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Mei B, Grest GS, Liu S, O’Connor TC, Schweizer KS. Unified understanding of the impact of semiflexibility, concentration, and molecular weight on macromolecular-scale ring diffusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403964121. [PMID: 39042674 PMCID: PMC11295076 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403964121] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Conformationally fluctuating, globally compact macromolecules such as polymeric rings, single-chain nanoparticles, microgels, and many-arm stars display complex dynamic behaviors due to their rich topological structure and intermolecular organization. Synthetic rings are hybrid objects with conformations that display both ideal random walk and compact globular features, which can serve as models of genomic DNA. To date, emphasis has been placed on the effect of ring molecular weight on their unusual behaviors. Here, we combine simulations and a microscopic force-level theory to build a unified understanding for how key aspects of ring dynamics depend on different tunable molecular properties including backbone rigidity, monomer concentration, degree of traditional entanglement, and molecular weight. Our large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of ring melts with very different backbone stiffnesses reveal unanticipated behaviors which agree well with our generalized theory. This includes a universal master curve for center-of-mass diffusion constants as a function of molecular weight scaled by a chemistry and thermodynamic state-dependent critical molecular weight that generalizes the concept of an entanglement cross-over for linear chains. The key physics is how backbone rigidity and monomer concentration induced changes of the entanglement length, interring packing, degree of interpenetration, and liquid compressibility slow down space-time dynamic-force correlations on macromolecular scales. A power law decay of the center-of-mass diffusion constant with inverse molecular weight squared is the first consequence, followed by an ultraslow activated hopping transport regime. Our results set the stage to address slow dynamics and kinetic arrest in different families of compact synthetic and biological polymeric systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baicheng Mei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | | | - Songyue Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Thomas C. O’Connor
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Kenneth S. Schweizer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
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2
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van Heijst N, Whiting P, Dutcher JR. Solubilization of Hydrophobic Astaxanthin in Water by Physical Association with Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4110-4117. [PMID: 38917433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Astaxanthin (AXT) is a xanthophyll carotenoid with reported health benefits. Realizing its potential as a bioactive is challenging because of its extremely poor solubility in water. We describe a method to improve the effective solubility of AXT in water through its physical association with phytoglycogen (PG), which is produced in sweet corn as compact, highly branched nanoparticles. We combine PG in water with AXT in acetone, evaporate the acetone, and lyophilize. The result is an AXT-PG complex that can be readily redispersed in water, resulting in stable aqueous dispersions. By characterizing the UV-vis absorbance due to different aggregation states of AXT in the AXT-PG complex, we determined the maximum loading of AXT onto PG to be ∼10% by mass. Our results demonstrate the promise of using PG as a solubilizing agent for hydrophobic compounds in water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phil Whiting
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - John R Dutcher
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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3
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Mei B, Moreno AJ, Schweizer KS. Unified Understanding of the Structure, Thermodynamics, and Diffusion of Single-Chain Nanoparticle Fluids. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15529-15544. [PMID: 38842208 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) are a fascinating class of soft nano-objects with promising properties and relevance to protein condensates, polymer nanocomposites, nanomedicine, bioimaging, catalysis, and drug delivery. We combine molecular dynamics simulations and equilibrium and time-dependent statistical mechanical theory to construct a unified understanding of how the internal conformational structure of SCNPs, of both a simple fractal globule-like form and more complex objects with multiple internal intermediate length scales, determines nm-scale intermolecular packing correlations, thermodynamic properties, and center-of-mass diffusion over a wide range of concentrations up to dense melts. The intermolecular pair correlations generically exhibit a distinctive deep correlation hole form due to SCNP internal connectivity structure and repulsive interparticle interactions associated with a globular-like conformation on the macromolecular scale, with concentration-dependent deviations at small separations. Unanticipated exponential-like dependences of the equation-of-state, osmotic compressibility, and center-of-mass diffusion constant on SCNP macromolecular packing fraction are theoretically predicted and confirmed via simulations. System-specific behaviors are found associated with SCNP internal structure, but overarching regularities are identified and understood based on a generalized effective globule conformation on macromolecular scales. Diffusivity slows down by 2-3 decades with increasing concentration and is understood as a consequence of a nonactivated excluded volume-driven weak-caging process associated with space-time correlated intermolecular forces experienced by the SCNP. Good agreement between the theory and simulations is established, testable predictions are made, and a quantitative comparison with viscosity measurements on a specific SCNP fluid is carried out. The basic theoretical approach can potentially be extended to treat the chemical and physical consequences of varying the structure of other classes of soft nanoparticles with distinctive internal nanoscale organization relevant in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, and the possible emergence of macromolecular kinetically arrested glasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baicheng Mei
- Department of Materials Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Angel J Moreno
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, Donostia-San Sebastián E-20018, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, Donostia-San Sebastián E-20018, Spain
| | - Kenneth S Schweizer
- Department of Materials Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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4
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Park J, Liu R, Kim AS, Cyr NN, Boehlein SK, Resende MFR, Savin DA, Bailey LS, Sumerlin BS, Hudalla GA. Sweet corn phytoglycogen dendrimers as a lyoprotectant for dry-state protein storage. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024. [PMID: 38856491 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37761] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Protein biotherapeutics typically require expensive cold-chain storage to maintain their fold and function. Packaging proteins in the dry state via lyophilization can reduce these cold-chain requirements. However, formulating proteins for lyophilization often requires extensive optimization of excipients that both maintain the protein folded state during freezing and drying (i.e., "cryoprotection" and "lyoprotection"), and form a cake to carry the dehydrated protein. Here we show that sweet corn phytoglycogens, which are glucose dendrimers, can act as both a protein lyoprotectant and a cake-forming agent. Phytoglycogen (PG) dendrimers from 16 different maize sources (PG1-16) were extracted via ethanol precipitation. PG size was generally consistent at ~70-100 nm for all variants, whereas the colloidal stability in water, protein contaminant level, and maximum density of cytocompatibility varied for PG1-16. 10 mg/mL PG1, 2, 9, 13, 15, and 16 maintained the activity of various proteins, including green fluorescent protein, lysozyme, β-galactosidase, and horseradish peroxidase, over a broad range of concentrations, through multiple rounds of lyophilization. PG13 was identified as the lead excipient candidate as it demonstrated narrow dispersity, colloidal stability in phosphate-buffered saline, low protein contaminants, and cytocompatibility up to 10 mg/mL in NIH3T3 cell cultures. All dry protein-PG13 mixtures had a cake-like appearance and all frozen protein-PG13 mixtures had a Tg' of ~ -26°C. The lyoprotection and cake-forming properties of PG13 were density-dependent, requiring a minimum density of 5 mg/mL for maximum activity. Collectively these data establish PG dendrimers as a new class of excipient to formulate proteins in the dry state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junha Park
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Renjie Liu
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alexander S Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Noah N Cyr
- Polymer Chemical Characterization Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Susan K Boehlein
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Marcio F R Resende
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel A Savin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Polymer Chemical Characterization Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Laura S Bailey
- Polymer Chemical Characterization Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Polymer Chemical Characterization Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gregory A Hudalla
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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5
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Akgonullu DZ, Murray BS, Connell SD, Fang Y, Linter B, Sarkar A. Synthetic and biopolymeric microgels: Review of similarities and difference in behaviour in bulk phases and at interfaces. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 320:102983. [PMID: 37690329 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses the current knowledge of interfacial and bulk interactions of biopolymeric microgels in relation to the well-established properties of synthetic microgels for applications as viscosity modifiers and Pickering stabilisers. We present a timeline showing the key milestones in designing microgels and their bulk/ interfacial performance. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) microgels have remained as the protagonist in the synthetic microgel domain whilst proteins or polysaccharides have been primarily used to fabricate biopolymeric microgels. Bulk properties of microgel dispersions are dominated by the volume fraction (ϕ) of the microgel particles, but ϕ is difficult to pinpoint, as addressed by many theoretical models. By evaluating recent experimental studies over the last five years, we find an increasing focus on the analysis of microgel elasticity as a key parameter in modulating their packing at the interfaces, within the provinces of both synthetic and biopolymeric systems. Production methods and physiochemical factors shown to influence microgel swelling in the aqueous phase can have a significant impact on their bulk as well as interfacial performance. Compared to synthetic microgels, biopolymer microgels show a greater tendency for polydispersity and aggregation and do not appear to have a core-corona structure. Comprehensive studies of biopolymeric microgels are still lacking, for example, to accurately determine their inter- and intra- particle interactions, whilst a wider variety of techniques need to be applied in order to allow comparisons to real systems of practical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Z Akgonullu
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Brent S Murray
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Simon D Connell
- Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Yuan Fang
- PepsiCo, Valhalla, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Anwesha Sarkar
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, UK.
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6
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Chen L, Zhao N, McClements DJ, Hamaker BR, Miao M. Advanced dendritic glucan-derived biomaterials: From molecular structure to versatile applications. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:4107-4146. [PMID: 37350042 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the development of advanced biomaterials with improved or novel functionality for diversified applications. Dendritic glucans, such as phytoglycogen and glycogen, are abundant biomaterials with highly branched three-dimensional globular architectures, which endow them with unique structural and functional attributes, including small size, large specific surface area, high water solubility, low viscosity, high water retention, and the availability of numerous modifiable surface groups. Dendritic glucans can be synthesized by in vivo biocatalysis reactions using glucosyl-1-phosphate as a substrate, which can be obtained from plant, animal, or microbial sources. They can also be synthesized by in vitro methods using sucrose or starch as a substrate, which may be more suitable for large-scale industrial production. The large numbers of hydroxyl groups on the surfaces of dendritic glucan provide a platform for diverse derivatizations, including nonreducing end, hydroxyl functionalization, molecular degradation, and conjugation modifications. Due to their unique physicochemical and functional attributes, dendritic glucans have been widely applied in the food, pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. For instance, they have been used as delivery systems, adsorbents, tissue engineering scaffolds, biosensors, and bioelectronic components. This article reviews progress in the design, synthesis, and application of dendritic glucans over the past several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ningjing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - David J McClements
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce R Hamaker
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ming Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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7
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Silva ARST, Costa AMB, Scher R, Andrade-Neto VV, Sarmento VHV, Santos ADJ, Torres-Santos EC, Jain S, Nunes RDS, Menna-Barreto RFS, Dolabella SS. Effect of 3-Carene and the Micellar Formulation on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:324. [PMID: 37368742 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The drugs used in treatment have a high financial cost, a long treatment time, high toxicity, and variable efficacy. 3-Carene (3CR) is a hydrocarbon monoterpene that has shown in vitro activity against some Leishmania species; however, it has low water solubility and high volatility. This study aimed to develop Poloxamer 407 micelles capable of delivering 3CR (P407-3CR) to improve antileishmanial activity. The micelles formulated presented nanometric size, medium or low polydispersity, and Newtonian fluid rheological behavior. 3CR and P407-3CR inhibited the growth of L. (L.) amazonensis promastigote with IC50/48h of 488.1 ± 3.7 and 419.9 ±1.5 mM, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that 3CR induces multiple nuclei and kinetoplast phenotypes and the formation of numerous cytosolic invaginations. Additionally, the micelles were not cytotoxic to L929 cells or murine peritoneal macrophages, presenting activity on intracellular amastigotes. P407-3CR micelles (IC50/72 h = 0.7 ± 0.1 mM) increased the monoterpene activity by at least twice (3CR: IC50/72 h >1.5 mM). These results showed that P407 micelles are an effective nanosystem for delivering 3CR and potentiating antileishmanial activity. More studies are needed to evaluate this system as a potential therapeutic option for leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Scher
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana de Jesus Santos
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sona Jain
- Programa de Biotecnologia Industrial, Universidade Tiradentes, Aracaju 49032-490, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Rogéria de Souza Nunes
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, Sergipe, Brazil
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8
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Chen Y, Hu X, Lu K, Zhang T, Miao M. Biosynthesis of maltodextrin-derived glucan dendrimer using microbial branching enzyme. Food Chem 2023; 424:136373. [PMID: 37236077 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Glucan dendrimers were developed with microbial branching enzyme (BE) treated maltodextrin. The molecular weight (Mw) of recombinant BE was 79.0 kDa, and its optimum activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 70 °C. BE converted different maltodextrins with dextrose equivalent value of 6 (MD6), 12 (MD12), or 19 (MD19) into the given glucan dendrimers, along with the marked increment of the molecular density (approximately 30-60 folds) and α-1,6 linkage percentage (up to 7.3-9.7%). Among three glucan dendrimers, the enzyme-treated MD12 showed a more homogeneous Mw distribution with the maximum Mw of 5.5 × 106 g/mol, indicating that higher substrate catalytic specificity of BE for MD12 substrate. During transglycosylation with MD12 for 24 h, the shorter chains (degree of polymerization, DP < 13) increased from 73.9% to 83.0%, accompanying by a reduction of medium chains (DP13-24) and long chains (DP > 24). Moreover, the slowly digestible and resistant nutritional fractions were increased by 6.2% and 12.5%, respectively. The results suggested that the potentiality of BE structuring glucan dendrimer with tailor-made structure and functionality for industrial application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Xiuting Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Keyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Ming Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, PR China.
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9
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Petrunin AV, Bochenek S, Richtering W, Scotti A. Harnessing the polymer-particle duality of ultra-soft nanogels to stabilise smart emulsions. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:2810-2820. [PMID: 36052753 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp02700c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanogels are widely used to stabilise emulsions and simultaneously implement their responsiveness to the external stimuli. One of the factors that improves the emulsion stability is the nanogel softness. Here, we study how the softest nanogels that can be synthesised with precipitation polymerisation of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), the ultra-low crosslinked (ULC) nanogels, stabilise oil-in-water emulsions. We show that ULC nanogels can efficiently stabilise emulsions already at low mass concentrations. These emulsions are resistant to droplet flocculation, stable against coalescence, and can be easily broken upon an increase in temperature. The resistance to flocculation of the ULC-stabilised emulsion droplets is similar to the one of emulsions stabilised by linear pNIPAM. In contrast, the stability against coalescence and the temperature-responsiveness closely resemble those of emulsions stabilised by regularly crosslinked pNIPAM nanogels. The reason for this combination of properties is that ULC nanogels can be thought of as colloids in between flexible macromolecules and particles. As a polymer, ULC nanogels can efficiently stretch at the interface and cover it uniformly. As a regularly crosslinked nanogel particle, ULC nanogels protect emulsion droplets against coalescence by providing a steric barrier and rapidly respond to changes in external stimuli thus breaking the emulsion. This polymer-particle duality of ULC nanogels can be exploited to improve the properties of emulsions for various applications, for example in heterogeneous catalysis or in food science.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen Bochenek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
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10
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Kämäräinen T, Kadota K, Tse JY, Uchiyama H, Oguchi T, Arima-Osonoi H, Tozuka Y. Tuning the Phytoglycogen Size and Aggregate Structure with Solvent Quality: Influence of Water-Ethanol Mixtures Revealed by X-ray and Light Scattering Techniques. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:225-237. [PMID: 36484419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phytoglycogen (PG) is a hyperbranched polysaccharide with promising properties for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Herein, we explore the size and structure of sweet corn PG nanoparticles and their aggregation in water-ethanol mixtures up to the ethanol mole fraction xEtOH = 0.364 in dilute concentrations using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Between 0 ≤ xEtOH ≤ 0.129, the conformation of PG contracts gradually decreasing up to ca. 80% in hydrodynamic volume, when measured shortly after ethanol addition. For equilibrated PG dispersions, SAXS suggests a lower PG volume decrease between 19 and 67% at the corresponding xEtOH range; however, the inflection point of the DLS volume contraction coincides with the onset of reduced colloidal stability observed with SAXS. Up to xEtOH = 0.201, the water-ethanol mixtures yield labile fractal and globular aggregates, as evidenced by their partial breakup under mild ultrasonic treatment, demonstrated by the decrease in their hydrodynamic size. Between 0.235 ≤ xEtOH ≤ 0.364, PG nanoparticles form larger, more cohesive globular aggregates that are less affected by ultrasonic shear forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tero Kämäräinen
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kadota
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Jun Y Tse
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Uchiyama
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
| | - Toshio Oguchi
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi409-3898, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi
- Neutron Science and Technology Center, Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society, Tokai, Ibaraki319-1106, Japan
| | - Yuichi Tozuka
- Department of Formulation Design and Pharmaceutical Technology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka569-1094, Japan
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11
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Charlesworth K, van Heijst N, Maxwell A, Baylis B, Grossutti M, Leitch JJ, Dutcher JR. Binding Affinity of Concanavalin A to Native and Acid-Hydrolyzed Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4778-4785. [PMID: 36252236 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Phytoglycogen (PG) is a polysaccharide produced in the kernels of sweet corn as soft, highly branched, compact nanoparticles. Its tree-like or dendritic architecture, combined with a high-safety profile, makes PG nanoparticles attractive for use in biological applications, many of which rely on the association or binding of small biomolecules. We have developed a methodology to functionalize surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor surfaces with PG nanoparticles, and we demonstrate the utility of the PG-functionalized SPR sensor by measuring the binding affinity of the tetrameric concanavalin A (ConA) protein to both native PG nanoparticles and smaller, softer acid-hydrolyzed PG nanoparticles. We measure comparable values of the equilibrium association constant K for native and acid-hydrolyzed PG, with a slightly smaller value for the acid-hydrolyzed particles that we attribute to unfavorable lateral interactions between the tetrameric subunits of ConA due to the increase in surface curvature of the smaller acid-hydrolyzed PG particles. We also use infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) to show that ConA maintains a large fraction of its native conformation, and thus its bioactivity, upon binding to PG, representing an important step toward the realization of PG as a novel bioactive delivery vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aidan Maxwell
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaN1G 2W1
| | - Benjamin Baylis
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaN1G 2W1
| | - Michael Grossutti
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaN1G 2W1
| | - J Jay Leitch
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaN1G 2W1
| | - John R Dutcher
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaN1G 2W1
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12
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Scotti A, Schulte MF, Lopez CG, Crassous JJ, Bochenek S, Richtering W. How Softness Matters in Soft Nanogels and Nanogel Assemblies. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11675-11700. [PMID: 35671377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Softness plays a key role in determining the macroscopic properties of colloidal systems, from synthetic nanogels to biological macromolecules, from viruses to star polymers. However, we are missing a way to quantify what the term "softness" means in nanoscience. Having quantitative parameters is fundamental to compare different systems and understand what the consequences of softness on the macroscopic properties are. Here, we propose different quantities that can be measured using scattering methods and microscopy experiments. On the basis of these quantities, we review the recent literature on micro- and nanogels, i.e. cross-linked polymer networks swollen in water, a widely used model system for soft colloids. Applying our criteria, we address the question what makes a nanomaterial soft? We discuss and introduce general criteria to quantify the different definitions of softness for an individual compressible colloid. This is done in terms of the energetic cost associated with the deformation and the capability of the colloid to isotropically deswell. Then, concentrated solutions of soft colloids are considered. New definitions of softness and new parameters, which depend on the particle-to-particle interactions, are introduced in terms of faceting and interpenetration. The influence of the different synthetic routes on the softness of nanogels is discussed. Concentrated solutions of nanogels are considered and we review the recent results in the literature concerning the phase behavior and flow properties of nanogels both in three and two dimensions, in the light of the different parameters we defined. The aim of this review is to look at the results on micro- and nanogels in a more quantitative way that allow us to explain the reported properties in terms of differences in colloidal softness. Furthermore, this review can give researchers dealing with soft colloids quantitative methods to define unambiguously which softness matters in their compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany, European Union
| | - M Friederike Schulte
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany, European Union
| | - Carlos G Lopez
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany, European Union
| | - Jérôme J Crassous
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany, European Union
| | - Steffen Bochenek
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany, European Union
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany, European Union
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Shamana H, Dutcher JR. Transition in the Glassy Dynamics of Melts of Acid-Hydrolyzed Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2040-2050. [PMID: 35390260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The deformability, responsiveness, and tunability of soft nanoparticles (NPs) offer unique opportunities to learn about their complex properties and the interactions between particles. In the present study, we provide new insights into the physical properties of phytoglycogen (PG) NPs, which are soft, compact particles with a dendritic architecture that are produced in the kernels of sweet corn. In particular, we study PG NPs modified using acid hydrolysis, which not only reduces their diameter but also alters their stiffness, internal structure, and the interactions between particles in aqueous dispersions. We used steady shear rheology to determine the dependence of the relative zero-shear viscosity ηr of aqueous dispersions of acid-hydrolyzed PG NPs on the effective volume fraction ϕeff, which indicated a reduction in stiffness of the particles relative to that of native PG NPs. We quantified this difference by analyzing the nature of the colloidal glasses formed at high ϕeff. We measured a smaller value of the fragility index m for acid-hydrolyzed PG NP glasses than that for native PG NP glasses, indicating that acid-hydrolyzed PG NPs form stronger glasses and are therefore softer than native PG NPs. Unlike the native PG NPs, we observed a distinctive change in the character of the glass transition of the acid-hydrolyzed PG NPs as ϕeff was increased above ϕeff∼1: a crossover in the dependence of ηr on ϕeff from Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann behavior to a more gradual, Arrhenius-like behavior. By expressing the steady shear and oscillatory rheology data in terms of generalized Péclet numbers, we obtained collapse of the data onto master curves. We interpret this result in terms of the acid-hydrolyzed PG NPs predominantly interpenetrating neighboring particles at large ϕeff, for which fluctuations of the outer chains enhance the mobility of the particles and make α-relaxation times τα experimentally accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hurmiz Shamana
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - John R Dutcher
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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14
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Frenzel L, Dartsch M, Balaguer GM, Westermeier F, Grübel G, Lehmkühler F. Glass-liquid and glass-gel transitions of soft-shell particles. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:L012602. [PMID: 34412357 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.l012602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We study the structure and dynamics of colloidal particles with a spherical hard core and a thermo-responsive soft shell over the whole phase diagram by means of small-angle x-ray scattering and x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. By changing the effective volume fraction by temperature and particle concentration, liquid, repulsive glass. and attractive gel phases are observed. The dynamics slow down with increasing volume fraction in the liquid phase and reflect a Vogel-Fulcher-Tamann behavior known for fragile glass formers. We find a liquid-glass transition above 50 vol.% that is independent of the particles' concentration and temperature. In an overpacked state at effective volume fractions above 1, the dispersion does not show a liquid phase but undergoes a gel-glass transition at an effective volume fraction of 34 vol.%. At the same concentration, extrema of subdiffusive dynamics are found in the liquid phase at lower weight fractions. We interpret this as dynamic precursors of the glass-gel transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Frenzel
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Dartsch
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Fabian Westermeier
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Grübel
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Lehmkühler
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestr. 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Baylis B, Shelton E, Grossutti M, Dutcher JR. Force Spectroscopy Mapping of the Effect of Hydration on the Stiffness and Deformability of Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:2985-2995. [PMID: 34085822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Phytoglycogen is a naturally occurring glucose polymer that is produced by sweet corn in the form of compact nanoparticles with a dendritic or tree-like architecture. The soft and porous nature of the nanoparticles, combined with their biodegradability and lack of toxicity, makes them ideal for a broad range of applications in personal care, nutrition, and biomedicine. To fully exploit these applications, it is necessary to understand the complex properties of the soft, hydrated nanoparticles in detail. In the present study, we have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) force spectroscopy to collect high-resolution force-distance maps of a large number of individual phytoglycogen nanoparticles, providing unique insights into the morphology and mechanical stiffness of the nanoparticles at the single-particle level. Our measurements performed in water on nanoparticles covalently bonded to gold surfaces revealed an inner branched structure and high deformability of the nanoparticles at modest values of the applied force. These measurements also allowed us to determine the spatial distribution of Young's modulus values within individual nanoparticles. Drying of the nanoparticles resulted in a dramatic increase in Young's modulus, quantifying the effect of hydration on their mechanical stiffness. We obtained excellent agreement between AFM and osmotic pressure measurements of the mechanical properties of hydrated phytoglycogen nanoparticles; the ratio of the average Young's modulus measured using AFM to the bulk modulus measured using osmotic pressure was in close agreement with that expected for a material with Poisson's ratio ν = 0. The soft, deformable nature of phytoglycogen nanoparticles revealed by our measurements provides new insights at the single-nanoparticle level and suggests their suitability for biomedical applications such as transdermal and targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Baylis
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Shelton
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Grossutti
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R Dutcher
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Adibnia V, Ma Y, Halimi I, Walker GC, Banquy X, Kumacheva E. Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles: Nature-Derived Superlubricants. ACS NANO 2021; 15:8953-8964. [PMID: 33960783 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phytoglycogen nanoparticles (PhG NPs), a single-molecule highly branched polysaccharide, exhibit excellent water retention, due to the abundance of close-packed hydroxyl groups forming hydrogen bonds with water. Here we report lubrication properties of close-packed adsorbed monolayers of PhG NPs acting as boundary lubricants. Using direct surface force measurements, we show that the hydrated nature of the NP layer results in its striking lubrication performance, with two distinct confinement-controlled friction coefficients. In the weak- to moderate-confinement regime, when the NP layer is compressed down to 8% of its original thickness under a normal pressure of up to 2.4 MPa, the NPs lubricate the surface with a friction coefficient of 10-3. In the strong-confinement regime, with 6.5% of the original layer thickness under a normal pressure of up to 8.1 MPa, the friction coefficient was 10-2. Analysis of the water content and energy dissipation in the confined NP film reveals that the lubrication is governed by synergistic contributions of unbound and bound water molecules, with the former contributing to lubrication properties in the weak- to moderate-confinement regime and the latter being responsible for the lubrication in the strong-confinement regime. These results unravel mechanistic insights that are essential for the design of lubricating systems based on strongly hydrated NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Adibnia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3J7
| | - Yingshan Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Ilias Halimi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Gilbert C Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Xavier Banquy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3J7
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3H6
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, M5S 3G9
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, M5S 3E5
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17
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Franco S, Buratti E, Ruzicka B, Nigro V, Zoratto N, Matricardi P, Zaccarelli E, Angelini R. Volume fraction determination of microgel composed of interpenetrating polymer networks of PNIPAM and polyacrylic acid. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2021; 33:174004. [PMID: 33524963 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/abe1ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Interpenetrated polymer network microgels, composed of crosslinked networks of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and polyacrylic acid (PAAc), have been investigated through rheological measurements at four different amounts of PAAc. Both PAAc content and crosslinking degree modify particle dimensions, mass and softness, thereby strongly affecting the volume fraction and the system viscosity. Here the volume fraction is derived from the flow curves at low concentrations by fitting the zero-shear viscosity with the Einstein-Batchelor equation which provides a parameterkto shift weight concentration to volume fraction. We find that particles with higher PAAc content and crosslinker are characterized by a greater value ofkand therefore by larger volume fractions when compared to softer particles. The packing fractions obtained from rheological measurements are compared with those from static light scattering for two PAAc contents revealing a good agreement. Moreover, the behaviour of the viscosity as a function of packing fraction, at room temperature, has highlighted an Arrhenius dependence for microgels synthesized with low PAAc content and a Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann dependence for the highest investigated PAAc concentration. A comparison with the hard spheres behaviour indicates a steepest increase of the viscosity with decreasing particles softness. Finally, the volume fraction dependence of the viscosity at a fixed PAAc and at two different temperatures, below and above the volume phase transition, shows a quantitative agreement with the structural relaxation time measured through dynamic light scattering indicating that interpenetrated polymer network microgels softness can be tuned with PAAc and temperature and that, depending on particle softness, two different routes are followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Franco
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l'Ingegneria (SBAI), Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Instituto dei Sistemi Complessi del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISC-CNR), Sede Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - E Buratti
- Instituto dei Sistemi Complessi del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISC-CNR), Sede Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - B Ruzicka
- Instituto dei Sistemi Complessi del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISC-CNR), Sede Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - V Nigro
- ENEA Centro Ricerche Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
| | - N Zoratto
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - P Matricardi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - E Zaccarelli
- Instituto dei Sistemi Complessi del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISC-CNR), Sede Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - R Angelini
- Instituto dei Sistemi Complessi del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISC-CNR), Sede Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Abstract
Modern sweet corn is distinguished from other vegetable corns by the presence of one or more recessive alleles within the maize endosperm starch synthesis pathway. This results in reduced starch content and increased sugar concentration when consumed fresh. Fresh sweet corn originated in the USA and has since been introduced in countries around the World with increasing popularity as a favored vegetable choice. Several reviews have been published recently on endosperm genetics, breeding, and physiology that focus on the basic biology and uses in the US. However, new questions concerning sustainability, environmental care, and climate change, along with the introduction of sweet corn in other countries have produced a variety of new uses and research activities. This review is a summary of the sweet corn research published during the five years preceding 2021.
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19
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Xue J, Luo Y. Properties and applications of natural dendritic nanostructures: Phytoglycogen and its derivatives. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Grossutti M, Dutcher JR. Correlation of mechanical and hydration properties of soft phytoglycogen nanoparticles. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 251:116980. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Grossutti M, Dutcher JR. Hydration Water Structure, Hydration Forces, and Mechanical Properties of Polysaccharide Films. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:4871-4877. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Grossutti
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - John R. Dutcher
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
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22
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Simmons J, Nickels JD, Michalski M, Grossutti M, Shamana H, Stanley CB, Schwan AL, Katsaras J, Dutcher JR. Structure, Hydration, and Interactions of Native and Hydrophobically Modified Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:4053-4062. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Simmons
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jonathan D. Nickels
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Michelle Michalski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Michael Grossutti
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Hurmiz Shamana
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Christopher B. Stanley
- Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Adrian L. Schwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - John Katsaras
- Shull Wollan Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - John R. Dutcher
- Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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23
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Besford QA, Cavalieri F, Caruso F. Glycogen as a Building Block for Advanced Biological Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1904625. [PMID: 31617264 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201904625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biological nanoparticles found in living systems possess distinct molecular architectures and diverse functions. Glycogen is a unique biological polysaccharide nanoparticle fabricated by nature through a bottom-up approach. The biocatalytic synthesis of glycogen has evolved over time to form a nanometer-sized dendrimer-like structure (20-150 nm) with a highly branched surface and a dense core. This makes glycogen markedly different from other natural linear or branched polysaccharides and particularly attractive as a platform for biomedical applications. Glycogen is inherently biodegradable, nontoxic, and can be functionalized with diverse surface and internal motifs for enhanced biofunctional properties. Recently, there has been growing interest in glycogen as a natural alternative to synthetic polymers and nanoparticles in a range of applications. Herein, the recent literature on glycogen in the material-based sciences, including its use as a constituent in biodegradable hydrogels and fibers, drug delivery vectors, tumor targeting and penetrating nanoparticles, immunomodulators, vaccine adjuvants, and contrast agents, is reviewed. The various methods of chemical functionalization and physical assembly of glycogen nanoparticles into multicomponent nanodevices, which advance glycogen toward a functional therapeutic nanoparticle from nature and back again, are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn A Besford
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Frank Caruso
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Liu Y, Lu K, Hu X, Jin Z, Miao M. Structure, properties and potential applications of phytoglycogen and waxy starch subjected to carboxymethylation. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 234:115908. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.115908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Characterizing the Physical Properties and Cell Compatibility of Phytoglycogen Extracted from Different Sweet Corn Varieties. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030637. [PMID: 32024194 PMCID: PMC7037141 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to its unique structure and properties, the glucose dendrimer phytoglycogen is gaining interest for medical and biotechnology applications. Although many maize variants are available from commercial and academic breeding programs, most applications rely on phytoglycogen extracted from the common maize variant, sugary1. Here we characterized the solubility, hydrodynamic diameter, water-binding properties, protein contaminant concentration, and cytotoxicity of phytoglycogens from different maize sources, A632su1, A619su1, Wesu7, and Ia453su1, harboring various sugary1 mutants. A619su1-SW phytoglycogen was cytotoxic while A632su1-SW phytoglycogen was not. A632su1-Pu phytoglycogen promoted cell growth, whereas extracts from A632su1-NE, A632su1-NC, and A632su1-CM were cytotoxic. Phytoglycogen extracted from Wesu7su1-NE using ethanol precipitation was cytotoxic. Acid-treatment improved Wesu7 phytoglycogen cytocompatibility. Protease-treated Wesu7 extracts promoted cell growth. Phytoglycogen extracted from Ia453su1 21 days after pollination (“Ia435su1 21DAP”) was cytotoxic, whereas phytoglycogen extracted at 40 days (“Ia435su1 40DAP”) was not. In general, size and solubility had no correlation with cytocompatibility, whereas protein contaminant concentration and water-binding properties did. A632su1-CM had the highest protein contamination among A632 mutants, consistent with its higher cytotoxicity. Likewise, Ia435su1 21DAP phytoglycogen had higher protein contamination than Ia435su1 40DAP. Conversely, protease-treated Wesu7 extracts had lower protein contamination than the other Wesu7 extracts. A632su1-NE, A632su1-NC, and A632su1-CM had similar water-binding properties which differed from those of A632su1-Pu and A632su1-SW. Likewise, water binding differed between Ia435su1 21DAP and Ia435su1 40DAP. Collectively, these data demonstrate that maize phytoglycogen extracts are not uniformly cytocompatible. Rather, maize variant, plant genotype, protein contaminants, and water-binding properties are determinants of phytoglycogen cytotoxicity.
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26
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Scotti A, Brugnoni M, G Lopez C, Bochenek S, Crassous JJ, Richtering W. Flow properties reveal the particle-to-polymer transition of ultra-low crosslinked microgels. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:668-678. [PMID: 31815271 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01451a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exploiting soft, adaptive microgels as building blocks for soft materials with controlled and predictable viscoelastic properties is of great interest for both industry and fundamental research. Here the flow properties of different poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) microgels are compared: regularly crosslinked versus ultra-low crosslinked (ULC) microgels. The latter are the softest microgels that can be produced via precipitation polymerization. The viscosity of ULC microgel suspensions at low concentrations can be described with models typically used for hard spheres and regularly crosslinked microgels. In contrast, at higher concentrations, ULC microgels show a much softer behavior compared to regularly crosslinked microgels. The increase of the storage modulus with concentration discloses that while for regularly crosslinked microgels the flow properties are mainly determined by the more crosslinked core, for ULC microgels the brush-like interaction is dominant at high packing fractions. Both the flow curves and the increase of the storage modulus with concentration indicates that ULC microgels can form glass and even reach an apparent jammed state despite their extreme softness. In contrast, the analysis of oscillatory frequency sweep measurements show that when approaching the glass transition the ultra-low crosslinked microgels behave as the regularly crosslinked microgels. This is consistent with a recent study showing that in this concentration range the equilibrium phase behavior of these ULC microgels is the one expected for regularly crosslinked microgels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
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27
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Lenart WR, Kong W, Oltjen WC, Hore MJA. Translocation of soft phytoglycogen nanoparticles through solid-state nanochannels. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:6428-6437. [PMID: 31465081 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01048c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phytoglycogen nanoparticles are soft, naturally-derived nanomaterials with a highly uniform size near 35 nm. Their interior is composed of a highly-branched polysaccharide core that contains more than 200% of its dry mass in water. In this work, we measure the translocation of phytoglycogen particles by observing blockade events they create when occluding solid-state nanochannels with diameters between 60 and 100 nm. The translocation signals are interpreted using Poisson-Nernst-Planck calculations with a "hardness parameter" that describes the extent to which solvent can penetrate through the interior of the particles. Theory and experiment were found to be in quantitative agreement, allowing us to extract physical characteristics of the particles on a per particle basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Lenart
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Weiwei Kong
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - William C Oltjen
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Michael J A Hore
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Dell ZE, Schweizer KS. Intermolecular structural correlations in model globular and unconcatenated ring polymer liquids. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:9132-9142. [PMID: 30407479 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01722k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We employ the field theoretic polymer integral equation theory to construct a segment-level theory for the thermodynamics and pair structure of dense liquids of interpenetrating ring polymers and a simple globule model. The latter is defined by a fractal mass distribution on all internal length scales with an exponent equal to the spatial dimension (dF = ds = 3). In an isochoric ensemble the dimensionless compressibility and pressure is predicted to vary exponentially with macromolecular volume fraction. An intermolecular correlation hole exists down to small length scales. This model appears to be useful for a recently studied experimental soft nanoparticle suspension, and also serves as a reference system for our analysis of ring liquids. Motivated by simulations, a two-fractal exponent ring model is adopted for the intramolecular structure factor. At smaller lengths it describes chain-like macromolecules, while on larger scales it corresponds to a space-filling object in the sense that dF = ds = 3. The crossover between these two regimes is of order the entanglement length of the linear chain analog. Based on a constant compressibility ensemble, the effective volume fraction grows at intermediate values of degree of polymerization (N), and crosses over to a very slow logarithmic growth at large N. A weaker intermolecular correlation hole is predicted. The number of nearest neighbor rings increases dramatically at small N, akin to linear chain melts, but then tends to saturate at large N, in accord with simulations. The tools developed may be relevant for other partially interpenetrating soft objects such as core-shell nanogels or microgels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary E Dell
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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