1
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Meli V, Rowley AT, Veerasubramanian PK, Heedy SE, Liu WF, Wang SW. Modulation of Stiffness-Dependent Macrophage Inflammatory Responses by Collagen Deposition. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2212-2223. [PMID: 38467019 PMCID: PMC11005009 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that interact with complex extracellular matrix environments, which have varied stiffness, composition, and structure, and such interactions can lead to the modulation of cellular activity. Collagen is often used in the culture of immune cells, but the effects of substrate functionalization conditions are not typically considered. Here, we show that the solvent system used to attach collagen onto a hydrogel surface affects its surface distribution and organization, and this can modulate the responses of macrophages subsequently cultured on these surfaces in terms of their inflammatory activation and expression of adhesion and mechanosensitive molecules. Collagen was solubilized in either acetic acid (Col-AA) or N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (Col-HEP) solutions and conjugated onto soft and stiff polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogel surfaces. Bone marrow-derived macrophages cultured under standard conditions (pH 7.4) on the Col-HEP-derived surfaces exhibited stiffness-dependent inflammatory activation; in contrast, the macrophages cultured on Col-AA-derived surfaces expressed high levels of inflammatory cytokines and genes, irrespective of the hydrogel stiffness. Among the collagen receptors that were examined, leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) was the most highly expressed, and knockdown of the Lair-1 gene enhanced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. We found that the collagen distribution was more homogeneous on Col-AA surfaces but formed aggregates on Col-HEP surfaces. The macrophages cultured on Col-AA PA hydrogels were more evenly spread, expressed higher levels of vinculin, and exerted higher traction forces compared to those of cells on Col-HEP. These macrophages on Col-AA also had higher nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios of yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), key molecules that control inflammation and sense substrate stiffness. Our results highlight that seemingly slight variations in substrate deposition for immunobiology studies can alter critical immune responses, and this is important to elucidate in the broader context of immunomodulatory biomaterial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar
S. Meli
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- UCI
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research
Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Andrew T. Rowley
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Praveen K. Veerasubramanian
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- UCI
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research
Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Sara E. Heedy
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Wendy F. Liu
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- UCI
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research
Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University
of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Institute
for Immunology, University of California
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Szu-Wen Wang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Institute
for Immunology, University of California
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Chao Family
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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2
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Boone K, Cloyd AK, Derakovic E, Spencer P, Tamerler C. Designing Collagen-Binding Peptide with Enhanced Properties Using Hydropathic Free Energy Predictions. APPLIED SCIENCES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:3342. [PMID: 38037603 PMCID: PMC10686322 DOI: 10.3390/app13053342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is fundamental to a vast diversity of health functions and potential therapeutics. Short peptides targeting collagen are attractive for designing modular systems for site-specific delivery of bioactive agents. Characterization of peptide-protein binding involves a larger number of potential interactions that require screening methods to target physiological conditions. We build a hydropathy-based free energy estimation tool which allows quick evaluation of peptides binding to collagen. Previous studies showed that pH plays a significant role in collagen structure and stability. Our design tool enables probing peptides for their collagen-binding property across multiple pH conditions. We explored binding features of currently known collagen-binding peptides, collagen type I alpha chain 2 sense peptide (TKKTLRT) and decorin LRR-10 (LRELHLNNN). Based on these analyzes, we engineered a collagen-binding peptide with enhanced properties across a large pH range in contrast to LRR-10 pH dependence. To validate our predictions, we used a quantum-dots-based binding assay to compare the coverage of the peptides on type I collagen. The predicted peptide resulted in improved collagen binding. Hydropathy of the peptide-protein pair is a promising approach to finding compatible pairings with minimal use of computational resources, and our method allows for quick evaluation of peptides for binding to other proteins. Overall, the free-energy-based tool provides an alternative computational screening approach that impacts protein interaction search methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Boone
- Institute for Bioengineering Research, University of Kansas, 5109 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
| | - Aya Kirahm Cloyd
- Institute for Bioengineering Research, University of Kansas, 5109 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
- Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, 1132 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
| | - Emina Derakovic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
| | - Paulette Spencer
- Institute for Bioengineering Research, University of Kansas, 5109 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
- Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, 1132 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
| | - Candan Tamerler
- Institute for Bioengineering Research, University of Kansas, 5109 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
- Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, 1132 Learned Hall 1530 W, 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66045-7609, USA
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3
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de Alcântara ACS, Felix LC, Galvão DS, Sollero P, Skaf MS. The Role of the Extrafibrillar Volume on the Mechanical Properties of Molecular Models of Mineralized Bone Microfibrils. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:230-245. [PMID: 36484626 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00728] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bones are responsible for body support, structure, motion, and several other functions that enable and facilitate life for many different animal species. They exhibit a complex network of distinct physical structures and mechanical properties, which ultimately depend on the fraction of their primary constituents at the molecular scale. However, the relationship between structure and mechanical properties in bones are still not fully understood. Here, we investigate structural and mechanical properties of all-atom bone molecular models composed of type-I collagen, hydroxyapatite (HA), and water by means of fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Our models encompass an extrafibrillar volume (EFV) and consider mineral content in both the EFV and intrafibrillar volume (IFV), consistent with experimental observations. We investigate solvation structures and elastic properties of bone microfibril models with different degrees of mineralization, ranging from highly mineralized to weakly mineralized and nonmineralized models. We find that the local tetrahedral order of water is lost in similar ways in the EFV and IFV regions for all HA containing models, as calcium and phosphate ions are strongly coordinated with water molecules. We also subject our models to tensile loads and analyze the spatial stress distribution over the nanostructure of the material. Our results show that both mineral and water contents accumulate significantly higher stress levels, most notably in the EFV, thus revealing that this region, which has been only recently incorporated in all-atom molecular models, is fundamental for studying the mechanical properties of bones at the nanoscale. Furthermore, our results corroborate the well-established finding that high mineral content makes bone stiffer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeus C S de Alcântara
- Department of Computational Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-860, SPBrazil.,Center for Computing in Engineering & Sciences, CCES, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-861, SPBrazil
| | - Levi C Felix
- Center for Computing in Engineering & Sciences, CCES, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-861, SPBrazil.,Department of Applied Physics, Gleb Wataghin Institute of Physics, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-859, SPBrazil
| | - Douglas S Galvão
- Center for Computing in Engineering & Sciences, CCES, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-861, SPBrazil.,Department of Applied Physics, Gleb Wataghin Institute of Physics, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-859, SPBrazil
| | - Paulo Sollero
- Department of Computational Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-860, SPBrazil.,Center for Computing in Engineering & Sciences, CCES, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-861, SPBrazil
| | - Munir S Skaf
- Center for Computing in Engineering & Sciences, CCES, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-861, SPBrazil.,Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas13083-970, SPBrazil
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4
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Iqbal H, Fung KW, Gor J, Bishop AC, Makhatadze GI, Brodsky B, Perkins SJ. A solution structure analysis reveals a bent collagen triple helix in the complement activation recognition molecule mannan-binding lectin. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102799. [PMID: 36528062 PMCID: PMC9898670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen triple helices are critical in the function of mannan-binding lectin (MBL), an oligomeric recognition molecule in complement activation. The MBL collagen regions form complexes with the serine proteases MASP-1 and MASP-2 in order to activate complement, and mutations lead to common immunodeficiencies. To evaluate their structure-function properties, we studied the solution structures of four MBL-like collagen peptides. The thermal stability of the MBL collagen region was much reduced by the presence of a GQG interruption in the typical (X-Y-Gly)n repeat compared to controls. Experimental solution structural data were collected using analytical ultracentrifugation and small angle X-ray and neutron scattering. As controls, we included two standard Pro-Hyp-Gly collagen peptides (POG)10-13, as well as three more peptides with diverse (X-Y-Gly)n sequences that represented other collagen features. These data were quantitatively compared with atomistic linear collagen models derived from crystal structures and 12,000 conformations obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. All four MBL peptides were bent to varying degrees up to 85o in the best-fit molecular dynamics models. The best-fit benchmark peptides (POG)n were more linear but exhibited a degree of conformational flexibility. The remaining three peptides showed mostly linear solution structures. In conclusion, the collagen helix is not strictly linear, the degree of flexibility in the triple helix depends on its sequence, and the triple helix with the GQG interruption showed a pronounced bend. The bend in MBL GQG peptides resembles the bend in the collagen of complement C1q and may be key for lectin pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Iqbal
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ka Wai Fung
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayesh Gor
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony C. Bishop
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - George I. Makhatadze
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Barbara Brodsky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology Center, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen J. Perkins
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom,For correspondence: Stephen J. Perkins
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5
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Leung KS, Shirazi S, Cooper LF, Ravindran S. Biomaterials and Extracellular Vesicle Delivery: Current Status, Applications and Challenges. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182851. [PMID: 36139426 PMCID: PMC9497093 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we will discuss the current status of extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery via biopolymeric scaffolds for therapeutic applications and the challenges associated with the development of these functionalized scaffolds. EVs are cell-derived membranous structures and are involved in many physiological processes. Naïve and engineered EVs have much therapeutic potential, but proper delivery systems are required to prevent non-specific and off-target effects. Targeted and site-specific delivery using polymeric scaffolds can address these limitations. EV delivery with scaffolds has shown improvements in tissue remodeling, wound healing, bone healing, immunomodulation, and vascular performance. Thus, EV delivery via biopolymeric scaffolds is becoming an increasingly popular approach to tissue engineering. Although there are many types of natural and synthetic biopolymers, the overarching goal for many tissue engineers is to utilize biopolymers to restore defects and function as well as support host regeneration. Functionalizing biopolymers by incorporating EVs works toward this goal. Throughout this review, we will characterize extracellular vesicles, examine various biopolymers as a vehicle for EV delivery for therapeutic purposes, potential mechanisms by which EVs exert their effects, EV delivery for tissue repair and immunomodulation, and the challenges associated with the use of EVs in scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey S. Leung
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sajjad Shirazi
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lyndon F. Cooper
- School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Sriram Ravindran
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
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6
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Koczoń P, Josefsson H, Michorowska S, Tarnowska K, Kowalska D, Bartyzel BJ, Niemiec T, Lipińska E, Gruczyńska-Sękowska E. The Influence of the Structure of Selected Polymers on Their Properties and Food-Related Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14101962. [PMID: 35631843 PMCID: PMC9146511 DOI: 10.3390/polym14101962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Every application of a substance results from the macroscopic property of the substance that is related to the substance’s microscopic structure. For example, the forged park gate in your city was produced thanks to the malleability and ductility of metals, which are related to the ability of shifting of layers of metal cations, while fire extinguishing powders use the high boiling point of compounds related to their regular ionic and covalent structures. This also applies to polymers. The purpose of this review is to summarise and present information on selected food-related biopolymers, with special attention on their respective structures, related properties, and resultant applications. Moreover, this paper also highlights how the treatment method used affects the structure, properties, and, hence, applications of some polysaccharides. Despite a strong focus on food-related biopolymers, this review is addressed to a broad community of both material engineers and food researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Koczoń
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.K.); (K.T.); (D.K.)
| | | | - Sylwia Michorowska
- Department of Bioanalysis and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Tarnowska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.K.); (K.T.); (D.K.)
| | - Dorota Kowalska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.K.); (K.T.); (D.K.)
| | - Bartłomiej J. Bartyzel
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Niemiec
- Animals Nutrition Department, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Edyta Lipińska
- Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Food Evaluation, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Eliza Gruczyńska-Sękowska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.K.); (K.T.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Karjalainen J, Henschel H, Nissi MJ, Nieminen MT, Hanni M. Dipolar Relaxation of Water Protons in the Vicinity of a Collagen-like Peptide. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:2538-2551. [PMID: 35343227 PMCID: PMC8996236 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Quantitative magnetic
resonance imaging is one of the few available
methods for noninvasive diagnosis of degenerative changes in articular
cartilage. The clinical use of the imaging data is limited by the
lack of a clear association between structural changes at the molecular
level and the measured magnetic relaxation times. In anisotropic,
collagen-containing tissues, such as articular cartilage, the orientation
dependency of nuclear magnetic relaxation can obscure the content
of the images. Conversely, if the molecular origin of the phenomenon
would be better understood, it would provide opportunities for diagnostics
as well as treatment planning of degenerative changes in these tissues.
We study the magnitude and orientation dependence of the nuclear magnetic
relaxation due to dipole–dipole coupling of water protons in
anisotropic, collagenous structures. The water–collagen interactions
are modeled with molecular dynamics simulations of a small collagen-like
peptide dissolved in water. We find that in the vicinity of the collagen-like
peptide, the dipolar relaxation of water hydrogen nuclei is anisotropic,
which can result in orientation-dependent relaxation times if the
water remains close to the peptide. However, the orientation-dependency
of the relaxation is different from the commonly observed magic-angle
phenomenon in articular cartilage MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouni Karjalainen
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Henning Henschel
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Mikko J Nissi
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland.,Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70210, Finland
| | - Miika T Nieminen
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90014, Finland.,Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Matti Hanni
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu 90014, Finland.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90014, Finland.,Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90014, Finland
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8
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Liu K, Wiendels M, Yuan H, Ruan C, Kouwer PH. Cell-matrix reciprocity in 3D culture models with nonlinear elasticity. Bioact Mater 2022; 9:316-331. [PMID: 34820573 PMCID: PMC8586441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) matrix models using hydrogels are powerful tools to understand and predict cell behavior. The interactions between the cell and its matrix, however is highly complex: the matrix has a profound effect on basic cell functions but simultaneously, cells are able to actively manipulate the matrix properties. This (mechano)reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is central in regulating tissue functions and it is fundamentally important to broadly consider the biomechanical properties of the in vivo ECM when designing in vitro matrix models. This manuscript discusses two commonly used biopolymer networks, i.e. collagen and fibrin gels, and one synthetic polymer network, polyisocyanide gel (PIC), which all possess the characteristic nonlinear mechanics in the biological stress regime. We start from the structure of the materials, then address the uses, advantages, and limitations of each material, to provide a guideline for tissue engineers and biophysicists in utilizing current materials and also designing new materials for 3D cell culture purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizheng Liu
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maury Wiendels
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hongbo Yuan
- Institute of Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300401, PR China
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Chemistry Department, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Changshun Ruan
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Paul H.J. Kouwer
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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9
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Qin D, Wang N, You XG, Zhang AD, Chen XG, Liu Y. Collagen-based biocomposites inspired by bone hierarchical structures for advanced bone regeneration: ongoing research and perspectives. Biomater Sci 2021; 10:318-353. [PMID: 34783809 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01294k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bone is a hard-connective tissue composed of matrix, cells and bioactive factors with a hierarchical structure, where the matrix is mainly composed of type I collagen and hydroxyapatite. Collagen fibers assembled by collagen are the template for mineralization and make an important contribution to bone formation and the bone remodeling process. Therefore, collagen has been widely clinically used for bone/cartilage defect regeneration. However, pure collagen implants, such as collagen scaffolds or sponges, have limitations in the bone/cartilage regeneration process due to their poor mechanical properties and osteoinductivity. Different forms of collagen-based composites prepared by incorporating natural/artificial polymers or bioactive inorganic substances are characterized by their interconnected porous structure and promoting cell adhesion, while they improve the mechanical strength, structural stability and osteogenic activities of the collagen matrix. In this review, various forms of collagen-based biocomposites, such as scaffolds, sponges, microspheres/nanoparticles, films and microfibers/nanofibers prepared by natural/synthetic polymers, bioactive ceramics and carbon-based materials compounded with collagen are reviewed. In addition, the application of collagen-based biocomposites as cytokine, cell or drug (genes, proteins, peptides and chemosynthetic) delivery platforms for proangiogenesis and bone/cartilage tissue regeneration is also discussed. Finally, the potential application, research and development direction of collagen-based biocomposites in future bone/cartilage tissue regeneration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Qin
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.
| | - Na Wang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.
| | - Xin-Guo You
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.
| | - An-Di Zhang
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.
| | - Xi-Guang Chen
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.
| | - Ya Liu
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P.R. China.
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10
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Hanson BS, Dougan L. Intermediate Structural Hierarchy in Biological Networks Modulates the Fractal Dimension and Force Distribution of Percolating Clusters. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4191-4198. [PMID: 34420304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Globular protein hydrogels are an emerging class of materials with the potential for rational design, and a generalized understanding of how their network properties emerge from the structure and dynamics of the building block is a key challenge. Here we computationally investigate the effect of intermediate (polymeric) nanoscale structure on the formation of protein hydrogels. We show that changes in both the cross-link topology and flexibility of the polymeric building block lead to changes in the force transmission around the system and provide insight into the dynamic network formation processes. The preassembled intermediate structure provides a novel structural coordinate for the hierarchical modulation of macroscopic network properties, as well as furthering our understanding of the general dynamics of network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Hanson
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Dougan
- Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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11
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Cutini M, Ugliengo P. Infrared harmonic features of collagen models at B3LYP-D3: From amide bands to the THz region. J Chem Phys 2021; 155:075102. [PMID: 34418922 DOI: 10.1063/5.0056422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we have studied the vibrational spectral features for the collagen triple helix using a dispersion corrected hybrid density functional theory (DFT-D) approach. The protein is simulated by an infinite extended polymer both in the gas phase and in a water micro-solvated environment. We have adopted proline-rich collagen models in line with the high content of proline in natural collagens. Our scaled harmonic vibrational spectra are in very good agreement with the experiments and allow for the peak assignment of the collagen amide I and III bands, supporting or questioning the experimental interpretation by means of vibrational normal modes analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that IR spectroscopy in the THz region can detect the small variations inherent to the triple helix helicity (10/3 over 7/2), thus elucidating the packing state of the collagen. So far, identifying the collagen helicity is only possible by means of crystal x-ray diffraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Cutini
- Department of Chemistry and NIS (Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces) Center, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Piero Ugliengo
- Department of Chemistry and NIS (Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces) Center, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
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12
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Hafner AE, Gyori NG, Bench CA, Davis LK, Šarić A. Modeling Fibrillogenesis of Collagen-Mimetic Molecules. Biophys J 2020; 119:1791-1799. [PMID: 33049216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most robust examples of self-assembly in living organisms is the formation of collagen architectures. Collagen type I molecules are a crucial component of the extracellular matrix, where they self-assemble into fibrils of well-defined axial striped patterns. This striped fibrillar pattern is preserved across the animal kingdom and is important for the determination of cell phenotype, cell adhesion, and tissue regulation and signaling. The understanding of the physical processes that determine such a robust morphology of self-assembled collagen fibrils is currently almost completely missing. Here, we develop a minimal coarse-grained computational model to identify the physical principles of the assembly of collagen-mimetic molecules. We find that screened electrostatic interactions can drive the formation of collagen-like filaments of well-defined striped morphologies. The fibril axial pattern is determined solely by the distribution of charges on the molecule and is robust to the changes in protein concentration, monomer rigidity, and environmental conditions. We show that the striped fibrillar pattern cannot be easily predicted from the interactions between two monomers but is an emergent result of multibody interactions. Our results can help address collagen remodeling in diseases and aging and guide the design of collagen scaffolds for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Hafner
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Noemi G Gyori
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ciaran A Bench
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke K Davis
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, United Kingdom; London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anđela Šarić
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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13
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Stanton AE, Tong X, Yang F. Varying solvent type modulates collagen coating and stem cell mechanotransduction on hydrogel substrates. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:036108. [PMID: 31592041 PMCID: PMC6768796 DOI: 10.1063/1.5111762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I collagen is the most abundant extracellular matrix protein in the human body and is commonly used as a biochemical ligand for hydrogel substrates to support cell adhesion in mechanotransduction studies. Previous protocols for conjugating collagen I have used different solvents; yet, how varying solvent pH and composition impacts the efficiency and distribution of these collagen I coatings remains unknown. Here, we examine the effect of varying solvent pH and type on the efficiency and distribution of collagen I coatings on polyacrylamide hydrogels. We further evaluate the effects of varying solvent on mechanotransduction of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by characterizing cell spreading and localization of Yes-Associated Protein (YAP), a key transcriptional regulator of mechanotransduction. Increasing solvent pH to 5.2 and above increased the heterogeneity of coating with collagen bundle formation. Collagen I coating highly depends on the solvent type, with acetic acid leading to the highest conjugation efficiency and most homogeneous coating. Compared to HEPES or phosphate-buffered saline buffer, acetic acid-dissolved collagen I coatings substantially enhance MSC adhesion and spreading on both glass and polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates. When acetic acid was used for collagen coatings, even the low collagen concentration (1 μg/ml) induced robust MSC spreading and nuclear YAP localization on both soft (3 kPa) and stiff (38 kPa) substrates. Depending on the solvent type, stiffness-dependent nuclear YAP translocation occurs at a different collagen concentration. Together, the results from this study validate the solvent type as an important parameter to consider when using collagen I as the biochemical ligand to support cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Stanton
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Xinming Tong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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14
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Kubyshkin V. Stabilization of the triple helix in collagen mimicking peptides. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:8031-8047. [PMID: 31464337 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob01646e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Collagen mimics are peptides designed to reproduce structural features of natural collagen. A triple helix is the first element in the hierarchy of collagen folding. It is an assembly of three parallel peptide chains stabilized by packing and interchain hydrogen bonds. In this review we summarize the existing chemical approaches towards stabilization of this structure including the most recent developments. Currently proposed methods include manipulation of the amino acid composition, application of unnatural amino acid analogues, stimuli-responsive modifications, chain tethering approaches, peptide amphiphiles, modifications that target interchain interactions and more. This ability to manipulate the triple helix as a supramolecular self-assembly contributes to our understanding of the collagen folding. It also provides essential information needed to design collagen-based biomaterials of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Kubyshkin
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Dysart Rd. 144, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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15
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Cutini M, Bocus M, Ugliengo P. Decoding Collagen Triple Helix Stability by Means of Hybrid DFT Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:7354-7364. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Cutini
- University of Torino, Department of Chemistry and NIS (Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces) Center, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Bocus
- University of Torino, Department of Chemistry and NIS (Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces) Center, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Piero Ugliengo
- University of Torino, Department of Chemistry and NIS (Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces) Center, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
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16
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Toward rational algorithmic design of collagen-based biomaterials through multiscale computational modeling. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Liu S, Liu Y, Jiang L, Li Z, Lee S, Liu C, Wang J, Zhang J. Recombinant human BMP-2 accelerates the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the CDC42/PAK1/LIMK1 pathway in vitro and in vivo. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:362-372. [PMID: 30484785 DOI: 10.1039/c8bm00846a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials are widely used for bone regeneration and fracture repair. The migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into bone defect sites or material implantation sites, and their differentiation into osteoblasts, is central to the fracture healing process, and the directional migration of BMSCs depends on cytokines or chemokines at the defect site. BMP-2 can stimulate the migration of a variety of cells, but it remains unclear whether BMSC migration can be induced. To provide evidence for BMP-2-induced BMSC migration, we tested the cytoskeletal changes and migration ability of BMSCs after treatment with recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2). We also explored the recruitment of BMSCs from the circulatory system using a collagen sponge incorporating rhBMP-2 that was implanted in vivo. Furthermore, to understand the mechanism underlying this migration, we investigated the effect of rhBMP-2 on migration-related signal pathways. Here, we found that, rhBMP-2 treatment significantly increased the migration of BMSCs in vitro via activation of the CDC42/PAK1/LIMK1 pathway, and that this migration could be blocked by silencing CDC42. In vivo, collagen sponge material loaded with rhBMP-2 could recruit BMSCs injected into the circulatory system. Moreover, inhibition using the small interfering RNA for CDC42 led to a significant decrease in the number of BMSCs within the material. In conclusion, our data prove that rhBMP-2 can accelerate BMSC migration via the CDC42/PAK1/LIMK1 pathway both in vivo and in vitro, and therefore provides a foundation for further understanding and application of rhBMP-2-incorporated materials by enhancing BMSC recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhao Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030 People's Republic of China.
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18
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Faisal TR, Adouni M, Dhaher YY. The effect of fibrillar degradation on the mechanics of articular cartilage: a computational model. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 18:733-751. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-018-01112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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19
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Felician FF, Xia C, Qi W, Xu H. Collagen from Marine Biological Sources and Medical Applications. Chem Biodivers 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201700557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatuma Felix Felician
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 211198 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Chunlei Xia
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 211198 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Weiyan Qi
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 211198 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
- Department of Marine Pharmacy; College of Life Science and Technology; P. R. China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 211198 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Hanmei Xu
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development; China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 211198 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
- Department of Marine Pharmacy; College of Life Science and Technology; P. R. China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing 211198 Jiangsu Province P. R. China
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20
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Condon JE, Jayaraman A. Development of a Coarse-Grained Model of Collagen-Like Peptide (CLP) for Studies of CLP Triple Helix Melting. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:1929-1939. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b10916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E. Condon
- Colburn
Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Arthi Jayaraman
- Colburn
Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark Delaware 19716, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 Dupont
Hall, Newark Delaware 19716, United States
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21
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Van Duong H, Chau TTL, Dang NTT, Nguyen DV, Le SL, Ho TS, Vu TP, Tran TTV, Nguyen TD. Self-aggregation of water-dispersible nanocollagen helices. Biomater Sci 2018; 6:651-660. [DOI: 10.1039/c7bm01141e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The self-aggregation of water-dispersible native collagen nanofibrils has been investigated to generate hierarchical networks with structural variation from helicity to layering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hau Van Duong
- Department of Chemistry
- Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry
- Hue University
- Hue 530000
- Vietnam
| | - Trang The Lieu Chau
- Department of Chemistry
- Hue University of Sciences
- Hue University
- Hue 530000
- Vietnam
| | - Nhan Thi Thanh Dang
- Department of Chemistry
- Hue University of Education
- Hue University
- Hue 530000
- Vietnam
| | - Duc Van Nguyen
- Faculty of Agronomy
- Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry
- Hue 530000
- Vietnam
| | - Son Lam Le
- Department of Chemistry
- Hue University of Sciences
- Hue University
- Hue 530000
- Vietnam
| | - Thang Sy Ho
- Department of Natural Resource and Environment
- Dong Thap University
- Dong Thap 870000
- Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Phi Vu
- Institute of Research and Development
- Duy Tan University
- Da Nang 550000
- Vietnam
- National Institute of Information and Communications Strategy
| | - Thi Thi Van Tran
- Department of Chemistry
- Hue University of Sciences
- Hue University
- Hue 530000
- Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Dinh Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
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22
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Carvalho IC, Mansur HS. Engineered 3D-scaffolds of photocrosslinked chitosan-gelatin hydrogel hybrids for chronic wound dressings and regeneration. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 78:690-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.04.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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Deringer VL, George J, Dronskowski R, Englert U. Plane-Wave Density Functional Theory Meets Molecular Crystals: Thermal Ellipsoids and Intermolecular Interactions. Acc Chem Res 2017; 50:1231-1239. [PMID: 28467707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.7b00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular compounds, organic and inorganic, crystallize in diverse and complex structures. They continue to inspire synthetic efforts and "crystal engineering", with implications ranging from fundamental questions to pharmaceutical research. The structural complexity of molecular solids is linked with diverse intermolecular interactions: hydrogen bonding with all its facets, halogen bonding, and other secondary bonding mechanisms of recent interest (and debate). Today, high-resolution diffraction experiments allow unprecedented insight into the structures of molecular crystals. Despite their usefulness, however, these experiments also face problems: hydrogen atoms are challenging to locate, and thermal effects may complicate matters. Moreover, even if the structure of a crystal is precisely known, this does not yet reveal the nature and strength of the intermolecular forces that hold it together. In this Account, we show that periodic plane-wave-based density functional theory (DFT) can be a useful, and sometimes unexpected, complement to molecular crystallography. Initially developed in the solid-state physics communities to treat inorganic solids, periodic DFT can be applied to molecular crystals just as well: theoretical structural optimizations "help out" by accurately localizing the elusive hydrogen atoms, reaching neutron-diffraction quality with much less expensive measurement equipment. In addition, phonon computations, again developed by physicists, can quantify the thermal motion of atoms and thus predict anisotropic displacement parameters and ORTEP ellipsoids "from scratch". But the synergy between experiment and theory goes much further than that. Once a structure has been accurately determined, computations give new and detailed insights into the aforementioned intermolecular interactions. For example, it has been debated whether short hydrogen bonds in solids have covalent character, and we have added a new twist to this discussion using an orbital-based theory that once more had been developed for inorganic solids. However, there is more to a crystal structure than a handful of short contacts between neighboring residues. We hence have used dimensionally resolved analyses to dissect crystalline networks in a systematic fashion, one spatial direction at a time. Initially applied to hydrogen bonding, these techniques can be seamlessly extended to halogen, chalcogen, and pnictogen bonding, quantifying bond strength and cooperativity in truly infinite networks. Finally, these methods promise to be useful for (bio)polymers, as we have recently exemplified for α-chitin. At the interface of increasingly accurate and popular DFT methods, ever-improving crystallographic expertise, and new challenging, chemical questions, we believe that combined experimental and theoretical studies of molecular crystals are just beginning to pick up speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker L. Deringer
- Institute
of Inorganic Chemistry and ‡Jülich−Aachen Research
Alliance (JARA-HPC), RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Janine George
- Institute
of Inorganic Chemistry and ‡Jülich−Aachen Research
Alliance (JARA-HPC), RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Richard Dronskowski
- Institute
of Inorganic Chemistry and ‡Jülich−Aachen Research
Alliance (JARA-HPC), RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ulli Englert
- Institute
of Inorganic Chemistry and ‡Jülich−Aachen Research
Alliance (JARA-HPC), RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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24
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Condon JE, Martin TB, Jayaraman A. Effect of conjugation on phase transitions in thermoresponsive polymers: an atomistic and coarse-grained simulation study. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:2907-2918. [PMID: 28217775 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02874h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Using atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we explain the shifts in lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-like phase transitions exhibited by elastin-like peptides (ELPs) upon conjugation to other macromolecules (e.g. collagen-like peptides or CLPs). First, using atomistic simulations, we study ELP oligomers with the sequence (VPGFG)6 in explicit water, and characterize the LCST-like transition temperature as one at which the ELP oligomers undergo a change in "hydration state". In agreement with past experimental observations of Luo and Kiick, upon anchoring ELP oligomers to a point to mimic ELP oligomers conjugated to another macromolecule, there is an apparent slight shift in the transition temperature to lower values compared to free (unconjugated) ELP oligomers. However, these atomistic simulations are limited to small systems of short ELPs, and as such do not capture the multiple chain aggregation/phase separation observed in experiments of ELPs. Therefore, we utilize phenomenological coarse-grained (CG) MD simulations to probe how conjugating a block of generic-LCST polymer to another rigid unresponsive macromolecular block impacts the transition temperatures at concentrations and length scales larger than atomistic simulations. We find that when multiple LCST polymer chains are conjugated to a rigid unresponsive polymer block, the increased local crowding of the LCST polymers shifts the transition marked by onset of chain aggregation to smaller effective polymer-polymer attraction energies compared to the free LCST polymer chains. The driving force needed for aggregation is reduced in the conjugates compared to free LCST polymer due to reduction in the loss of polymer configurational entropy upon aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Condon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Colburn Laboratory, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19711, USA.
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