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Seo H, Lee H. Programmable Enzymatic Reaction Network in Artificial Cell-Like Polymersomes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305760. [PMID: 38627986 PMCID: PMC11200095 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The ability to precisely control in vitro enzymatic reactions in synthetic cells plays a crucial role in the bottom-up design of artificial cell models that can recapitulate the key cellular features and functions such as metabolism. However, integration of enzymatic reactions has been limited to bulk or microfluidic emulsions without a membrane, lacking the ability to design more sophisticated higher-order artificial cell communities for reconstituting spatiotemporal biological information at multiple length scales. Herein, droplet microfluidics is utilized to synthesize artificial cell-like polymersomes with distinct molecular permeability for spatiotemporal control of enzymatic reactions driven by external signals and fuels. The presence of a competing reverse enzymatic reaction that depletes the active substrates is shown to enable demonstration of fuel-driven formation of sub-microcompartments within polymersomes as well as realization of out-of-equilibrium systems. In addition, the different permeability characteristics of polymersome membranes are exploited to successfully construct a programmable enzymatic reaction network that mimics cellular communication within a heterogeneous cell community through selective molecular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)77 Cheongam‐Ro, Nam‐GuPohangGyeongbuk37673South Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)77 Cheongam‐Ro, Nam‐GuPohangGyeongbuk37673South Korea
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2
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Effenberg C, Gaitzsch J. Stretched or wrinkled? Looking into the polymer conformation within polymersome membranes. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4127-4135. [PMID: 38726767 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00239c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic block-copolymers into polymersomes is a well-established concept. In this membrane, the hydrophilic part is considered to be loosely assembled towards the solvent, and the hydrophobic part on the inside of the membrane is considered to be more densely packed. Within the membrane, this hydrophobic part could now have a stretched conformation or be a random coil, depending on the available space and also on the chemical nature of the polymer. We now analysed the literature for works on polymersomes that determined the membrane thickness via cryo-TEM and analysed the hydrophobic part of their polymers for their conformation. Over all available block-copolymers, a variety of trends became obvious: the longer a hydrophobic block, the more coiled the conformation and the bulkier the side chains, the more stretched the polymer became. Polymers with less conformational freedom like semi-crystalline ones were present in a more stretched conformation. Both trends could be exemplified on various occasions in this cross-literature meta-study. This overview hence provides additional insight into the physical chemistry of block-copolymer membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Germany.
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3
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Maffeis V, Skowicki M, Wolf KMP, Chami M, Schoenenberger CA, Vogel V, Palivan CG. Advancing the Design of Artificial Nano-organelles for Targeted Cellular Detoxification of Reactive Oxygen Species. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2698-2704. [PMID: 38408754 PMCID: PMC10921454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial organelles (AnOs) are in the spotlight as systems to supplement biochemical pathways in cells. While polymersome-based artificial organelles containing enzymes to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known, applications requiring control of their enzymatic activity and cell-targeting to promote intracellular ROS detoxification are underexplored. Here, we introduce advanced AnOs where the chemical composition of the membrane supports the insertion of pore-forming melittin, enabling molecular exchange between the AnO cavity and the environment, while the encapsulated lactoperoxidase (LPO) maintains its catalytic function. We show that H2O2 outside AnOs penetrates through the melittin pores and is rapidly degraded by the encapsulated enzyme. As surface attachment of cell-penetrating peptides facilitates AnOs uptake by cells, electron spin resonance revealed a remarkable enhancement in intracellular ROS detoxification by these cell-targeted AnOs compared to nontargeted AnOs, thereby opening new avenues for a significant reduction of oxidative stress in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konstantin M. P. Wolf
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory
of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Chami
- BioEM
lab, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Viola Vogel
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory
of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular
Systems Engineering, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Heuberger L, Messmer D, dos Santos EC, Scherrer D, Lörtscher E, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Microfluidic Giant Polymer Vesicles Equipped with Biopores for High-Throughput Screening of Bacteria. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307103. [PMID: 38158637 PMCID: PMC10953582 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance is critical for the development of new therapeutics. Traditional methods for testing bacteria are often limited in their efficiency and reusability. Single bacterial cells can be studied at high throughput using double emulsions, although the lack of control over the oil shell permeability and limited access to the droplet interior present serious drawbacks. Here, a straightforward strategy for studying bacteria-encapsulating double emulsion-templated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) is introduced. This microfluidic approach serves to simultaneously load bacteria inside synthetic GUVs and to permeabilize their membrane with the pore-forming peptide melittin. This enables antibiotic delivery or the influx of fresh medium into the GUV lumen for highly parallel cultivation and antimicrobial efficacy testing. Polymer-based GUVs proved to be efficient culture and analysis microvessels, as microfluidics allow easy selection and encapsulation of bacteria and rapid modification of culture conditions for antibiotic development. Further, a method for in situ profiling of biofilms within GUVs for high-throughput screening is demonstrated. Conceivably, synthetic GUVs equipped with biopores can serve as a foundation for the high-throughput screening of bacterial colony interactions during biofilm formation and for investigating the effect of antibiotics on biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Daniel Messmer
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Elena C. dos Santos
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Dominik Scherrer
- IBM Research Europe–ZürichSäumerstrasse 4Rüschlikon8803Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Lörtscher
- IBM Research Europe–ZürichSäumerstrasse 4Rüschlikon8803Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095Basel4058Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095Basel4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)University of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82Basel4056Switzerland
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Maffeis V, Hürlimann D, Krywko-Cendrowska A, Schoenenberger CA, Housecroft CE, Palivan CG. A DNA-Micropatterned Surface for Propagating Biomolecular Signals by Positional on-off Assembly of Catalytic Nanocompartments. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2202818. [PMID: 35869606 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Signal transduction is pivotal for the transfer of information between and within living cells. The composition and spatial organization of specified compartments are key to propagating soluble signals. Here, a high-throughput platform mimicking multistep signal transduction which is based on a geometrically defined array of immobilized catalytic nanocompartments (CNCs) that consist of distinct polymeric nanoassemblies encapsulating enzymes and DNA or enzymes alone is presented. The dual role of single entities or tandem CNCs in providing confined but communicating spaces for complex metabolic reactions and in protecting encapsulated compounds from denaturation is explored. To support a controlled spatial organization of CNCs, CNCs are patterned by means of DNA hybridization to a microprinted glass surface. Specifically, CNC-functionalized DNA microarrays are produced where individual reaction compartments are kept in close proximity by a distinct geometrical arrangement to promote effective communication. Besides a remarkable versatility and robustness, the most prominent feature of this platform is the reversibility of DNA-mediated CNC-anchoring which renders it reusable. Micropatterns of polymer-based nanocompartment assemblies offer an ideal scaffold for the development of the next generation responsive and communicative soft-matter analytical devices for applications in catalysis and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Hürlimann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Agata Krywko-Cendrowska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Catherine E Housecroft
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, BPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel, CH-4058, Switzerland
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6
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Heuberger L, Korpidou M, Eggenberger OM, Kyropoulou M, Palivan CG. Current Perspectives on Synthetic Compartments for Biomedical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5718. [PMID: 35628527 PMCID: PMC9145047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nano- and micrometer-sized compartments composed of synthetic polymers are designed to mimic spatial and temporal divisions found in nature. Self-assembly of polymers into compartments such as polymersomes, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules, capsosomes, or polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes) allows for the separation of defined environments from the exterior. These compartments can be further engineered through the incorporation of (bio)molecules within the lumen or into the membrane, while the membrane can be decorated with functional moieties to produce catalytic compartments with defined structures and functions. Nanometer-sized compartments are used for imaging, theranostic, and therapeutic applications as a more mechanically stable alternative to liposomes, and through the encapsulation of catalytic molecules, i.e., enzymes, catalytic compartments can localize and act in vivo. On the micrometer scale, such biohybrid systems are used to encapsulate model proteins and form multicompartmentalized structures through the combination of multiple compartments, reaching closer to the creation of artificial organelles and cells. Significant progress in therapeutic applications and modeling strategies has been achieved through both the creation of polymers with tailored properties and functionalizations and novel techniques for their assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heuberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Maria Korpidou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Olivia M. Eggenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
| | - Myrto Kyropoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (L.H.); (M.K.); (O.M.E.); (M.K.)
- NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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7
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Korpidou M, Maffeis V, Dinu IA, Schoenenberger CA, Meier WP, Palivan CG. Inverting glucuronidation of hymecromone in situ by catalytic nanocompartments. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3916-3926. [PMID: 35485215 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00243d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucuronidation is a metabolic pathway that inactivates many drugs including hymecromone. Adverse effects of glucuronide metabolites include a reduction of half-life circulation times and rapid elimination from the body. Herein, we developed synthetic catalytic nanocompartments able to cleave the glucuronide moiety from the metabolized form of hymecromone in order to convert it to the active drug. By shielding enzymes from their surroundings, catalytic nanocompartments favor prolonged activity and lower immunogenicity as key aspects to improve the therapeutic solution. The catalytic nanocompartments (CNCs) consist of self-assembled poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) diblock copolymer polymersomes encapsulating β-glucuronidase. Insertion of melittin in the synthetic membrane of these polymersomes provided pores for the diffusion of the hydrophilic hymecromone-glucuronide conjugate to the compartment inside where the encapsulated β-glucuronidase catalyzed its conversion to hymecromone. Our system successfully produced hymecromone from its glucuronide conjugate in both phosphate buffered solution and cell culture medium. CNCs were non-cytotoxic when incubated with HepG2 cells. After being taken up by cells, CNCs produced the drug in situ over 24 hours. Such catalytic platforms, which locally revert a drug metabolite into its active form, open new avenues in the design of therapeutics that aim at prolonging the residence time of a drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Korpidou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Viviana Maffeis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ionel Adrian Dinu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
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