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Branković M, Zivic F, Grujovic N, Stojadinovic I, Milenkovic S, Kotorcevic N. Review of Spider Silk Applications in Biomedical and Tissue Engineering. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:169. [PMID: 38534854 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9030169] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review will present the latest research related to the production and application of spider silk and silk-based materials in reconstructive and regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with a focus on musculoskeletal tissues, and including skin regeneration and tissue repair of bone and cartilage, ligaments, muscle tissue, peripheral nerves, and artificial blood vessels. Natural spider silk synthesis is reviewed, and the further recombinant production of spider silk proteins. Research insights into possible spider silk structures, like fibers (1D), coatings (2D), and 3D constructs, including porous structures, hydrogels, and organ-on-chip designs, have been reviewed considering a design of bioactive materials for smart medical implants and drug delivery systems. Silk is one of the toughest natural materials, with high strain at failure and mechanical strength. Novel biomaterials with silk fibroin can mimic the tissue structure and promote regeneration and new tissue growth. Silk proteins are important in designing tissue-on-chip or organ-on-chip technologies and micro devices for the precise engineering of artificial tissues and organs, disease modeling, and the further selection of adequate medical treatments. Recent research indicates that silk (films, hydrogels, capsules, or liposomes coated with silk proteins) has the potential to provide controlled drug release at the target destination. However, even with clear advantages, there are still challenges that need further research, including clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Branković
- Institute for Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac, Jovana Cvijića bb, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Liceja Knezevine Srbije 1A, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Fatima Zivic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Liceja Knezevine Srbije 1A, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nenad Grujovic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Liceja Knezevine Srbije 1A, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Stojadinovic
- Clinic for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Center, Zmaj Jovina 30, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovića 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Strahinja Milenkovic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Liceja Knezevine Srbije 1A, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nikola Kotorcevic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Liceja Knezevine Srbije 1A, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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2
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Peng X, Liu Z, Gao J, Zhang Y, Wang H, Li C, Lv X, Gao Y, Deng H, Zhao B, Gao T, Li H. Influence of Spider Silk Protein Structure on Mechanical and Biological Properties for Energetic Material Detection. Molecules 2024; 29:1025. [PMID: 38474537 PMCID: PMC10934110 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051025] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Spider silk protein, renowned for its excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, chemical stability, and low immune and inflammatory response activation, consists of a core domain with a repeat sequence and non-repeating sequences at the N-terminal and C-terminal. In this review, we focus on the relationship between the silk structure and its mechanical properties, exploring the potential applications of spider silk materials in the detection of energetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Peng
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Junhong Gao
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Cunzhi Li
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Lv
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Yongchao Gao
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Hui Deng
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
| | - Huan Li
- Toxicology Research Center, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China (Z.L.)
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Biological Effects, NO. 12 Zhangbadong Road, Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China
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3
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Momeni Bashusqeh S, Pugno NM. Development of mechanically-consistent coarse-grained molecular dynamics model: case study of mechanics of spider silk. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19316. [PMID: 37935753 PMCID: PMC10630411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46376-6] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding mechanics of spider silk holds immense importance due to its potential to drive innovation in the development of materials with exceptional mechanical characteristics suited for a wide range of applications. Coarse-grained (CG) molecular simulations plays a particularly valuable role in this endeavor, allowing for the efficient investigation of spider silk's mechanical properties. Our research is centered on the examination of spider silk, which comprises major ampullate silk protein (MaSp1). To achieve this, we developed a CG molecular dynamics model. Our investigation began with a focus on MaSp1 chains subjected to uniaxial tensile load, with comparisons made between the CG model results and all-atom simulations. Subsequently, we extended our simulations to encompass more extensive systems, including fully-ordered MaSp1 bundles undergoing uniaxial static stretching. Through comparison with existing literature, we assess how well the CG model reproduces the mechanical properties of spider silk in highly ordered structures. Furthermore, we explored a scenario where MaSp1 bundles were randomly positioned and stretched, providing valuable insights into silk behavior when the initial structure lacks order. Another simulation involved random positioning, but with some degree of orientation in the loading direction, allowing for a closer examination of the initial structure's influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Momeni Bashusqeh
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - N M Pugno
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123, Trento, Italy.
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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4
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Herrera-Rodríguez AM, Dasanna AK, Daday C, Cruz-Chú ER, Aponte-Santamaría C, Schwarz US, Gräter F. The role of flow in the self-assembly of dragline spider silk proteins. Biophys J 2023; 122:4241-4253. [PMID: 37803828 PMCID: PMC10645567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic flow in the spider duct induces conformational changes in dragline spider silk proteins (spidroins) and drives their assembly, but the underlying physical mechanisms are still elusive. Here we address this challenging multiscale problem with a complementary strategy of atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with uniform flow. The conformational changes at the molecular level were analyzed for single-tethered spider silk peptides. Uniform flow leads to coiled-to-stretch transitions and pushes alanine residues into β sheet and poly-proline II conformations. Coarse-grained simulations of the assembly process of multiple semi-flexible block copolymers using multi-particle collision dynamics reveal that the spidroins aggregate faster but into low-order assemblies when they are less extended. At medium-to-large peptide extensions (50%-80%), assembly slows down and becomes reversible with frequent association and dissociation events, whereas spidroin alignment increases and alanine repeats form ordered regions. Our work highlights the role of flow in guiding silk self-assembly into tough fibers by enhancing alignment and kinetic reversibility, a mechanism likely relevant also for other proteins whose function depends on hydrodynamic flow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anil Kumar Dasanna
- BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Csaba Daday
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduardo R Cruz-Chú
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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5
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Patel M, Singh SP, Dubey DK. Insights into nanomechanical behavior of B. mori silk fibroin-hydroxyapatite bio-nanocomposite using MD simulations: Role of varying hydroxyapatite content. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 147:106125. [PMID: 37797553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106125] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanocomposite material composed of Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin and hydroxyapatite (B. mori SF-HA) is a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering. Here, Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin (B. mori SF) is a flexible and tough organic, polymer phase, and hydroxyapatite (HA) is hard and stiff mineral phase. Knowledge about mechanical deformation behavior together with governing mechanisms, and the role of the two phases (SF and HA phase) and interfacial interactions between them, in B. mori SF-HA biomaterial, at fundamental level is an important factor to consider while developing the tissue grafts. Such nanometer scale behavior is often preferably investigated using molecular dynamics method. Present study aims at understanding the mechanical deformation behavior and associated physical mechanisms in B. mori SF-HA bio-nanocomposite, at nanoscale. For this purpose, computational atomistic models of B. mori SF-HA bio-nanocomposite are developed with varying HA content. Mechanical behavior analysis of these composite models under tensile loading were performed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Elastic modulus and tensile strength values in the range of 7-20 GPa and 200-700 MPa, respectively, are obtained for B. mori SF-HA composite, in case of different HA contents, wherein, increased mechanical properties are observed with increase in HA content. Analyses of the deformation trajectories show that the deformation flow behavior in B. mori SF-HA bio-nanocomposites is mainly defined by the soft SF phase. However, energetics analyses show that, the HA phase and SF-HA interfacial interactions also play a considerable role in mechanical performance of B. mori SF-HA bio-nanocomposite. Additionally, interfacial shear strength values in B. mori SF-HA bio-nanocomposite, for different HA contents, have also been obtained. The observations made and insights gained in present work has contribution and impact in gaining an insight into the mechanistic interactions occurring at nanoscale between SF and HA phases in B. mori SF-HA bio-composite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal Patel
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Satinder Paul Singh
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Devendra K Dubey
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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6
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Ni B, Kaplan DL, Buehler MJ. Generative design of de novo proteins based on secondary structure constraints using an attention-based diffusion model. Chem 2023; 9:1828-1849. [PMID: 37614363 PMCID: PMC10443900 DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
We report two generative deep learning models that predict amino acid sequences and 3D protein structures based on secondary structure design objectives via either overall content or per-residue structure. Both models are robust regarding imperfect inputs and offer de novo design capacity as they can discover new protein sequences not yet discovered from natural mechanisms or systems. The residue-level secondary structure design model generally yields higher accuracy and more diverse sequences. These findings suggest unexplored opportunities for protein designs and functional outcomes within the vast amino acid sequences beyond known proteins. Our models, based on an attention-based diffusion model and trained on a dataset extracted from experimentally known 3D protein structures, offer numerous downstream applications in conditional generative design of various biological or engineering systems. Future work may include additional conditioning, and an exploration of other functional properties of the generated proteins for various properties beyond structural objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ni
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, Schwarzman College of Computing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Lead contact
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7
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Patel M, Dubey DK, Singh SP. Molecular mechanics and failure mechanisms in B. mori Silk Fibroin-hydroxyapatite composite interfaces: Effect of crystal thickness and surface characteristics. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 143:105910. [PMID: 37257312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105910] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin-hydroxyapatite (B. mori SF-HA) bio-nanocomposite is a prospective biomaterial for tissue engineered graft for bone repair. Here, B. mori SF is primarily a soft and tough organic phase, and HA is a hard and stiff mineral phase. In biomaterial design, an understanding about the nanoscale mechanics of SF-HA interface, such as interfacial interaction and interface debonding mechanisms between the two phases is essential for obtaining required functionality. To investigate such nanoscale behavior, molecular dynamics method is a preferred approach. Present study focuses on understanding of the interface debonding mechanisms at SF-HA interface in B. mori SF-HA bio-nanocomposite at nanometer length scale. For this purpose, nanoscale atomistic models of SF-HA interface are also developed based on the HA crystal size and HA surface type (Ca2+ dominated and OH- dominated) in contact with SF. Mechanical behavior analysis of these SF-HA interface models under pull-out type test were performed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Surface pull-off strength values in the range of 0.4-0.8 GPa were obtained for SF-HA interface models, for different HA crystal thicknesses, wherein, the pull-off strength values are found to increase with increase in HA thicknesses. Analyses show that deformation mechanisms in SF-HA interface deformation, is a combination of shear deformation in SF phase followed by disintegration of SF phase from HA block. Furthermore, higher rupture force values were obtained for SF-HA interface with Ca2+ dominated HA surface in contact with SF phase, indicating that SF protein has a higher affinity for Ca2+ dominated surface of HA phase. Current work contributes in developing an understanding of mechanistic interactions between organic and inorganic phases in B. mori SF-HA composite nanostructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal Patel
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Devendra K Dubey
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Satinder Paul Singh
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
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Jiang P, Wu L, Hu M, Tang S, Qiu Z, Lv T, Elices M, Guinea GV, Pérez-Rigueiro J. Variation in the Elastic Modulus and Increased Energy Dissipation Induced by Cyclic Straining of Argiope bruennichi Major Ampullate Gland Silk. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020164. [PMID: 37092416 PMCID: PMC10123757 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020164] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The trends exhibited by the parameters that describe the mechanical behaviour of major ampullate gland silk fibers spun by Argiope bruennichi spiders is explored by performing a series of loading-unloading tests at increasing values of strain, and by the subsequent analysis of the true stress-true strain curves obtained from these cycles. The elastic modulus, yields stress, energy absorbed, and energy dissipated in each cycle are computed in order to evaluate the evolution of these mechanical parameters with this cyclic straining. The elastic modulus is observed to increase steadily under these loading conditions, while only a moderate variation is found in the yield stress. It is also observed that a significant proportion of the energy initially absorbed in each cycle is not only dissipated, but that the material may recover partially from the associated irreversible deformation. This variation in the mechanical performance of spider silk is accounted for through a combination of irreversible and reversible deformation micromechanisms in which the viscoelasticity of the material plays a leading role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China
| | - Lihua Wu
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Menglei Hu
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China
| | - Sisi Tang
- Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhimin Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China
| | - Taiyong Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital in Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Manuel Elices
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo V Guinea
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), C/Prof. Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Pérez-Rigueiro
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), C/Prof. Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
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Kim Y, Yoon T, Park WB, Na S. Predicting mechanical properties of silk from its amino acid sequences via machine learning. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 140:105739. [PMID: 36871478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105739] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The silk fiber is increasingly being sought for its superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness, making it promising as a base material for various applications. One of the characteristics of protein fibers, such as silk, is that their mechanical properties are significantly dependent on the amino acid sequence. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the specific relationship between the amino acid sequence of silk and its mechanical properties. Still, the relationship between the amino acid sequence of silk and its mechanical properties is yet to be clarified. Other fields have adopted machine learning (ML) to establish a relationship between the inputs, such as the ratio of different input material compositions and the resulting mechanical properties. We have proposed a method to convert the amino acid sequence into numerical values for input and succeeded in predicting the mechanical properties of silk from its amino acid sequences. Our study sheds light on predicting mechanical properties of silk fiber from respective amino acid sequences.
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Zhao TY, Dunbar M, Keten S, Patankar NA. The buckling-condensation mechanism driving gas vesicle collapse. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:1174-1185. [PMID: 36651808 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00493c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gas vesicles (GVs) are proteinaceous cylindrical shells found within bacteria or archea growing in aqueous environments and are composed primarily of two proteins, gas vesicle protein A and C (GvpA and GvpC). GVs exhibit strong performance as next-generation ultrasound contrast agents due to their gas-filled interior, tunable collapse pressure, stability in vivo and functionalizable exterior. However, the exact mechanism leading to GV collapse remains inconclusive, which leads to difficulty in predicting collapse pressures for different species of GVs and in extending favorable nonlinear response regimes. Here, we propose a two stage mechanism leading to GV loss of echogenicity and rupture under hydrostatic pressure: elastic buckling of the cylindrical shell coupled with condensation driven weakening of the GV membrane. Our goal is to therefore test whether the final fracture of the GV membrane occurs by the interplay of both mechanisms or purely through buckling failure as previously believed. To do so, we (1) compare the theoretical condensation and buckling pressures with that for experimental GV collapse and (2) describe how condensation can lead to plastic buckling failure. GV shell properties that are necessary input to this theoretical description, such as the elastic moduli and wettability of GvpA, are determined using molecular dynamics simulations of a novel structural model of GvpA that better represents the hydrophobic core. For GVs that are not reinforced by GvpC, this analytical framework shows that the experimentally observed pressures resulting in loss of echogenicity coincide with both the elastic buckling and condensation pressure regimes. We also found that the stress strain curve for GvpA wetted on both the interior and exterior exhibits a loss of mechanical stability compared to GvpA only wetted on the exterior by the bulk solution. We identify a pressure vs. vesicle size regime where condensation can occur prior to buckling, which may preclude nonlinear shell buckling responses in contrast imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Y Zhao
- Northwestern University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
| | - Martha Dunbar
- Northwestern University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
| | - Sinan Keten
- Northwestern University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
| | - Neelesh A Patankar
- Northwestern University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
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11
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Rapid molecular diversification and homogenization of clustered major ampullate silk genes in Argiope garden spiders. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010537. [PMID: 36508456 PMCID: PMC9779670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary diversification of orb-web weaving spiders is closely tied to the mechanical performance of dragline silk. This proteinaceous fiber provides the primary structural framework of orb web architecture, and its extraordinary toughness allows these structures to absorb the high energy of aerial prey impact. The dominant model of dragline silk molecular structure involves the combined function of two highly repetitive, spider-specific, silk genes (spidroins)-MaSp1 and MaSp2. Recent genomic studies, however, have suggested this framework is overly simplistic, and our understanding of how MaSp genes evolve is limited. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of MaSp structural and evolutionary diversity across species of Argiope (garden spiders). This genomic analysis reveals the largest catalog of MaSp genes found in any spider, driven largely by an expansion of MaSp2 genes. The rapid diversification of Argiope MaSp genes, located primarily in a single genomic cluster, is associated with profound changes in silk gene structure. MaSp2 genes, in particular, have evolved complex hierarchically organized repeat units (ensemble repeats) delineated by novel introns that exhibit remarkable evolutionary dynamics. These repetitive introns have arisen independently within the genus, are highly homogenized within a gene, but diverge rapidly between genes. In some cases, these iterated introns are organized in an alternating structure in which every other intron is nearly identical in sequence. We hypothesize that this intron structure has evolved to facilitate homogenization of the coding sequence. We also find evidence of intergenic gene conversion and identify a more diverse array of stereotypical amino acid repeats than previously recognized. Overall, the extreme diversification found among MaSp genes requires changes in the structure-function model of dragline silk performance that focuses on the differential use and interaction among various MaSp paralogs as well as the impact of ensemble repeat structure and different amino acid motifs on mechanical behavior.
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12
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Buehler MJ. Multiscale Modeling at the Interface of Molecular Mechanics and Natural Language through Attention Neural Networks. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:3387-3403. [PMID: 36378952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans are continually bombarded with massive amounts of data. To deal with this influx of information, we use the concept of attention in order to perceive the most relevant input from vision, hearing, touch, and others. Thereby, the complex ensemble of signals is used to generate output by querying the processed data in appropriate ways. Attention is also the hallmark of the development of scientific theories, where we elucidate which parts of a problem are critical, often expressed through differential equations. In this Account we review the emergence of attention-based neural networks as a class of approaches that offer many opportunities to describe materials across scales and modalities, including how universal building blocks interact to yield a set of material properties. In fact, the self-assembly of hierarchical, structurally complex, and multifunctional biomaterials remains a grand challenge in modeling, theory, and experiment. Expanding from the process by which material building blocks physically interact to form a type of material, in this Account we view self-assembly as both the functional emergence of properties from interacting building blocks as well as the physical process by which elementary building blocks interact and yield structure and, thereby, functions. This perspective, integrated through the theory of materiomics, allows us to solve multiscale problems with a first-principles-based computational approach based on attention-based neural networks that transform information to feature to property while providing a flexible modeling approach that can integrate theory, simulation, and experiment. Since these models are based on a natural language framework, they offer various benefits including incorporation of general domain knowledge via general-purpose pretraining, which can be accomplished without labeled data or large amounts of lower-quality data. Pretrained models then offer a general-purpose platform that can be fine-tuned to adapt these models to make specific predictions, often with relatively little labeled data. The transferrable power of the language-based modeling approach realizes a neural olog description, where mathematical categorization is learned by multiheaded attention, without domain knowledge in its formulation. It can hence be applied to a range of complex modeling tasks─such as physical field predictions, molecular properties, or structure predictions, all using an identical formulation. This offers a complementary modeling approach that is already finding numerous applications, with great potential to solve complex assembly problems, enabling us to learn, build, and utilize functional categorization of how building blocks yield a range of material functions. In this Account, we demonstrate the approach in various application areas, including protein secondary structure prediction and prediction of normal-mode frequencies as well as predicting mechanical fields near cracks. Unifying these diverse problem areas is the building block approach, where the models are based on a universally applicable platform that offers benefits ranging from transferability, interpretability, and cross-domain pollination of knowledge as exemplified through a transformer model applied to predict how musical compositions infer de novo protein structures. We discuss future potentialities of this approach for a variety of material phenomena across scales, including the use in multiparadigm modeling schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Center for Computational Science and Engineering, Schwarzman College of Computing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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13
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Differences in the Elastomeric Behavior of Polyglycine-Rich Regions of Spidroin 1 and 2 Proteins. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235263. [PMID: 36501657 PMCID: PMC9738160 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235263] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Two different polyglycine-rich fragments were selected as representatives of major ampullate gland spidroins (MaSp) 1 and 2 types, and their behavior in a water-saturated environment was simulated within the framework of molecular dynamics (MD). The selected fragments are found in the sequences of the proteins MaSp1a and MaSp2.2a of Argiope aurantia with respective lengths of 36 amino acids (MaSp1a) and 50 amino acids (MaSp2.2s). The simulation took the fully extended β-pleated conformation as reference, and MD was used to determine the equilibrium configuration in the absence of external forces. Subsequently, MD were employed to calculate the variation in the distance between the ends of the fragments when subjected to an increasing force. Both fragments show an elastomeric behavior that can be modeled as a freely jointed chain with links of comparable length, and a larger number of links in the spidroin 2 fragment. It is found, however, that the maximum recovery force recorded from the spidroin 2 peptide (Fmax ≈ 400 pN) is found to be significantly larger than that of the spidroin 1 (Fmax ≈ 250 pN). The increase in the recovery force of the spidroin 2 polyglycine-rich fragment may be correlated with the larger values observed in the strain at breaking of major ampullate silk fibers spun by Araneoidea species, which contain spidroin 2 proteins, compared to the material produced by spider species that lack these spidroins (RTA-clade).
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14
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Bergmann F, Stadlmayr S, Millesi F, Zeitlinger M, Naghilou A, Radtke C. The properties of native Trichonephila dragline silk and its biomedical applications. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 140:213089. [PMID: 36037764 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spider silk has fascinated mankind for millennia, but it is only in recent decades that scientific research has begun to unravel all its characteristics and applications. The uniqueness of spider silk resides in its versatility, in which a combination of high strength and extensibility results in extraordinary toughness, superior to almost all natural and man-made fibers. Dragline silk consists of proteins with highly repetitive amino acid sequences, which have been correlated with specific secondary structures responsible for its physical properties. The native fiber also shows high cytocompatibility coupled with low immunogenicity, making it a promising natural biomaterial for numerous biomedical applications. Recently, novel technologies have enabled new insights into the material and biomedical properties of silk. Due to the increasing interest in spider silk, as well as the desire to produce synthetic alternatives, we present an update on the current knowledge of silk fibers produced by the spider genus Trichonephila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bergmann
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Stadlmayr
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Flavia Millesi
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Zeitlinger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aida Naghilou
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christine Radtke
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Xu J, Lv W, Yang W, Jin Y, Jin Q, Sun B, Zhang Z, Wang T, Zheng L, Shi X, Sun B, Wang G. In Situ Construction of Protective Films on Zn Metal Anodes via Natural Protein Additives Enabling High-Performance Zinc Ion Batteries. ACS NANO 2022; 16:11392-11404. [PMID: 35848633 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The strong activity of water molecules causes a series of parasitic side reactions on Zn anodes in the aqueous electrolytes. Herein, we introduce silk fibroin (SF) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive for aqueous zinc-ion (Zn-ion) batteries. The secondary structure transformation of SF molecules from α-helices to random coils in the aqueous electrolytes allows them to break the hydrogen bond network among free water molecules and participate in Zn2+ ion solvation structure. The SF molecules released from the [Zn(H2O)4(SF)]2+ solvation sheath appear to be gradually adsorbed on the surface of Zn anodes and in situ form a hydrostable and self-healable protective film. This SF-based protective film not only shows strong Zn2+ ion affinity to promote homogeneous Zn deposition but also has good insulating behavior to suppress parasitic reactions. Benefiting from these multifunctional advantages, the cycle life of the Zn||Zn symmetric cells reaches over 1600 h in SF-containing ZnSO4 electrolytes. In addition, by adopting a potassium vanadate cathode, the full cell shows excellent cycling stability for 1000 cycles at 3 A g-1. The in situ construction of a protective film on the Zn anode from natural protein molecules provides an effective strategy to achieve high-performance Zn metal anodes for Zn-ion batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenli Lv
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qianzheng Jin
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Linfeng Zheng
- Institute of Rail Transportation, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519070, China
| | - Xiaolong Shi
- Research Center of Grid Energy Storage and Battery Application, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bing Sun
- Centre for Clean Energy Technology, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Guoxiu Wang
- Centre for Clean Energy Technology, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo New South Wales 2007, Australia
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16
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Patel M, Singh SP, Dubey DK. In‐silico investigations of dynamic mechanical behavior of
Bombyx mori
silk fibroin nanostructure under cyclic deformations and associated molecular mechanisms. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal Patel
- Mechanical Engineering Department Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi India
| | - Satinder Paul Singh
- Mechanical Engineering Department Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi India
| | - Devendra K. Dubey
- Mechanical Engineering Department Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi India
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17
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Szymkowiak JK, Walters CM, Hamad WY, MacLachlan MJ. Tuning the Properties of Chiral Nematic Mesoporous (Organo)silica Through Thiol‐Ene Click Chemistry. Eur J Inorg Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202200218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna K. Szymkowiak
- Department of Chemistry University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Christopher M. Walters
- Department of Chemistry University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Wadood Y. Hamad
- Transformation and Interfaces Group Bioproducts Innovation Centre of Excellence FPInnovations 2665 East Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Mark J. MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute University of British Columbia 2355 East Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920–1192 Japan
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18
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Yu CH, Chen W, Chiang YH, Guo K, Martin Moldes Z, Kaplan DL, Buehler MJ. End-to-End Deep Learning Model to Predict and Design Secondary Structure Content of Structural Proteins. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1156-1165. [PMID: 35129957 PMCID: PMC9347213 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Structural proteins are the basis of many biomaterials and key construction and functional components of all life. Further, it is well-known that the diversity of proteins' function relies on their local structures derived from their primary amino acid sequences. Here, we report a deep learning model to predict the secondary structure content of proteins directly from primary sequences, with high computational efficiency. Understanding the secondary structure content of proteins is crucial to designing proteins with targeted material functions, especially mechanical properties. Using convolutional and recurrent architectures and natural language models, our deep learning model predicts the content of two essential types of secondary structures, the α-helix and the β-sheet. The training data are collected from the Protein Data Bank and contain many existing protein geometries. We find that our model can learn the hidden features as patterns of input sequences that can then be directly related to secondary structure content. The α-helix and β-sheet content predictions show excellent agreement with training data and newly deposited protein structures that were recently identified and that were not included in the original training set. We further demonstrate the features of the model by a search for de novo protein sequences that optimize max/min α-helix/β-sheet content and compare the predictions with folded models of these sequences based on AlphaFold2. Excellent agreement is found, underscoring that our model has predictive potential for rapidly designing proteins with specific secondary structures and could be widely applied to biomedical industries, including protein biomaterial designs and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hua Yu
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Chiang
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Kai Guo
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Zaira Martin Moldes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Center for Computational Science and Engineering, Schwarzman College of Computing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Center for Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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19
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Cohen N, Eisenbach CD. Humidity-Driven Supercontraction and Twist in Spider Silk. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:098101. [PMID: 35302814 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.098101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spider silk is a protein material that exhibits extraordinary and nontrivial properties such as the ability to soften, decrease in length (i.e., supercontract), and twist upon exposure to high humidity. These behaviors stem from a unique microstructure in combination with a transition from glassy to rubbery as a result of humidity-driven diffusion of water. In this Letter we propose four length scales that govern the mechanical response of the silk during this transition. In addition, we develop a model that describes the microstructural evolution of the spider silk thread and explains the response due to the diffusion of water molecules. The merit of the model is demonstrated through an excellent agreement to experimental findings. The insights from this Letter can be used as a microstructural design guide to enable the development of new materials with unique spiderlike properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noy Cohen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Claus D Eisenbach
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA and Institute for Polymer Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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20
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Artificial and natural silk materials have high mechanical property variability regardless of sample size. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3507. [PMID: 35241705 PMCID: PMC8894418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk fibres attract great interest in materials science for their biological and mechanical properties. Hitherto, the mechanical properties of the silk fibres have been explored mainly by tensile tests, which provide information on their strength, Young’s modulus, strain at break and toughness modulus. Several hypotheses have been based on these data, but the intrinsic and often overlooked variability of natural and artificial silk fibres makes it challenging to identify trends and correlations. In this work, we determined the mechanical properties of Bombyx mori cocoon and degummed silk, native spider silk, and artificial spider silk, and compared them with classical commercial carbon fibres using large sample sizes (from 10 to 100 fibres, in total 200 specimens per fibre type). The results confirm a substantial variability of the mechanical properties of silk fibres compared to commercial carbon fibres, as the relative standard deviation for strength and strain at break is 10–50%. Moreover, the variability does not decrease significantly when the number of tested fibres is increased, which was surprising considering the low variability frequently reported for silk fibres in the literature. Based on this, we prove that tensile testing of 10 fibres per type is representative of a silk fibre population. Finally, we show that the ideal shape of the stress–strain curve for spider silk, characterized by a pronounced exponential stiffening regime, occurs in only 25% of all tested spider silk fibres.
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21
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Areyano M, Valois E, Sanchez Carvajal I, Rajkovic I, Wonderly WR, Kossa A, McMeeking RM, Waite JH. Viscoelastic analysis of mussel threads reveals energy dissipative mechanisms. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210828. [PMID: 35317655 PMCID: PMC8941394 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mussels use byssal threads to secure themselves to rocks and as shock absorbers during cyclic loading from wave motion. Byssal threads combine high strength and toughness with extensibility of nearly 200%. Researchers attribute tensile properties of byssal threads to their elaborate multi-domain collagenous protein cores. Because the elastic properties have been previously scrutinized, we instead examined byssal thread viscoelastic behaviour, which is essential for withstanding cyclic loading. By targeting protein domains in the collagenous core via chemical treatments, stress relaxation experiments provided insights on domain contributions and were coupled with in situ small-angle X-ray scattering to investigate relaxation-specific molecular reorganizations. Results show that when silk-like domains in the core were disrupted, the stress relaxation of the threads decreased by nearly 50% and lateral molecular spacing also decreased, suggesting that these domains are essential for energy dissipation and assume a compressed molecular rearrangement when disrupted. A generalized Maxwell model was developed to describe the stress relaxation response. The model predicts that maximal damping (energy dissipation) occurs at around 0.1 Hz which closely resembles the wave frequency along the California coast and implies that these materials may be well adapted to the cyclic loading of the ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Areyano
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Eric Valois
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ismael Sanchez Carvajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ivan Rajkovic
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - William R. Wonderly
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Attila Kossa
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Robert M. McMeeking
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - J. Herbert Waite
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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22
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Luo K, Wu K, Hou Q, Zhang W, Jiang T, Wang X, Liu X, Liu W. Spider-web-inspired cellulose nanofibrils networking polyaniline-encapsulated silica nanoparticles as anode material of lithium-ion batteries. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 277:118833. [PMID: 34893250 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As the promising anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), SiO2 has high theoretical capacity, but the volume expansion severely hinders its application. To address the challenge, inspired by the highly flexible spider-web architecture, the SiO2@carbonized polyaniline/carbonized 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (SiO2@cPANI/cTOCNFs) composite was designed, and fabricated via carbonizing the freeze-dried SiO2@PANI/TOCNFs. The resultant SiO2@cPANI/cTOCNFs composite exhibited unique spider-web-like nanostructures, providing a double-layer carbon network to protect SiO2 anode material. The results showed that, the SiO2@cPANI/cTOCNFs composite as anode material of LIBs offered a reversible capacity of 1103 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 after 200 cycles, and gave a capacity of 302 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g-1, exhibiting excellent cycling stability. This study provides a strategy of spider-web-inspired cellulose nanofibrils networking polyaniline-encapsulated silica nanoparticles as anode material of LIBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisheng Luo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Kaili Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Qingxi Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Tongbao Jiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiaodi Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiuzhi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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23
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Haskew M, Deacon B, Yong CW, Hardy JG, Murphy ST. Atomistic Simulation of Water Incorporation and Mobility in Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:35494-35504. [PMID: 34984281 PMCID: PMC8717555 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) is a biopolymer that can be processed into materials with attractive properties (e.g., biocompatibility and degradability) for use in a multitude of technical and medical applications (including textiles, sutures, drug delivery devices, tissue scaffolds, etc.). Utilizing the information from experimental and computational SF studies, a simplified SF model has been produced (alanine-glycine [Ala-Gly] n crystal structure), enabling the application of both molecular dynamic and density functional theory techniques to offer a unique insight into SF-based materials. The secondary structure of the computational model has been evaluated using Ramachandran plots under different environments (e.g., different temperatures and ensembles). In addition, the mean square displacement of water incorporated into the SF model was investigated: the diffusion coefficients, activation energies, most and least favorable positions of water, and trajectory of water diffusion through the SF model are obtained. With further computational study and in combination with experimental data, the behavior/degradation of SF (and similar biomaterials) can be elucidated. Consequently, greater control of the aforementioned technologies may be achieved and positively affect their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew
John Haskew
- Department
of Engineering, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
| | - Benjamin Deacon
- Department
of Engineering, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, U.K.
| | - Chin Weng Yong
- Scientific
Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington WA4 4AD, U.K.
| | - John George Hardy
- Department
of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
- Materials
Science Institute, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
| | - Samuel Thomas Murphy
- Department
of Engineering, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, U.K.
- Materials
Science Institute, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
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24
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Kono N, Ohtoshi R, Malay AD, Mori M, Masunaga H, Yoshida Y, Nakamura H, Numata K, Arakawa K. Darwin's bark spider shares a spidroin repertoire with Caerostris extrusa but achieves extraordinary silk toughness through gene expression. Open Biol 2021; 11:210242. [PMID: 34932907 PMCID: PMC8692038 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider silk is a protein-based material whose toughness suggests possible novel applications. A particularly fascinating example of silk toughness is provided by Darwin's bark spider (Caerostris darwini) found in Madagascar. This spider produces extraordinarily tough silk, with an average toughness of 350 MJ m-1 and over 50% extensibility, and can build river-bridging webs with a size of 2.8 m2. Recent studies have suggested that specific spidroins expressed in C. darwini are responsible for the mechanical properties of its silk. Therefore, a more comprehensive investigation of spidroin sequences, silk thread protein contents and phylogenetic conservation among closely related species is required. Here, we conducted genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of C. darwini and its close relative Caerostris extrusa. A variety of spidroins and low-molecular-weight proteins were found in the dragline silk of these species; all of the genes encoding these proteins were conserved in both genomes, but their genes were more expressed in C. darwini. The potential to produce very tough silk is common in the genus Caerostris, and our results may suggest the existence of plasticity allowing silk mechanical properties to be changed by optimizing related gene expression in response to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Kono
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Rintaro Ohtoshi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ali D. Malay
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaru Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Masunaga
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan,RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshida
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Spiber Inc., 234-1 Mizukami, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan,Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Kyotodaigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
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25
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Patel M, Dubey DK, Singh SP. Insights into Nanomechanical Behavior and Molecular Mechanisms in Bombyx Mori Silk Fibroin in Saline Environment Using Molecular Dynamics Analysis. Macromol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-021-9084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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26
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Abstract
Spiders are nature's engineers that build lightweight and high-performance web architectures often several times their size and with very few supports; however, little is known about web mechanics and geometries throughout construction, especially for three-dimensional (3D) spider webs. In this work, we investigate the structure and mechanics for a Tidarren sisyphoides spider web at varying stages of construction. This is accomplished by imaging, modeling, and simulations throughout the web-building process to capture changes in the natural web geometry and the mechanical properties. We show that the foundation of the web geometry, strength, and functionality is created during the first 2 d of construction, after which the spider reinforces the existing network with limited expansion of the structure within the frame. A better understanding of the biological and mechanical performance of the 3D spider web under construction could inspire sustainable robust and resilient fiber networks, complex materials, structures, scaffolding, and self-assembly strategies for hierarchical structures and inspire additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing as well as inspire artistic and architectural and engineering applications.
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27
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Li J, Zhu Y, Yu H, Dai B, Jun YS, Zhang F. Microbially Synthesized Polymeric Amyloid Fiber Promotes β-Nanocrystal Formation and Displays Gigapascal Tensile Strength. ACS NANO 2021; 15:11843-11853. [PMID: 34251182 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ability of amyloid proteins to form stable β-sheet nanofibrils has made them potential candidates for material innovation in nanotechnology. However, such a nanoscale feature has rarely translated into attractive macroscopic properties for mechanically demanding applications. Here, we present a strategy by fusing amyloid peptides with flexible linkers from spidroin; the resulting polymeric amyloid proteins can be biosynthesized using engineered microbes and wet-spun into macroscopic fibers. Using this strategy, fibers from three different amyloid groups were fabricated. Structural analyses unveil the presence of β-nanocrystals that resemble the cross-β structure of amyloid nanofibrils. These polymeric amyloid fibers have displayed strong and molecular-weight-dependent mechanical properties. Fibers made of a protein polymer containing 128 repeats of the FGAILSS sequence displayed an average ultimate tensile strength of 0.98 ± 0.08 GPa and an average toughness of 161 ± 26 MJ/m3, surpassing most recombinant protein fibers and even some natural spider silk fibers. The design strategy and the biosynthetic approach can be expanded to create numerous functional materials, and the macroscopic amyloid fibers will enable a wide range of mechanically demanding applications.
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28
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Zhou S, Jin K, Buehler MJ. Understanding Plant Biomass via Computational Modeling. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2003206. [PMID: 32945027 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202003206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plant biomass, especially wood, has been used for structural materials since ancient times. It is also showing great potential for new structural materials and it is the major feedstock for the emerging biorefineries for building a sustainable society. The plant cell wall is a hierarchical matrix of mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Herein, the structure, properties, and reactions of cellulose, lignin, and wood cell walls, studied using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), which are the widely used computational modeling approaches, are reviewed. Computational modeling, which has played a crucial role in understanding the structure and properties of plant biomass and its nanomaterials, may serve a leading role on developing new hierarchical materials from biomass in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfei Zhou
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kai Jin
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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29
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Nanoscale Material Heterogeneity of Glowworm Capture Threads Revealed by AFM. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123500. [PMID: 34201363 PMCID: PMC8226719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesive materials used by many arthropods for biological functions incorporate sticky substances and a supporting material that operate synergistically by exploiting substrate attachment and energy dissipation. While there has been much focus on the composition and properties of the sticky glues of these bio-composites, less attention has been given to the materials that support them. In particular, as these materials are primarily responsible for dissipation during adhesive pull-off, little is known of the structures that give rise to functionality, especially at the nano-scale. In this study we used tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM) to analyze unstretched and stretched glowworm (Arachnocampa tasmaniensis) capture threads and revealed nano-scale features corresponding to variation in surface structure and elastic modulus near the surface of the silk. Phase images demonstrated a high resolution of viscoelastic variation and revealed mostly globular and elongated features in the material. Increased vertical orientation of 11–15 nm wide fibrillar features was observed in stretched threads. Fast Fourier transform analysis of phase images confirmed these results. Relative viscoelastic properties were also highly variable at inter- and intra-individual levels. Results of this study demonstrate the practical usefulness of TM-AFM, especially phase angle imaging, in investigating the nano-scale structures that give rise to macro-scale function of soft and highly heterogeneous materials of both natural and synthetic origins.
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30
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Azimi B, Milazzo M, Danti S. Cellulose-Based Fibrous Materials From Bacteria to Repair Tympanic Membrane Perforations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:669863. [PMID: 34164386 PMCID: PMC8215662 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.669863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Perforation is the most common illness of the tympanic membrane (TM), which is commonly treated with surgical procedures. The success rate of the treatment could be improved by novel bioengineering approaches. In fact, a successful restoration of a damaged TM needs a supporting biomaterial or scaffold able to meet mechano-acoustic properties similar to those of the native TM, along with optimal biocompatibility. Traditionally, a large number of biological-based materials, including paper, silk, Gelfoam®, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and chitosan, have been used for TM repair. A novel biopolymer with promising features for tissue engineering applications is cellulose. It is a highly biocompatible, mechanically and chemically strong polysaccharide, abundant in the environment, with the ability to promote cellular growth and differentiation. Bacterial cellulose (BC), in particular, is produced by microorganisms as a nanofibrous three-dimensional structure of highly pure cellulose, which has thus become a popular graft material for wound healing due to a number of remarkable properties, such as water retention, elasticity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and transparency. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current experimental studies of BC, focusing on the application of BC patches in the treatment of TM perforations. In addition, computational approaches to model cellulose and TM are summarized, with the aim to synergize the available tools toward the best design and exploitation of BC patches and scaffolds for TM repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Azimi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Milazzo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Danti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Florence, Italy
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31
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Erickson DP, Dunbar M, Hamed E, Ozturk OK, Campanella OH, Keten S, Hamaker BR. Atomistic Modeling of Peptide Aggregation and β-Sheet Structuring in Corn Zein for Viscoelasticity. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1856-1866. [PMID: 33844506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The structure-function relationships of plant-based proteins that give rise to desirable texture attributes in order to mimic meat products are generally unknown. In particular, it is not clear how to engineer viscoelasticity to impart cohesiveness and proper mouthfeel; however, it is known that intermolecular β-sheet structures have the potential to enhance the viscoelastic property. Here, we investigated the propensity of selected peptide segments within common corn α-zein variants to maintain stable aggregates and β-sheet structures. Simulations on dimer systems showed that stability was influenced by the initial orientation and the presence of contiguous small hydrophobic residues. Simulations using eight-peptide β-sheet oligomers revealed that peptide sequences without proline had higher levels of β-sheet structuring. Additionally, we identified that sequences with a dimer hydrogen-bonding density of >22% tended to have a larger percent β-sheet conformation. These results contribute to understanding how the viscoelasticity of zein can be increased for use in plant-based meat analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Erickson
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, 745 Agricultural Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Martha Dunbar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech A133, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Elham Hamed
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech A133, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Oguz K Ozturk
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, 745 Agricultural Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Osvaldo H Campanella
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, 745 Agricultural Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, 2015 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Sinan Keten
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech A133, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Bruce R Hamaker
- Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, Purdue University, 745 Agricultural Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Department of Food Science, Purdue University, 745 Agriculture Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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32
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Pérez-Rigueiro J, Elices M, Plaza GR, Guinea GV. Basic Principles in the Design of Spider Silk Fibers. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061794. [PMID: 33806736 PMCID: PMC8004941 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prominence of spider silk as a hallmark in biomimetics relies not only on its unrivalled mechanical properties, but also on how these properties are the result of a set of original design principles. In this sense, the study of spider silk summarizes most of the main topics relevant to the field and, consequently, offers a nice example on how these topics could be considered in other biomimetic systems. This review is intended to present a selection of some of the essential design principles that underlie the singular microstructure of major ampullate gland silk, as well as to show how the interplay between them leads to the outstanding tensile behavior of spider silk. Following this rationale, the mechanical behavior of the material is analyzed in detail and connected with its main microstructural features, specifically with those derived from the semicrystalline organization of the fibers. Establishing the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure in spider silk not only offers a vivid image of the paths explored by nature in the search for high performance materials, but is also a valuable guide for the development of new artificial fibers inspired in their natural counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pérez-Rigueiro
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.E.); (G.R.P.); (G.V.G.)
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-9174304
| | - Manuel Elices
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.E.); (G.R.P.); (G.V.G.)
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo R. Plaza
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.E.); (G.R.P.); (G.V.G.)
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.E.); (G.R.P.); (G.V.G.)
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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33
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Spider silk with weaker bonding resulting in higher strength and toughness through progressive unfolding and load transfer. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 108:103773. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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34
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35
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Kiseleva AP, Krivoshapkin PV, Krivoshapkina EF. Recent Advances in Development of Functional Spider Silk-Based Hybrid Materials. Front Chem 2020; 8:554. [PMID: 32695749 PMCID: PMC7338834 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Silkworm silk is mainly known as a luxurious textile. Spider silk is an alternative to silkworm silk fibers and has much more outstanding properties. Silk diversity ensures variation in its application in nature and industry. This review aims to provide a critical summary of up-to-date fabrication methods of spider silk-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials. This paper focuses on the relationship between the molecular structure of spider silk and its mechanical properties. Such knowledge is essential for understanding the innate properties of spider silk as it provides insight into the sophisticated assembly processes of silk proteins into the distinct polymers as a basis for novel products. In this context, we describe the development of spider silk-based hybrids using both natural and bioengineered spider silk proteins blended with inorganic nanoparticles. The following topics are also covered: the diversity of spider silk, its composition and architecture, the differences between silkworm silk and spider silk, and the biosynthesis of natural silk. Referencing biochemical data and processes, this paper outlines the existing challenges and future outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena F. Krivoshapkina
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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36
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Greco G, Pugno NM. Mechanical Properties and Weibull Scaling Laws of Unknown Spider Silks. Molecules 2020; 25:E2938. [PMID: 32604727 PMCID: PMC7355793 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider silks present extraordinary mechanical properties, which have attracted the attention of material scientists in recent decades. In particular, the strength and the toughness of these protein-based materials outperform the ones of many man-made fibers. Unfortunately, despite the huge interest, there is an absence of statistical investigation on the mechanical properties of spider silks and their related size effects due to the length of the fibers. Moreover, several spider silks have never been mechanically tested. Accordingly, in this work, we measured the mechanical properties and computed the Weibull parameters for different spider silks, some of them unknown in the literature. We also measured the mechanical properties at different strain rates for the dragline of the species Cupiennius salei. For the same species, we measured the strength and Weibull parameters at different fiber lengths. In this way, we obtained the spider silk scaling laws directly and according to Weibull's prediction. Both length and strain rates affect the mechanical properties of spider silk, as rationalized by Weibull's statistics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Greco
- Laboratory of Bio-inspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Nicola M. Pugno
- Laboratory of Bio-inspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, London E1 4NS, UK
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37
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Asakura T. Structure and Dynamics of Spider Silk Studied with Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Molecules 2020; 25:E2634. [PMID: 32517041 PMCID: PMC7321385 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This review will introduce very recent studies using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on the structure and dynamics of spider dragline silks conducted by the author's research group. Spider dragline silks possess extraordinary mechanical properties by combining high tensile strength with outstanding elongation before breaking, and therefore continue to attract attention of researchers in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, analytical chemistry, polymer technology, textile technology, and tissue engineering. However, the inherently non-crystalline structure means that X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction methods provide only limited information because it is difficult to study the molecular structure of the amorphous region. The most detailed picture of the structure and dynamics of the silks in the solid state experimentally have come from solid-state NMR measurements coupled with stable isotope labeling of the silks and the related silk peptides. In addition, combination of solid-state NMR and MD simulation was very powerful analytical tools to understand the local conformation and dynamics of the spider dragline silk in atomic resolution. In this review, the author will emphasize how solid-state NMR and MD simulation have contributed to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics in the spider dragline silks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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38
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Hydrothermal Effect on Mechanical Properties of Nephila pilipes Spidroin. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12051013. [PMID: 32365504 PMCID: PMC7284706 DOI: 10.3390/polym12051013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The superlative mechanical properties of spider silk and its conspicuous variations have instigated significant interest over the past few years. However, current attempts to synthetically spin spider silk fibers often yield an inferior physical performance, owing to the improper molecular interactions of silk proteins. Considering this, herein, a post-treatment process to reorganize molecular structures and improve the physical strength of spider silk is reported. The major ampullate dragline silk from Nephila pilipes with a high β-sheet content and an adequate tensile strength was utilized as the study material, while that from Cyrtophora moluccensis was regarded as a reference. Our results indicated that the hydrothermal post-treatment (50-70 °C) of natural spider silk could effectively induce the alternation of secondary structures (random coil to β-sheet) and increase the overall tensile strength of the silk. Such advantageous post-treatment strategy when applied to regenerated spider silk also leads to an increment in the strength by ~2.5-3.0 folds, recapitulating ~90% of the strength of native spider silk. Overall, this study provides a facile and effective post-spinning means for enhancing the molecular structures and mechanical properties of as-spun silk threads, both natural and regenerated.
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39
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Dugger TW, Sarkar S, Correa-Garhwal SM, Zhernenkov M, Zhang Y, Kolhatkar G, Mohan R, Cruz L, Lubio AD, Ruediger A, Hayashi CY, Uhrich KE, Kisailus DJ. Ultrastructures and Mechanics of Annealed Nephila clavipes Major Ampullate Silk. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1186-1194. [PMID: 32003982 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The semicrystalline protein structure and impressive mechanical properties of major ampullate (MA) spider silk make it a promising natural alternative to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers for carbon fiber manufacture. However, when annealed using a similar procedure to carbon fiber production, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of MA silk decrease. Despite this, MA silk fibers annealed at 600 °C remain stronger and tougher than similarly annealed PAN but have a lower Young's modulus. Although MA silk and PAN graphitize to similar extents, annealing disrupts the hydrogen bonding that controls crystal alignment within MA silk. Consequently, unaligned graphite crystals form in annealed MA silk, causing it to weaken, while graphite crystals in PAN maintain alignment along the fiber axis, strengthening the fibers. These shortcomings of spider silk when annealed provide insights into the selection and design of future alternative carbon fiber precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Dugger
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sourangsu Sarkar
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sandra M Correa-Garhwal
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 743 Brookhaven Avenue, Upton, New York 11973-5000, United States
| | - Yugang Zhang
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 743 Brookhaven Avenue, Upton, New York 11973-5000, United States
| | - Gitanjali Kolhatkar
- Nanoelectronics-Nanophotonics, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650, Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes J3X1S2, Québec, Canada
| | - Ramya Mohan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Luz Cruz
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Aura D Lubio
- Nanoelectronics-Nanophotonics, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650, Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes J3X1S2, Québec, Canada
| | - Andreas Ruediger
- Nanoelectronics-Nanophotonics, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650, Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes J3X1S2, Québec, Canada
| | - Cheryl Y Hayashi
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Division of Invertebrate Zoology and Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024-5192, United States
| | - Kathryn E Uhrich
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - David J Kisailus
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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40
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Patel M, Dubey DK, Singh SP. Phenomenological models of Bombyx mori silk fibroin and their mechanical behavior using molecular dynamics simulations. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 108:110414. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Saha S, Banskota S, Roberts S, Kirmani N, Chilkoti A. Engineering the Architecture of Elastin-Like Polypeptides: From Unimers to Hierarchical Self-Assembly. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020; 3:1900164. [PMID: 34307837 PMCID: PMC8297442 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Well-defined tunable nanostructures formed through the hierarchical self-assembly of peptide building blocks have drawn significant attention due to their potential applications in biomedical science. Artificial protein polymers derived from elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), which are based on the repeating sequence of tropoelastin (the water-soluble precursor to elastin), provide a promising platform for creating nanostructures due to their biocompatibility, ease of synthesis, and customizable architecture. By designing the sequence and composition of ELPs at the gene level, their physicochemical properties can be controlled to a degree that is unmatched by synthetic polymers. A variety of ELP-based nanostructures are designed, inspired by the self-assembly of elastin and other proteins in biological systems. The choice of building blocks determines not only the physical properties of the nanostructures, but also their self-assembly into architectures ranging from spherical micelles to elongated nanofibers. This review focuses on the molecular determinants of ELP and ELP-hybrid self-assembly and formation of spherical, rod-like, worm-like, fibrillar, and vesicle architectures. A brief discussion of the potential biomedical applications of these supramolecular assemblies is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Saha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Stefan Roberts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Nadia Kirmani
- Department of Biology, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Huang W, Restrepo D, Jung JY, Su FY, Liu Z, Ritchie RO, McKittrick J, Zavattieri P, Kisailus D. Multiscale Toughening Mechanisms in Biological Materials and Bioinspired Designs. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1901561. [PMID: 31268207 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201901561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological materials found in Nature such as nacre and bone are well recognized as light-weight, strong, and tough structural materials. The remarkable toughness and damage tolerance of such biological materials are conferred through hierarchical assembly of their multiscale (i.e., atomic- to macroscale) architectures and components. Herein, the toughening mechanisms of different organisms at multilength scales are identified and summarized: macromolecular deformation, chemical bond breakage, and biomineral crystal imperfections at the atomic scale; biopolymer fibril reconfiguration/deformation and biomineral nanoparticle/nanoplatelet/nanorod translation, and crack reorientation at the nanoscale; crack deflection and twisting by characteristic features such as tubules and lamellae at the microscale; and structure and morphology optimization at the macroscale. In addition, the actual loading conditions of the natural organisms are different, leading to energy dissipation occurring at different time scales. These toughening mechanisms are further illustrated by comparing the experimental results with computational modeling. Modeling methods at different length and time scales are reviewed. Examples of biomimetic designs that realize the multiscale toughening mechanisms in engineering materials are introduced. Indeed, there is still plenty of room mimicking the strong and tough biological designs at the multilength and time scale in Nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - David Restrepo
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Jae-Young Jung
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Frances Y Su
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Zengqian Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Materials Fatigue and Fracture Division, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Robert O Ritchie
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Joanna McKittrick
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Pablo Zavattieri
- Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - David Kisailus
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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Asakura T, Matsuda H, Aoki A, Kataoka N, Imai A. Conformational change of 13C-labeled 47-mer model peptides of Nephila clavipes dragline silk in poly(vinyl alcohol) film by stretching studied by 13C solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics simulation. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 131:654-665. [PMID: 30902719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
For determination of the conformation of irregular sequences in glycine-rich region of the Nephila clavipes spider dragline silk, the combination of 13C selectively labeled model peptides for the typical primary structure and their 13C solid-state NMR observations is very useful (T. Asakura et al. Macromolecules. 51 (2018) 3608-3619). However, spiders produce the fiber through the stretching process in nature and therefore, it is difficult to study conformational change by stretching as mimic using the model peptides because these are generally in the powder form. In this paper, 13C selectively labeled three model peptides, (Glu)4(Ala)6GlyGly12Ala13Gly14GlnGlyGlyTyrGlyGlyLeuGlySerGlnGly25Ala26Gly27ArgGly-GlyLeuGlyGlyGlnGly35Ala36Gly37(Ala)6(Glu)4 with three underlined 13C labeled blocks and their poly(vinyl alcohol) blend films were prepared and the conformational changes of these peptides were monitored by stretching of the films using 13C solid-state NMR. In addition, the molecular dynamics simulation was done to evaluate change in the conformation of the sequence by stretching theoretically. The fractions of β-sheet of Ala36 and Gly37 residues in glycine-rich region adjacent to the C-terminal (Ala)6 sequence increased significantly by stretching compared with those of other 13C labeled Ala and Gly residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan.
| | - Hironori Matsuda
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akihiro Aoki
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Naomi Kataoka
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akiko Imai
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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Mehrotra S, Chouhan D, Konwarh R, Kumar M, Jadi PK, Mandal BB. Comprehensive Review on Silk at Nanoscale for Regenerative Medicine and Allied Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:2054-2078. [PMID: 33405710 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Mehrotra
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati−781039, Assam, India
| | - Dimple Chouhan
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati−781039, Assam, India
| | - Rocktotpal Konwarh
- Biotechnology Department, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa−16417, Ethiopia
| | - Manishekhar Kumar
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati−781039, Assam, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Jadi
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati−781039, Assam, India
| | - Biman B. Mandal
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati−781039, Assam, India
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Liu D, Tarakanova A, Hsu CC, Yu M, Zheng S, Yu L, Liu J, He Y, Dunstan DJ, Buehler MJ. Spider dragline silk as torsional actuator driven by humidity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaau9183. [PMID: 30838327 PMCID: PMC6397028 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau9183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Self-powered actuation driven by ambient humidity is of practical interest for applications such as hygroscopic artificial muscles. We demonstrate that spider dragline silk exhibits a humidity-induced torsional deformation of more than 300°/mm. When the relative humidity reaches a threshold of about 70%, the dragline silk starts to generate a large twist deformation independent of spider species. The torsional actuation can be precisely controlled by regulating the relative humidity. The behavior of humidity-induced twist is related to the supercontraction behavior of spider dragline silk. Specifically, molecular simulations of MaSp1 and MaSp2 proteins in dragline silk reveal that the unique torsional property originates from the presence of proline in MaSp2. The large proline rings also contribute to steric exclusion and disruption of hydrogen bonding in the molecule. This property of dragline silk and its structural origin can inspire novel design of torsional actuators or artificial muscles and enable the development of designer biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dabiao Liu
- Department of Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Engineering Structural Analysis and Safety Assessment, Wuhan 430074, China
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Claire C. Hsu
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shimin Zheng
- Department of Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Longteng Yu
- Department of Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Jie Liu
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yuming He
- Department of Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Engineering Structural Analysis and Safety Assessment, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - D. J. Dunstan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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46
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Zha RH, Delparastan P, Fink TD, Bauer J, Scheibel T, Messersmith PB. Universal nanothin silk coatings via controlled spidroin self-assembly. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:683-695. [PMID: 30628598 PMCID: PMC6459601 DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01186a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Robust, biocompatible, and facile coatings are promising for improving the in vivo performance of medical implants and devices. Here, we demonstrate the formation of nanothin silk coatings by leveraging the biomimetic self-assembly of eADF4(C16), an amphiphilic recombinant protein based on the Araneus diadematus dragline spidroin ADF4. These coatings result from concurrent adsorption and supramolecular assembly of eADF4(C16) induced by KH2PO4, thereby providing a mild one-pot coating strategy in which the coating rate can be controlled by protein and KH2PO4 concentration. The thickness of the coatings ranges from 2-30 nm depending on the time immersed in the aqueous coating solution. Coatings can be formed on hydrophobic and hydrophilic substrates regardless of surface chemistry and without requiring specialized surface activation. Moreover, coatings appear to be stable through vigorous rinsing and prolonged agitation in water. Grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering, single-molecule force spectroscopy, and Congo red staining techniques confirm the formation of β-sheet nanocrystals within the eADF4(C16) coating, which contributes to the cohesive and adhesive stability of the material. Coatings are exceptionally smooth in the dry state and are hydrophilic regardless of substrate hydrophobicity. Under aqueous conditions, nanothin silk coatings exhibit the properties of a hydrogel material.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Helen Zha
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St., Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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Liu X, Liu D, Lee JH, Zheng Q, Du X, Zhang X, Xu H, Wang Z, Wu Y, Shen X, Cui J, Mai YW, Kim JK. Spider-Web-Inspired Stretchable Graphene Woven Fabric for Highly Sensitive, Transparent, Wearable Strain Sensors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:2282-2294. [PMID: 30582684 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Advanced wearable strain sensors with high sensitivity and stretchability are an essential component of flexible and soft electronic devices. Conventional metal- and semiconductor-based strain sensors are rigid, fragile, and opaque, restricting their applications in wearable electronics. Graphene-based percolative structures possess high flexibility and transparency but lack high sensitivity and stretchability. Inspired by the highly flexible spider web architecture, we propose semitransparent, ultrasensitive, and wearable strain sensors made from an elastomer-filled graphene woven fabric (E-GWF) for monitoring human physiological signals. The highly flexible elastomer microskeleton and the hierarchical structure of a graphene tube offer the strain sensor with both excellent sensing and switching capabilities. Two different types of E-GWF sensors, including freestanding E-GWF and E-GWF/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites, are developed. When their structure is controlled and optimized, the E-GWF strain sensors simultaneously exhibit extraordinary characteristics, such as a high gauge factor (70 at 10% strain, which ascends to 282 at 20%) in respect to other semitransparent or transparent strain sensors, a broad sensing range up to 30%, and excellent linearity. The E-GWF/PDMS composite sensor shows a unique reversible switching behavior at a high strain level of 30-50%, making it a suitable material for fast and reversible strain switching required in many early warning systems. With a view to real-world applications of these sensors and switches, we demonstrate human motion detection and switch controls of light-emitting-diode lamps and liquid-crystal-display circuits. Their unique structure and capabilities can find a wide range of practical applications, such as health monitoring, medical diagnosis, early warning systems for structural failure, and wearable displays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Jeng-Hun Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Qingbin Zheng
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
- Institute for Advanced Study , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Hong Kong
| | - Xiaohan Du
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Hongru Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xi Shen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Jiang Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Yiu-Wing Mai
- Centre for Advanced Materials Technology, School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering , The University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - Jang-Kyo Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
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López Barreiro D, Yeo J, Tarakanova A, Martin-Martinez FJ, Buehler MJ. Multiscale Modeling of Silk and Silk-Based Biomaterials-A Review. Macromol Biosci 2018; 19:e1800253. [PMID: 30375164 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201800253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Silk embodies outstanding material properties and biologically relevant functions achieved through a delicate hierarchical structure. It can be used to create high-performance, multifunctional, and biocompatible materials through mild processes and careful rational material designs. To achieve this goal, computational modeling has proven to be a powerful platform to unravel the causes of the excellent mechanical properties of silk, to predict the properties of the biomaterials derived thereof, and to assist in devising new manufacturing strategies. Fine-scale modeling has been done mainly through all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, which offer a bottom-up description of silk. In this work, a selection of relevant contributions of computational modeling is reviewed to understand the properties of natural silk, and to the design of silk-based materials, especially combined with experimental methods. Future research directions are also pointed out, including approaches such as 3D printing and machine learning, that may enable a high throughput design and manufacturing of silk-based biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego López Barreiro
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jingjie Yeo
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138632, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Francisco J Martin-Martinez
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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High-performance nanomaterials formed by rigid yet extensible cyclic β-peptide polymers. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4090. [PMID: 30291243 PMCID: PMC6173727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms have evolved biomaterials with an extraordinary convergence of high mechanical strength, toughness, and elasticity. In contrast, synthetic materials excel in stiffness or extensibility, and a combination of the two is necessary to exceed the performance of natural biomaterials. We bridge this materials property gap through the side-chain-to-side-chain polymerization of cyclic β-peptide rings. Due to their strong dipole moments, the rings self-assemble into rigid nanorods, stabilized by hydrogen bonds. Displayed amines serve as functionalization sites, or, if protonated, force the polymer to adopt an unfolded conformation. This molecular design enhances the processability and extensibility of the biopolymer. Molecular dynamics simulations predict stick-slip deformations dissipate energy at large strains, thereby, yielding toughness values greater than natural silks. Moreover, the synthesis route can be adapted to alter the dimensions and displayed chemistries of nanomaterials with mechanical properties that rival nature. Synthetic materials tend to excel in either stiffness or extensibility, whereas a combination of the two is necessary to exceed the performance of natural biomaterials. Here the authors present a bioinspired polymer consisting of cyclic β-peptide rings that is capable of transitioning between rigid and unfolded conformations on demand.
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50
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Asakura T, Matsuda H, Kataoka N, Imai A. Changes in the Local Structure of Nephila clavipes Dragline Silk Model Peptides upon Trifluoroacetic Acid, Low pH, Freeze-Drying, and Hydration Treatments Studied by 13C Solid-State NMR. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:4396-4410. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hironori Matsuda
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Naomi Kataoka
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akiko Imai
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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