing of biomaterials and biostructures with different dimensions and the control of the microenvironment is summarized. Finally, current challenges are discussed and a prospect of microfluidic manipulation technology is given. The authors hope this review can provide an overview of microfluidic manipulation technologies used in biofabrication and thus steer the current efforts in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchen Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ruoxiao Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaoping Liang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Qionglin Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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14
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Lv M, Li H, Cao H, Wang T, He C, Liang Y, Mao X, Wang Z. Assembling Alkaline-Responsive Chitosan@Giant Liposomes through an Ultrasound-Integrated Microfluidic Approach. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:3223-3233. [PMID: 35245076 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the fabrication of an alkaline-responsive drug carrier, chitosan@giant liposome (CS-GL), by using an ultrasound-integrated microfluidic approach. On the microfluidic chip, water/oil/water droplets are first prepared and then move through an area of ultrasonic radiation to improve the regional saturation of organic solvent and accelerate its removal. At the same time, phospholipid molecules in the oil phase of the droplets are efficiently self-assembled into giant liposomes (GLs). Subsequently, microfluidic channels combined with an up-down separated structure can help in the fabrication and purification of the GLs. Due to the electrostatic interaction between the amino group of chitosan and the phosphate group of phospholipids, the GLs and chitosan are assembled into CS-GLs. The change of ζ potential after this operation indicates that chitosan is coated on the surface of GLs. The formed CS-GLs are monodispersed with a 54.1 ± 0.7 μm diameter and high drug encapsulation efficiency (∼96%), and the structural integrity can be kept without leakage of contents for more than a week in an acid medium (pH = 1.2). When this structure is placed in an aqueous solution of pH = 7.8, chitosan precipitates gradually and detaches from the GL, causing its rupture. The drug encapsulated in a single CS-GL can be rapidly released within 4 s, and 99.6% of the CS-GL carriers can complete the release within 10 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Lv
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Huanan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Hua Cao
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Teng Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Chengdian He
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Mao
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
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15
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Sharma B, Moghimianavval H, Hwang SW, Liu AP. Synthetic Cell as a Platform for Understanding Membrane-Membrane Interactions. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:912. [PMID: 34940413 PMCID: PMC8706075 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11120912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the pursuit of understanding life, model membranes made of phospholipids were envisaged decades ago as a platform for the bottom-up study of biological processes. Micron-sized lipid vesicles have gained great acceptance as their bilayer membrane resembles the natural cell membrane. Important biological events involving membranes, such as membrane protein insertion, membrane fusion, and intercellular communication, will be highlighted in this review with recent research updates. We will first review different lipid bilayer platforms used for incorporation of integral membrane proteins and challenges associated with their functional reconstitution. We next discuss different methods for reconstitution of membrane fusion and compare their fusion efficiency. Lastly, we will highlight the importance and challenges of intercellular communication between synthetic cells and synthetic cells-to-natural cells. We will summarize the review by highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with studying membrane-membrane interactions and possible future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bineet Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Hossein Moghimianavval
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Sung-Won Hwang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.S.); (H.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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16
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Zhang G, Sun J. Lipid in Chips: A Brief Review of Liposomes Formation by Microfluidics. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:7391-7416. [PMID: 34764647 PMCID: PMC8575451 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s331639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liposomes are ubiquitous tools in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, membrane science and artificial cell. Micro- and nanofabrication techniques have revolutionized the preparation of liposomes on the microscale. State-of-the-art liposomal formation on microfluidic chips and its associated applications are introduced in this review. We attempt to provide a reference for liposomal researchers by comparing various microfluidic techniques for liposomes formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Sun
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Van de Cauter L, Fanalista F, van Buren L, De Franceschi N, Godino E, Bouw S, Danelon C, Dekker C, Koenderink GH, Ganzinger KA. Optimized cDICE for Efficient Reconstitution of Biological Systems in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2021. [PMID: 34185516 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.24.432456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are often used to mimic biological membranes in reconstitution experiments. They are also widely used in research on synthetic cells, as they provide a mechanically responsive reaction compartment that allows for controlled exchange of reactants with the environment. However, while many methods exist to encapsulate functional biomolecules in GUVs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and reliable GUV fabrication still remains a major experimental hurdle in the field. Here, we show that defect-free GUVs containing complex biochemical systems can be generated by optimizing a double-emulsion method for GUV formation called continuous droplet interface crossing encapsulation (cDICE). By tightly controlling environmental conditions and tuning the lipid-in-oil dispersion, we show that it is possible to significantly improve the reproducibility of high-quality GUV formation as well as the encapsulation efficiency. We demonstrate efficient encapsulation for a range of biological systems including a minimal actin cytoskeleton, membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures, and a functional PURE (protein synthesis using recombinant elements) system. Our optimized cDICE method displays promising potential to become a standard method in biophysics and bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Fanalista
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Lennard van Buren
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola De Franceschi
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Godino
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sharon Bouw
- Department of Living Matter, AMOLF, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christophe Danelon
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H Koenderink
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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18
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Van de Cauter L, Fanalista F, van Buren L, De Franceschi N, Godino E, Bouw S, Danelon C, Dekker C, Koenderink GH, Ganzinger KA. Optimized cDICE for Efficient Reconstitution of Biological Systems in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1690-1702. [PMID: 34185516 PMCID: PMC8291763 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are often used to mimic biological membranes in reconstitution experiments. They are also widely used in research on synthetic cells, as they provide a mechanically responsive reaction compartment that allows for controlled exchange of reactants with the environment. However, while many methods exist to encapsulate functional biomolecules in GUVs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and reliable GUV fabrication still remains a major experimental hurdle in the field. Here, we show that defect-free GUVs containing complex biochemical systems can be generated by optimizing a double-emulsion method for GUV formation called continuous droplet interface crossing encapsulation (cDICE). By tightly controlling environmental conditions and tuning the lipid-in-oil dispersion, we show that it is possible to significantly improve the reproducibility of high-quality GUV formation as well as the encapsulation efficiency. We demonstrate efficient encapsulation for a range of biological systems including a minimal actin cytoskeleton, membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures, and a functional PURE (protein synthesis using recombinant elements) system. Our optimized cDICE method displays promising potential to become a standard method in biophysics and bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Fanalista
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Lennard van Buren
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola De Franceschi
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Godino
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sharon Bouw
- Department
of Living Matter, AMOLF, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christophe Danelon
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Dekker
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsje H. Koenderink
- Department
of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
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19
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Giant Vesicles Produced with Phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and Phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) by Water-in-Oil Inverted Emulsions. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030223. [PMID: 33801936 PMCID: PMC7998898 DOI: 10.3390/life11030223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: giant vesicles (GVs) are widely employed as models for studying physicochemical properties of bio-membranes and artificial cell construction due to their similarities to natural cell membranes. Considering the critical roles of GVs, various methods have been developed to prepare them. Notably, the water-in-oil (w/o) inverted emulsion-transfer method is reported to be the most promising, owning to the relatively higher productivity and better encapsulation efficiency of biomolecules. Previously, we successfully established an improved approach to acquire detailed information of 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)-derived GVs with imaging flow cytometry (IFC); (2) Methods: we prepared GVs with different lipid compositions, including phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and PC/PE mixtures by w/o inverted emulsion methods. We comprehensively compared the yield, purity, size, and encapsulation efficiency of the resulting vesicles; (3) Results: the relatively higher productivities of GVs could be obtained from POPC, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DLPE), DOPC: DLPE (7:3), and POPC: DLPE (6:4) pools. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that these GVs are stable during long term preservation in 4 °C. (4) Conclusions: our results will be useful for the analytical study of GVs and GV-based applications.
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20
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Bao P, Paterson DA, Peyman SA, Jones JC, Sandoe JAT, Gleeson HF, Evans SD, Bushby RJ. Production of giant unilamellar vesicles and encapsulation of lyotropic nematic liquid crystals. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:2234-2241. [PMID: 33469638 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01684e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We describe a modified microfluidic method for making Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) via water/octanol-lipid/water double emulsion droplets. At a high enough lipid concentration we show that the de-wetting of the octanol from these droplets occurs spontaneously (off-chip) without the need to use shear to aid the de-wetting process. The resultant mixture of octanol droplets and GUVs can be separated by making use of the buoyancy of the octanol. A simpler microfluidic device and pump system can be employed and, because of the higher flow-rates and much higher rate of formation of the double emulsion droplets (∼1500 s-1 compared to up to ∼75 s-1), it is easier to make larger numbers of GUVs and larger volumes of solution. Because of the potential for using GUVs that incorporate lyotropic nematic liquid crystals in biosensors we have used this method to make GUVs that incorporate the nematic phases of sunset yellow and disodium chromoglycate. However, the phase behaviour of these lyotropic liquid crystals is quite sensitive to concentration and we found that there is an unexpected spread in the concentration of the contents of the GUVs obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Bao
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Daniel A Paterson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK and School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Sally A Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK and Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - J Cliff Jones
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jonathan A T Sandoe
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Helen F Gleeson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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21
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Maktabi S, Malmstadt N, Schertzer JW, Chiarot PR. An integrated microfluidic platform to fabricate single-micrometer asymmetric giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using dielectrophoretic separation of microemulsions. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:024112. [PMID: 33912267 PMCID: PMC8064763 DOI: 10.1063/5.0047265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We present a microfluidic technique that generates asymmetric giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) in the size range of 2-14 μm. In our method, we (i) create water-in-oil emulsions as the precursors to build synthetic vesicles, (ii) deflect the emulsions across two oil streams containing different phospholipids at high throughput to establish an asymmetric architecture in the lipid bilayer membranes, and (iii) direct the water-in-oil emulsions across the oil-water interface of an oscillating oil jet in a co-flowing confined geometry to encapsulate the inner aqueous phase inside a lipid bilayer and complete the fabrication of GUVs. In the first step, we utilize a flow-focusing geometry with precisely controlled pneumatic pressures to form monodisperse water-in-oil emulsions. We observed different regimes in forming water-in-oil multiphase flows by changing the applied pressures and discovered a hysteretic behavior in jet breakup and droplet generation. In the second step of GUV fabrication, an oil stream containing phospholipids carries the emulsions into a separation region where we steer the emulsions across two parallel oil streams using active dielectrophoretic and pinched-flow fractionation separations. We explore the effect of applied DC voltage magnitude and carrier oil stream flow rate on the separation efficiency. We develop an image processing code that measures the degree of mixing between the two oil streams as the water-in-oil emulsions travel across them under dielectrophoretic steering to find the ideal operational conditions. Finally, we utilize an oscillating co-flowing jet to complete the formation of asymmetric giant unilamellar vesicles and transfer them to an aqueous phase. We investigate the effect of flow rates on properties of the co-flowing jet oscillating in the whipping mode (i.e., wavelength and amplitude) and define the phase diagram for the oil-in-water jet. Assays used to probe the lipid bilayer membrane of fabricated GUVs showed that membranes were unilamellar, minimal residual oil remained trapped between the two lipid leaflets, and 83% asymmetry was achieved across the lipid bilayers of GUVs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noah Malmstadt
- Departments of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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22
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Aden S, Snoj T, Anderluh G. The use of giant unilamellar vesicles to study functional properties of pore-forming toxins. Methods Enzymol 2021; 649:219-251. [PMID: 33712188 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) act upon lipid membranes and appropriate model systems are of great importance in researching these proteins. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are an excellent model membrane system to study interactions between lipids and proteins. Their main advantage is the size comparable to cells, which means that GUVs can be observed directly under the light microscope. Many PFTs properties can be studied by using GUVs, such as binding specificity, membrane reorganization upon protein binding and oligomerization, pore properties and mechanism of pore formation. GUVs also represent a good model for biotechnological approaches, e.g., in applications in synthetic biology and medicine. Each research area has its own demands for GUVs properties, so several different approaches for GUVs preparations have been developed and will be discussed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Aden
- Department for Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Snoj
- Department for Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department for Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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23
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Advances in microfluidic synthesis and coupling with synchrotron SAXS for continuous production and real-time structural characterization of nano-self-assemblies. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 201:111633. [PMID: 33639513 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic platforms have become highly attractive tools for synthesis of nanoparticles, including lipid nano-self-assemblies, owing to unique features and at least three important aspects inherent to miniaturized micro-devices. Firstly, the fluids flow under controlled conditions in the microchannels, providing well-defined flow profiles and shorter diffusion lengths that play important roles in enhancing the continuous production of lipid and polymer nanoparticles with relatively narrow size distributions. Secondly, various geometries adapted to microfluidic device designs can be utilized for enhancing the colloidal stability of nanoparticles and improving their drug loading. Thirdly, microfluidic devices are usually compatible with in situ characterization methods for real-time monitoring of processes occurring inside the microchannels. This is unlike conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods, where a final solution or withdrawn aliquots are separately analysed. These features inherent to microfluidic devices provide a tool-set allowing not only precise nanoparticle size control, but also real-time analyses for process optimization. In this review, we focus on recent advances and developments in the use of microfluidic devices for synthesis of lipid nanoparticles. We present different designs based on hydrodynamic flow focusing, droplet-based methods and controlled microvortices, and discuss integration of microfluidic platforms with synchrotron small-angle X ray scattering (SAXS) for in situ structural characterization of lipid nano-self-assemblies under continuous flow conditions, along with major challenges and future directions in this research area.
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24
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Wang X, Du H, Wang Z, Mu W, Han X. Versatile Phospholipid Assemblies for Functional Synthetic Cells and Artificial Tissues. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002635. [PMID: 32830387 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of a synthetic cell from nonliving building blocks capable of mimicking cellular properties and behaviors helps to understand the particular biophysical properties and working mechanisms of a cell. A synthetic cell built in this way possesses defined chemical composition and structure. Since phospholipids are native biomembrane components, their assemblies are widely used to mimic cellular structures. Here, recent developments in the formation of versatile phospholipid assemblies are described, together with the applications of these assemblies for functional membranes (protein reconstituted giant unilamellar vesicles), spherical and nonspherical protoorganelles, and functional synthetic cells, as well as the high-order hierarchical structures of artificial tissues. Their biomedical applications are also briefly summarized. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the field of synthetic cells and artificial tissues based on phospholipid assemblies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Marine Antifouling Engineering Technology Center of Shangdong Province, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Wei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Has
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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26
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Cho E, Lu Y. Compartmentalizing Cell-Free Systems: Toward Creating Life-Like Artificial Cells and Beyond. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2881-2901. [PMID: 33095011 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Building an artificial cell is a research area that is rigorously studied in the field of synthetic biology. It has brought about much attention with the aim of ultimately constructing a natural cell-like structure. In particular, with the more mature cell-free platforms and various compartmentalization methods becoming available, achieving this aim seems not far away. In this review, we discuss the various types of artificial cells capable of hosting several cellular functions. Different compartmental boundaries and the mature and evolving technologies that are used for compartmentalization are examined, and exciting recent advances that overcome or have the potential to address current challenges are discussed. Ultimately, we show how compartmentalization and cell-free systems have, and will, come together to fulfill the goal to assemble a fully synthetic cell that displays functionality and complexity as advanced as that in nature. The development of such artificial cell systems will offer insight into the fundamental study of evolutionary biology and the sea of applications as a result. Although several challenges remain, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence also appear to help pave the way to address them and achieve the ultimate goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Cho
- Key Lab of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Lab of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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27
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Zhang Y, Herling TW, Kreida S, Peter QAE, Kartanas T, Törnroth-Horsefield S, Linse S, Knowles TPJ. A microfluidic strategy for the detection of membrane protein interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:3230-3238. [PMID: 32744557 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00205d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins perform a vast range of vital biological functions and are the gatekeepers for exchange of information and matter between the intracellular and extracellular environment. However, membrane protein interactions can be challenging to characterise in a quantitative manner due to the low solubility and large size of the membrane protein complex with associated lipid or detergent molecules. Here, we show that measurements of the changes in charge and diffusivity on the micron scale allow for non-disruptive studies of membrane protein interactions in solution. The approach presented here uses measurements of key physical properties of membrane proteins and their ligands to characterise the binding equilibrium parameters. We demonstrate this approach for human aquaporins (AQPs), key membrane proteins in the regulation of water homeostasis in cells. We perform quantitative measurements to characterise the interactions between two full-length AQP isoforms and the regulatory protein, calmodulin (CaM), and show that CaM selectively binds AQP0. Through direct measurements of the diffusivity and mobility in an external electric field, the diffusion coefficients and electrophoretic mobilities are determined for the individual components and the resulting AQP0-CaM complex. Furthermore, we obtain directly the binding equilibrium parameters and effective charge of each component. These results open up a route towards the use of microfluidics as a general platform in protein science and open up new possibilities for the characterisation of membrane protein interactions in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Therese W Herling
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Stefan Kreida
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, 221 00, Sweden.
| | - Quentin A E Peter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Tadas Kartanas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | | | - Sara Linse
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, 221 00, Sweden.
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK. and Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
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28
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Shoji K, Kawano R. Recent Advances in Liposome-Based Molecular Robots. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E788. [PMID: 32825332 PMCID: PMC7569806 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A molecular robot is a microorganism-imitating micro robot that is designed from the molecular level and constructed by bottom-up approaches. As with conventional robots, molecular robots consist of three essential robotics elements: control of intelligent systems, sensors, and actuators, all integrated into a single micro compartment. Due to recent developments in microfluidic technologies, DNA nanotechnologies, synthetic biology, and molecular engineering, these individual parts have been developed, with the final picture beginning to come together. In this review, we describe recent developments of these sensors, actuators, and intelligence systems that can be applied to liposome-based molecular robots. First, we explain liposome generation for the compartments of molecular robots. Next, we discuss the emergence of robotics functions by using and functionalizing liposomal membranes. Then, we discuss actuators and intelligence via the encapsulation of chemicals into liposomes. Finally, the future vision and the challenges of molecular robots are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Shoji
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Kamitomioka 1603-1, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Naka-cho 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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29
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Kamiya K. Development of Artificial Cell Models Using Microfluidic Technology and Synthetic Biology. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E559. [PMID: 32486297 PMCID: PMC7345299 DOI: 10.3390/mi11060559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Giant lipid vesicles or liposomes are primarily composed of phospholipids and form a lipid bilayer structurally similar to that of the cell membrane. These vesicles, like living cells, are 5-100 μm in diameter and can be easily observed using an optical microscope. As their biophysical and biochemical properties are similar to those of the cell membrane, they serve as model cell membranes for the investigation of the biophysical or biochemical properties of the lipid bilayer, as well as its dynamics and structure. Investigation of membrane protein functions and enzyme reactions has revealed the presence of soluble or membrane proteins integrated in the giant lipid vesicles. Recent developments in microfluidic technologies and synthetic biology have enabled the development of well-defined artificial cell models with complex reactions based on the giant lipid vesicles. In this review, using microfluidics, the formations of giant lipid vesicles with asymmetric lipid membranes or complex structures have been described. Subsequently, the roles of these biomaterials in the creation of artificial cell models including nanopores, ion channels, and other membrane and soluble proteins have been discussed. Finally, the complex biological functions of giant lipid vesicles reconstituted with various types of biomolecules has been communicated. These complex artificial cell models contribute to the production of minimal cells or protocells for generating valuable or rare biomolecules and communicating between living cells and artificial cell models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Kamiya
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 1-5-1 Tenjin-cho, Kiryu city, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
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30
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Schaich M, Sobota D, Sleath H, Cama J, Keyser UF. Characterization of lipid composition and diffusivity in OLA generated vesicles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183359. [PMID: 32416194 PMCID: PMC7322398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) are a versatile tool in many branches of science, including biophysics and synthetic biology. Octanol-Assisted Liposome Assembly (OLA), a recently developed microfluidic technique enables the production and testing of GUVs within a single device under highly controlled experimental conditions. It is therefore gaining significant interest as a platform for use in drug discovery, the production of artificial cells and more generally for controlled studies of the properties of lipid membranes. In this work, we expand the capabilities of the OLA technique by forming GUVs of tunable binary lipid mixtures of DOPC, DOPG and DOPE. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching we investigated the lateral diffusion coefficients of lipids in OLA liposomes and found the expected values in the range of 1 μm2/s for the lipid systems tested. We studied the OLA derived GUVs under a range of conditions and compared the results with electroformed vesicles. Overall, we found the lateral diffusion coefficients of lipids in vesicles obtained with OLA to be quantitatively similar to those in vesicles obtained via traditional electroformation. Our results provide a quantitative biophysical validation of the quality of OLA derived GUVs, which will facilitate the wider use of this versatile platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schaich
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Sobota
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Sleath
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Jehangir Cama
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom; College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, United Kingdom.
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
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31
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A protocell with fusion and division. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:1909-1919. [PMID: 31819942 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A protocell is a synthetic form of cellular life that is constructed from phospholipid vesicles and used to understand the emergence of life from a nonliving chemical network. To be considered 'living', a protocell should be capable of self-proliferation, which includes successive growth and division processes. The growth of protocells can be achieved via vesicle fusion approaches. In this review, we provide a brief overview of recent research on the formation of a protocell, fusion and division processes of the protocell, and encapsulation of a defined chemical network such as the genetic material. We also provide some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic protocell research.
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32
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Krafft D, López Castellanos S, Lira RB, Dimova R, Ivanov I, Sundmacher K. Compartments for Synthetic Cells: Osmotically Assisted Separation of Oil from Double Emulsions in a Microfluidic Chip. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2604-2608. [PMID: 31090995 PMCID: PMC6852271 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes are used in synthetic biology as cell-like compartments and their microfluidic production through double emulsions allows for efficient encapsulation of various components. However, residual oil in the membrane remains a critical bottleneck for creating pristine phospholipid bilayers. It has been discovered that osmotically driven shrinking leads to detachment of the oil drop. Separation inside a microfluidic chip has been realized to automate the procedure, which allows for controlled continuous production of monodisperse liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Krafft
- Process Systems EngineeringMax Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical SystemsSandtorstrasse 139106MagdeburgGermany
| | - Sebastián López Castellanos
- Process Systems EngineeringMax Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical SystemsSandtorstrasse 139106MagdeburgGermany
| | - Rafael B. Lira
- Theory and Bio-SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park Golm14424PotsdamGermany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Theory and Bio-SystemsMax Planck Institute of Colloids and InterfacesScience Park Golm14424PotsdamGermany
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Process Systems EngineeringMax Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical SystemsSandtorstrasse 139106MagdeburgGermany
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process Systems EngineeringMax Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical SystemsSandtorstrasse 139106MagdeburgGermany
- Otto-von-Guericke University MagdeburgUniversitätsplatz 239106MagdeburgGermany
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33
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Dimova R. Giant Vesicles and Their Use in Assays for Assessing Membrane Phase State, Curvature, Mechanics, and Electrical Properties. Annu Rev Biophys 2019; 48:93-119. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-052118-115342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles represent a promising and extremely useful model biomembrane system for systematic measurements of mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, and rheological properties of lipid bilayers as a function of membrane composition, surrounding media, and temperature. The most important advantage of giant vesicles over other model membrane systems is that the membrane responses to external factors such as ions, (macro)molecules, hydrodynamic flows, or electromagnetic fields can be directly observed under the microscope. Here, we briefly review approaches for giant vesicle preparation and describe several assays used for deducing the membrane phase state and measuring a number of material properties, with further emphasis on membrane reshaping and curvature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Dimova
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Science Park Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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34
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Supramaniam P, Ces O, Salehi-Reyhani A. Microfluidics for Artificial Life: Techniques for Bottom-Up Synthetic Biology. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E299. [PMID: 31052344 PMCID: PMC6562628 DOI: 10.3390/mi10050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary branch of science that exploits the advancement of molecular and cellular biology. Conventional modification of pre-existing cells is referred to as the top-down approach. Bottom-up synthetic biology is an emerging complementary branch that seeks to construct artificial cells from natural or synthetic components. One of the aims in bottom-up synthetic biology is to construct or mimic the complex pathways present in living cells. The recent, and rapidly growing, application of microfluidics in the field is driven by the central tenet of the bottom-up approach-the pursuit of controllably generating artificial cells with precisely defined parameters, in terms of molecular and geometrical composition. In this review we survey conventional methods of artificial cell synthesis and their limitations. We proceed to show how microfluidic approaches have been pivotal in overcoming these limitations and ushering in a new generation of complexity that may be imbued in artificial cells and the milieu of applications that result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pashiini Supramaniam
- Department of Chemistry, White City Campus, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry, White City Campus, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Ali Salehi-Reyhani
- FabriCELL, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, London SE1 1DB, UK.
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35
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Blanken D, van Nies P, Danelon C. Quantitative imaging of gene-expressing liposomes reveals rare favorable phenotypes. Phys Biol 2019; 16:045002. [PMID: 30978176 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ab0c62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of proteins from genomic DNA is a universal process in every living organism. Building a synthetic cell using separate biological parts hence implies to reconstitute a minimal gene expression apparatus and to compartmentalize it in a cell-mimicking environment. Previous studies have demonstrated that the PURE (Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements) system could be functionally encapsulated inside lipid vesicles. However, quantitative insights on functional consequences of spatial confinement of PURE system reactions remain scarce, which has hampered the full exploitation of gene-expressing liposomes as the fundamental unit to build an artificial cell. We report on direct imaging of tens of thousands of gene-expressing liposomes per sample allowing us to assess sub-population features in a statistically relevant manner. Both the vesicle size (diameter <10 μm) and lipid composition (mixture of phospholipids with zwitterionic and negatively charged headgroups, including cardiolipin) are compatible with the properties of bacterial cells. Therefore, our liposomes provide a suitable chassis to host the Escherichia coli-derived PURE translation machinery and other bacterial processes in future developments. The potential of high-content imaging to identify rare phenotypes is demonstrated by the fact that a subset of the liposome population exhibits a remarkably high yield of synthesized protein or a prolonged expression lifespan that surpasses the performance of ensemble liposome-averaged and bulk reactions. Among the three commercial PURE systems tested, PUREfrex2.0 offers the most favorable phenotypes displaying both high yield and long protein synthesis lifespan. Moreover, probing membrane permeability reveals a large heterogeneity amongst liposomes. In situ expression and membrane embedding of the pore-forming connexin leads to a characteristic permeability time profile, while increasing the fraction of permeable liposomes in the population. We see diversity in gene expression dynamics and membrane permeability as an opportunity to complement a rational design approach aiming at further implementing biological functions in liposome-based synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duco Blanken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands
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36
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Omidvar R, Römer W. Glycan-decorated protocells: novel features for rebuilding cellular processes. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20180084. [PMID: 30842879 PMCID: PMC6388021 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In synthetic biology approaches, lipid vesicles are widely used as protocell models. While many compounds have been encapsulated in vesicles (e.g. DNA, cytoskeleton and enzymes), the incorporation of glycocalyx components in the lipid bilayer has attracted much less attention so far. In recent years, glycoconjugates have been integrated in the membrane of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). These minimal membrane systems have largely contributed to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes. In this review, we first introduce several preparation and biophysical characterization methods of GUVs. Then, we highlight specific applications of protocells investigating glycolipid-mediated endocytosis of toxins, viruses and bacteria. In addition, we delineate how prototissues have been assembled from glycan-decorated protocells by using lectin-mediated cross-linking of opposed glycoreceptors (e.g. glycolipids and glycopeptides). In future applications, glycan-decorated protocells might be useful for investigating cell-cell interactions (e.g. adhesion and communication). We also speculate about the implication of lectin-glycoreceptor interactions in membrane fusion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Omidvar
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology (FIT), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology (FIT), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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37
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Sato Y, Takinoue M. Creation of Artificial Cell-Like Structures Promoted by Microfluidics Technologies. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E216. [PMID: 30934758 PMCID: PMC6523379 DOI: 10.3390/mi10040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The creation of artificial cells is an immensely challenging task in science. Artificial cells contribute to revealing the mechanisms of biological systems and deepening our understanding of them. The progress of versatile biological research fields has clarified many biological phenomena, and various artificial cell models have been proposed in these fields. Microfluidics provides useful technologies for the study of artificial cells because it allows the fabrication of cell-like compartments, including water-in-oil emulsions and giant unilamellar vesicles. Furthermore, microfluidics also allows the mimicry of cellular functions with chip devices based on sophisticated chamber design. In this review, we describe contributions of microfluidics to the study of artificial cells. Although typical microfluidic methods are useful for the creation of artificial-cell compartments, recent methods provide further benefits, including low-cost fabrication and a reduction of the sample volume. Microfluidics also allows us to create multi-compartments, compartments with artificial organelles, and on-chip artificial cells. We discuss these topics and the future perspective of microfluidics for the study of artificial cells and molecular robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sato
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
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38
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Friddin MS, Elani Y, Trantidou T, Ces O. New Directions for Artificial Cells Using Prototyped Biosystems. Anal Chem 2019; 91:4921-4928. [PMID: 30841694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has has enabled the generation of a range of single compartment and multicompartment vesicles and bilayer-delineated droplets that can be assembled in 2D and 3D. These model systems are becoming increasingly used as artificial cell chassis and as biomimetic constructs for assembling tissue models, engineering therapeutic delivery systems, and screening drugs. One bottleneck in developing this technology is the time, expertise, and equipment required for device fabrication. This has led to interest across the microfluidics community in using rapid prototyping to engineer microfluidic devices from computer-aided-design (CAD) drawings. We highlight how this rapid-prototyping revolution is transforming the fabrication of microfluidic devices for artificial cell construction in bottom-up synthetic biology. We provide an outline of the current landscape and present how advances in the field may give rise to the next generation of multifunctional biodevices, particularly with Industry 4.0 on the horizon. Successfully developing this technology and making it open-source could pave the way for a new generation of citizen-led science, fueling the possibility that the next multibillion-dollar start-up could emerge from an attic or a basement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Friddin
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom.,fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana Trantidou
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom.,fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub , Imperial College London , Wood Lane , London , W12 0BZ , United Kingdom
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39
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Fan T, Wang Q, Hu N, Liao Y, Chen X, Wang Z, Yang Z, Yang J, Qian S. Preparation of giant lipid vesicles with controllable sizes by a modified hydrophilic polydimethylsiloxane microarray chip. J Colloid Interface Sci 2018; 536:53-61. [PMID: 30347293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an accessible method to prepare giant lipid vesicles (GLVs) with controllable sizes based on the quick formation of patterned lipid films. Lipid solutions naturally penetrate into arrayed micro-apertures on a modified hydrophilic Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip, and excess lipid films on the surface are removed by a glass slide. Three main factors, the depth and diameter of the micro-apertures and concentration of the lipid solution, were investigated to obtain an optimal preparation condition. Based on this condition, the formed GLVs have a controllable size and narrow size distribution (the standard deviation < 5 μm). By controlling the diameter of the micro-aperture and concentration of the lipid solution, GLVs with various sizes (23, 48, 66 and 82 μm) can be formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ning Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics Technology (Chongqing University), Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Yanjian Liao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics Technology (Chongqing University), Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhong Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Medical Electronics Technology (Chongqing University), Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Shizhi Qian
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
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40
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Crowe CD, Keating CD. Liquid-liquid phase separation in artificial cells. Interface Focus 2018; 8:20180032. [PMID: 30443328 PMCID: PMC6227770 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in biology is a recently appreciated means of intracellular compartmentalization. Because the mechanisms driving phase separations are grounded in physical interactions, they can be recreated within less complex systems consisting of only a few simple components, to serve as artificial microcompartments. Within these simple systems, the effect of compartmentalization and microenvironments upon biological reactions and processes can be studied. This review will explore several approaches to incorporating LLPS as artificial cytoplasms and in artificial cells, including both segregative and associative phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine D. Keating
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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41
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Hayase G, Nomura SIM. Large-Scale Preparation of Giant Vesicles by Squeezing a Lipid-Coated Marshmallow-like Silicone Gel in a Buffer. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:11021-11026. [PMID: 30149718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Giant vesicles were efficiently produced by squeezing a lipid (l-α-phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk)-coated marshmallow-like flexible macroporous silicone monolith in a buffer. The mean diameter of the obtained vesicles was 2 μm, showing a wide distribution, up to tens of micrometers, which was similar to that of vesicles formed by a natural swelling method. It was possible to prepare vesicle dispersions on a scale from several microliters to several hundred milliliters. A protein synthesis system (PURE system) contained in vesicles prepared using this method functioned effectively. Our absorbing-squeezing method is expected to help in studies that use giant vesicles such as artificial cells and drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Hayase
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences , Tohoku University , 6-3 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku , Sendai 980-8578 , Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro M Nomura
- Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering , Tohoku University , 6-6-01 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku , Sendai 980-8579 , Japan
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42
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Drechsler C, Markones M, Choi JY, Frieling N, Fiedler S, Voelker DR, Schubert R, Heerklotz H. Preparation of Asymmetric Liposomes Using a Phosphatidylserine Decarboxylase. Biophys J 2018; 115:1509-1517. [PMID: 30266319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid asymmetries between the outer and inner leaflet of the lipid bilayer exist in nearly all biological membranes. Although living cells spend great effort to adjust and maintain these asymmetries, little is known about the biophysical phenomena within asymmetric membranes and their role in cellular function. One reason for this lack of insight into such a fundamental membrane property is the fact that the majority of model-membrane studies have been performed on symmetric membranes. Our aim is to overcome this problem by employing a targeted, enzymatic reaction to prepare asymmetric liposomes with phosphatidylserine (PS) primarily in the inner leaflet. To achieve this goal, we use a recombinant version of a water soluble PS decarboxylase from Plasmodium knowlesi, which selectively decarboxylates PS in the outer leaflet, converting it to phosphatidylethanolamine. The extent of decarboxylation is quantified using high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and the local concentration of anionic PS in the outer leaflet is monitored in terms of the ζ potential. Starting, for example, with 21 mol % 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine sodium salt, the assay leads to liposomes with 21 mol % in the inner and 6 mol % PS in the outer leaflet. This asymmetry persists virtually unchanged for at least 4 days at 20°C and at least 2 days at 40°C. The use of a highly specific enzyme carries the advantage that a minor component such as PS can be adjusted without affecting or being affected by the other lipid species present in the model membrane. The phenomena governing the residual outside PS content are addressed but warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Drechsler
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie Markones
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jae-Yeon Choi
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Niklas Frieling
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fiedler
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dennis R Voelker
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Rolf Schubert
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Heerklotz
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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43
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Pick H, Alves AC, Vogel H. Single-Vesicle Assays Using Liposomes and Cell-Derived Vesicles: From Modeling Complex Membrane Processes to Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Applications. Chem Rev 2018; 118:8598-8654. [PMID: 30153012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The plasma membrane is of central importance for defining the closed volume of cells in contradistinction to the extracellular environment. The plasma membrane not only serves as a boundary, but it also mediates the exchange of physical and chemical information between the cell and its environment in order to maintain intra- and intercellular functions. Artificial lipid- and cell-derived membrane vesicles have been used as closed-volume containers, representing the simplest cell model systems to study transmembrane processes and intracellular biochemistry. Classical examples are studies of membrane translocation processes in plasma membrane vesicles and proteoliposomes mediated by transport proteins and ion channels. Liposomes and native membrane vesicles are widely used as model membranes for investigating the binding and bilayer insertion of proteins, the structure and function of membrane proteins, the intramembrane composition and distribution of lipids and proteins, and the intermembrane interactions during exo- and endocytosis. In addition, natural cell-released microvesicles have gained importance for early detection of diseases and for their use as nanoreactors and minimal protocells. Yet, in most studies, ensembles of vesicles have been employed. More recently, new micro- and nanotechnological tools as well as novel developments in both optical and electron microscopy have allowed the isolation and investigation of individual (sub)micrometer-sized vesicles. Such single-vesicle experiments have revealed large heterogeneities in the structure and function of membrane components of single vesicles, which were hidden in ensemble studies. These results have opened enormous possibilities for bioanalysis and biotechnological applications involving unprecedented miniaturization at the nanometer and attoliter range. This review will cover important developments toward single-vesicle analysis and the central discoveries made in this exciting field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horst Pick
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Ana Catarina Alves
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Horst Vogel
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering , Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
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44
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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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45
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Tsugane M, Suzuki H. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9214. [PMID: 29907779 PMCID: PMC6003926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the applicability of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) for RNA detection using in vesicle reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We prepared GUVs that encapsulated one-pot RT-PCR reaction mixture including template RNA, primers, and Taqman probe, using water-in-oil emulsion transfer method. After thermal cycling, we analysed the GUVs that exhibited intense fluorescence signals, which represented the cDNA amplification. The detailed analysis of flow cytometry data demonstrated that rRNA and mRNA in the total RNA can be amplified from 10–100 copies in the GUVs with 5–10 μm diameter, although the fraction of reactable GUV was approximately 60% at most. Moreover, we report that the target RNA, which was directly transferred into the GUV reactors via membrane fusion, can be amplified and detected using in vesicle RT-PCR. These results suggest that the GUVs can be used as biomimetic reactors capable of performing PCR and RT-PCR, which are important in analytical and diagnostic applications with additional functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Tsugane
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suzuki
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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46
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Karamdad K, Hindley JW, Bolognesi G, Friddin MS, Law RV, Brooks NJ, Ces O, Elani Y. Engineering thermoresponsive phase separated vesicles formed via emulsion phase transfer as a content-release platform. Chem Sci 2018; 9:4851-4858. [PMID: 29910937 PMCID: PMC5982195 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc04309k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of cholesterol insertion efficiency into phase-transfer vesicles enables the rational design of phase-separated membranes as thermally-responsive platforms for artificial cell construction.
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are a well-established tool for the study of membrane biophysics and are increasingly used as artificial cell models and functional units in biotechnology. This trend is driven by the development of emulsion-based generation methods such as Emulsion Phase Transfer (EPT), which facilitates the encapsulation of almost any water-soluble compounds (including biomolecules) regardless of size or charge, is compatible with droplet microfluidics, and allows GUVs with asymmetric bilayers to be assembled. However, the ability to control the composition of membranes formed via EPT remains an open question; this is key as composition gives rise to an array of biophysical phenomena which can be used to add functionality to membranes. Here, we evaluate the use of GUVs constructed via this method as a platform for phase behaviour studies and take advantage of composition-dependent features to engineer thermally-responsive GUVs. For the first time, we generate ternary GUVs (DOPC/DPPC/cholesterol) using EPT, and by compensating for the lower cholesterol incorporation efficiencies, show that these possess the full range of phase behaviour displayed by electroformed GUVs. As a demonstration of the fine control afforded by this approach, we demonstrate release of dye and peptide cargo when ternary GUVs are heated through the immiscibility transition temperature, and show that release temperature can be tuned by changing vesicle composition. We show that GUVs can be individually addressed and release triggered using a laser beam. Our findings validate EPT as a suitable method for generating phase separated vesicles and provide a valuable proof-of-concept for engineering content release functionality into individually addressable vesicles, which could have a host of applications in the development of smart synthetic biosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiser Karamdad
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ; .,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - James W Hindley
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ; .,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - Guido Bolognesi
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Loughborough University , Loughborough , LE11 3TU , UK
| | - Mark S Friddin
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ;
| | - Robert V Law
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ; .,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - Nicholas J Brooks
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ; .,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ; .,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK.,FABRICELL , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK . ; .,Institute of Chemical Biology , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK.,FABRICELL , Imperial College London , Exhibition Road , London , SW7 2AZ , UK
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47
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Elani Y, Trantidou T, Wylie D, Dekker L, Polizzi K, Law RV, Ces O. Constructing vesicle-based artificial cells with embedded living cells as organelle-like modules. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29540757 PMCID: PMC5852042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in constructing artificial cells by functionalising lipid vesicles with biological and synthetic machinery. Due to their reduced complexity and lack of evolved biochemical pathways, the capabilities of artificial cells are limited in comparison to their biological counterparts. We show that encapsulating living cells in vesicles provides a means for artificial cells to leverage cellular biochemistry, with the encapsulated cells serving organelle-like functions as living modules inside a larger synthetic cell assembly. Using microfluidic technologies to construct such hybrid cellular bionic systems, we demonstrate that the vesicle host and the encapsulated cell operate in concert. The external architecture of the vesicle shields the cell from toxic surroundings, while the cell acts as a bioreactor module that processes encapsulated feedstock which is further processed by a synthetic enzymatic metabolism co-encapsulated in the vesicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK. .,Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Tatiana Trantidou
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Douglas Wylie
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Linda Dekker
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Karen Polizzi
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Robert V Law
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Oscar Ces
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK. .,Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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48
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Tanasescu R, Mettal U, Colom A, Roux A, Zumbuehl A. Facile and Rapid Formation of Giant Vesicles from Glass Beads. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:polym10010054. [PMID: 30966090 PMCID: PMC6414939 DOI: 10.3390/polym10010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs) are widely-used model systems for biological membranes. The formulation of these vesicles, however, can be problematic and artifacts, such as degraded molecules or left-over oil, may be present in the final liposomes. The rapid formulation of a high number of artifact-free vesicles of uniform size using standard laboratory equipment is, therefore, highly desirable. Here, the gentle hydration method of glass bead-supported thin lipid films has been enhanced by adding a vortexing step. This led to the formulation of a uniform population of giant vesicles. Batches of glass beads coated with different lipids can be combined to produce vesicles of hybrid lipid compositions. This method represents a stable approach to rapidly generate giant vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Tanasescu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Ute Mettal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Adai Colom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, 30, Quai Ernest-Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- National Centre of Competence in Research in Chemical Biology, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Aurélien Roux
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, 30, Quai Ernest-Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- National Centre of Competence in Research in Chemical Biology, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Zumbuehl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
- National Centre of Competence in Research in Chemical Biology, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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49
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Weiss M, Frohnmayer JP, Benk LT, Haller B, Janiesch JW, Heitkamp T, Börsch M, Lira RB, Dimova R, Lipowsky R, Bodenschatz E, Baret JC, Vidakovic-Koch T, Sundmacher K, Platzman I, Spatz JP. Sequential bottom-up assembly of mechanically stabilized synthetic cells by microfluidics. NATURE MATERIALS 2018; 17:89-96. [PMID: 29035355 DOI: 10.1038/nmat5005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Compartments for the spatially and temporally controlled assembly of biological processes are essential towards cellular life. Synthetic mimics of cellular compartments based on lipid-based protocells lack the mechanical and chemical stability to allow their manipulation into a complex and fully functional synthetic cell. Here, we present a high-throughput microfluidic method to generate stable, defined sized liposomes termed 'droplet-stabilized giant unilamellar vesicles (dsGUVs)'. The enhanced stability of dsGUVs enables the sequential loading of these compartments with biomolecules, namely purified transmembrane and cytoskeleton proteins by microfluidic pico-injection technology. This constitutes an experimental demonstration of a successful bottom-up assembly of a compartment with contents that would not self-assemble to full functionality when simply mixed together. Following assembly, the stabilizing oil phase and droplet shells are removed to release functional self-supporting protocells to an aqueous phase, enabling them to interact with physiologically relevant matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Weiss
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Patrick Frohnmayer
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lucia Theresa Benk
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Haller
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Willi Janiesch
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Heitkamp
- Single-Molecule Microscopy Group, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Börsch
- Single-Molecule Microscopy Group, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Rafael B Lira
- Theory & Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Theory & Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Reinhard Lipowsky
- Theory & Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Eberhard Bodenschatz
- Laboratory for Fluid Dynamics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Christophe Baret
- Droplets, Membranes and Interfaces, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Soft Micro Systems, CNRS, Univ. Bordeaux, CRPP, UPR 8641, 115 Avenue Schweitzer, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Tanja Vidakovic-Koch
- Process System Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process System Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Process Systems Engineering, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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50
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Itel F, Schattling PS, Zhang Y, Städler B. Enzymes as key features in therapeutic cell mimicry. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 118:94-108. [PMID: 28916495 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cell mimicry is a nature inspired concept that aims to substitute for missing or lost (sub)cellular function. This review focuses on the latest advancements in the use of enzymes in cell mimicry for encapsulated catalysis and artificial motility in synthetic bottom-up assemblies with emphasis on the biological response in cell culture or more rarely in animal models. Entities across the length scale from nano-sized enzyme mimics, sub-micron sized artificial organelles and self-propelled particles (swimmers) to micron-sized artificial cells are discussed. Although the field remains in its infancy, the primary aim of this review is to illustrate the advent of nature-mimicking artificial molecules and assemblies on their way to become a complementary alternative to their role models for diverse biomedical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Itel
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Philipp S Schattling
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Yan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.
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