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Guo X, Ji X, Li X, Du J, Sun L, Feng A, Yuan J, Thang SH. Gas-Responsive Self-Assemblies for Mimicking the Alveoli. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100019. [PMID: 33715233 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In human body, alveoli are the primary sites for gas exchange which are formed by the dilation and protrusion of bronchioles at the end of the lung, and the rapid gas-exchanging process in the alveoli ensures normal life activities. Based on the unique structures and functions of alveoli, it is necessary to study the regulation mechanism of its formation, respiration, and apoptosis. Herein, a class of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-derived amphiphilic triblock copolymers, PEO-b-P(DEAEMA-co-FMA)-b-PS is designed and synthesized. Due to the amphiphilic and gas-responsive segments, these triblock copolymers can self-assemble in aqueous solution and undergo the morphological transition from nanotubes to vesicles under gas stimulation; meanwhile, in the cycles of CO2 /O2 stimulation, these vesicles can further realize the volume expansion and contraction, eventually rupture. The gas-driven morphological transformations of these aggregates successfully imitate the formation, respiration, and apoptosis of alveoli, and provide an essential basis for revealing the life phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preparation and Processing of New Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xianfeng Ji
- Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xuehai Li
- Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinhong Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preparation and Processing of New Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Anchao Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Preparation and Processing of New Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Center of Advanced Elastomer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jinying Yuan
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - San H Thang
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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2
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Xu D, Wang Y, Liang C, You Y, Sanchez S, Ma X. Self-Propelled Micro/Nanomotors for On-Demand Biomedical Cargo Transportation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1902464. [PMID: 31464072 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201902464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) are miniaturized machines that can perform assigned tasks at the micro/nanoscale. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the design, preparation, and applications of MNMs that are powered by converting different sources of energy into mechanical force, to realize active movement and fulfill on-demand tasks. MNMs can be navigated to desired locations with precise controllability based on different guidance mechanisms. A considerable research effort has gone into demonstrating that MNMs possess the potential of biomedical cargo loading, transportation, and targeted release to achieve therapeutic functions. Herein, the recent advances of self-propelled MNMs for on-demand biomedical cargo transportation, including their self-propulsion mechanisms, guidance strategies, as well as proof-of-concept studies for biological applications are presented. In addition, some of the major challenges and possible opportunities of MNMs are identified for future biomedical applications in the hope that it may inspire future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chunyan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yongqiang You
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Samuel Sanchez
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Xing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Flexible Printed Electronic Technology Center, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
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3
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Zhou X, Li Z, Tan L, Zhang Y, Jiao Y. Near-Infrared Light-Steered Graphene Aerogel Micromotor with High Speed and Precise Navigation for Active Transport and Microassembly. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:23134-23144. [PMID: 32329607 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c04970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fuel-free light-driven micromotors have attracted increasing attention since the advantages of reversible, noninvasive, and remote maneuver are on demand with excellent spatial and temporal resolution. However, they suffer from a challenging bottleneck of the rather modest motion speed, which hinders their applications, needing to overcome the water flow movement in environmental water. Herein, we demonstrate a near-infrared (NIR) light-steered, precise navigation-controlled micromotor based on a reduced graphene oxide aerogel microsphere (RGOAM), which possesses an isotropic structure and is easily prepared by a one-step electrospray approach other than conventional light-propelled micromotors with the Janus structure. Benefiting from the ultralight weight of the aerogel and lesser fluid resistance on the water surface, the RGOAM motors show a higher motion speed (up to 17.60 mm/s) than that in the published literature, letting it overcome counterflow. Taking advantage of the photothermal conversion capacity of the RGOAM under an asymmetric light field, it is capable of moving both on the water driven by the Marangoni effect and under the water via light-manipulated density change. The motion direction and speed on water as well as the "start/stop" state can be precisely steered by NIR light even in a complicated maze. Due to its strong adsorption and loading capacity, the RGOAM can be applied for active loading-transport-release of dyes on demand as well as micropart assembling and shaping. Our work provides a strategy to achieve high speed, precise navigation control, and functional extensibility simultaneously for micromotors, which may offer considerable promise for the broad biomedical and environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhentao Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lihui Tan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yanpeng Jiao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Cai L, Wang H, Yu Y, Bian F, Wang Y, Shi K, Ye F, Zhao Y. Stomatocyte structural color-barcode micromotors for multiplex assays. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 7:644-651. [PMID: 34692083 PMCID: PMC8288915 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial micromotors have a demonstrated value in the biomedical area. Attempts to develop this technology tend to impart micromotors with novel functions to improve the values. Herein, we present novel structural color-barcode micromotors for the multiplex assays. We found that, by rapidly extracting solvent and assembling monodispersed nanoparticles in droplets, it could form stomatocyte colloidal crystal clusters, which not only showed striking structural colors and characteristic reflection peaks due to their ordered nanoparticles arrangement, but also provided effective cavities for the integration of functional elements. Thus, the micromotors with catalysts or magnetic elements in their cavities, as well as with the corresponding structural color coding, could be achieved by using the platinum and ferric oxide dispersed pre-gel to fill and duplicate the stomatocyte colloidal crystal clusters. We have demonstrated that the self-movement of these structural color-barcode micromotors could efficiently accelerate the mixing speed of the detection sample and greatly increase the probe–target interactions towards faster and more sensitive single or multiplex detection, and the magnetism of these barcode micromotors enables the flexible collection of the micromotors, which could facilitate the detection processes. These features make the stomatocyte structural color-barcode micromotors ideal for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Cai
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yunru Yu
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Feika Bian
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Precision Medicine Center Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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Che H, Zhu J, Song S, Mason AF, Cao S, Pijpers IAB, Abdelmohsen LKEA, van Hest JCM. ATP-Mediated Transient Behavior of Stomatocyte Nanosystems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:13113-13118. [PMID: 31267638 PMCID: PMC7079195 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201906331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In nature, dynamic processes are ubiquitous and often characterized by adaptive, transient behavior. Herein, we present the development of a transient bowl-shaped nanoreactor system, or stomatocyte, the properties of which are mediated by molecular interactions. In a stepwise fashion, we couple motility to a dynamic process, which is maintained by transient events; namely, binding and unbinding of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The surface of the nanosystem is decorated with polylysine (PLL), and regulation is achieved by addition of ATP. The dynamic interaction between PLL and ATP leads to an increase in the hydrophobicity of the PLL-ATP complex and subsequently to a collapse of the polymer; this causes a narrowing of the opening of the stomatocytes. The presence of the apyrase, which hydrolyzes ATP, leads to a decrease of the ATP concentration, decomplexation of PLL, and reopening of the stomatocyte. The competition between ATP input and consumption gives rise to a transient state that is controlled by the out-of-equilibrium process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Che
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jianzhi Zhu
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Shidong Song
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Alexander F. Mason
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Imke A. B. Pijpers
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsP.O. Box 513 (STO 3.41)5600MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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7
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Abraham Z, Hawley E, Hayosh D, Webster-Wood VA, Akkus O. Kinesin and Dynein Mechanics: Measurement Methods and Research Applications. J Biomech Eng 2019; 140:2654261. [PMID: 28901373 DOI: 10.1115/1.4037886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Motor proteins play critical roles in the normal function of cells and proper development of organisms. Among motor proteins, failings in the normal function of two types of proteins, kinesin and dynein, have been shown to lead many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. As such, it is critical to researchers to understand the underlying mechanics and behaviors of these proteins, not only to shed light on how failures may lead to disease, but also to guide research toward novel treatment and nano-engineering solutions. To this end, many experimental techniques have been developed to measure the force and motility capabilities of these proteins. This review will (a) discuss such techniques, specifically microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical trapping, and magnetic tweezers, and (b) the resulting nanomechanical properties of motor protein functions such as stalling force, velocity, and dependence on adenosine triphosophate (ATP) concentrations will be comparatively discussed. Additionally, this review will highlight the clinical importance of these proteins. Furthermore, as the understanding of the structure and function of motor proteins improves, novel applications are emerging in the field. Specifically, researchers have begun to modify the structure of existing proteins, thereby engineering novel elements to alter and improve native motor protein function, or even allow the motor proteins to perform entirely new tasks as parts of nanomachines. Kinesin and dynein are vital elements for the proper function of cells. While many exciting experiments have shed light on their function, mechanics, and applications, additional research is needed to completely understand their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Abraham
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Emma Hawley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Daniel Hayosh
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Victoria A Webster-Wood
- Mem. ASME Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 e-mail:
| | - Ozan Akkus
- Mem. ASME Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
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8
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Xu L, Mou F, Gong H, Luo M, Guan J. Light-driven micro/nanomotors: from fundamentals to applications. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 46:6905-6926. [PMID: 28949354 DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00516d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Light, as an external stimulus, is capable of driving the motion of micro/nanomotors (MNMs) with the advantages of reversible, wireless and remote manoeuvre on demand with excellent spatial and temporal resolution. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art light-driven MNMs, which are able to move in liquids or on a substrate surface by converting light energy into mechanical work. The general design strategies for constructing asymmetric fields around light-driven MNMs to propel themselves are introduced as well as the photoactive materials for light-driven MNMs, including photocatalytic materials, photothermal materials and photochromic materials. Then, the propulsion mechanisms and motion behaviors of the so far developed light-driven MNMs are illustrated in detail involving light-induced phoretic propulsion, bubble recoil and interfacial tension gradient, followed by recent progress in the light-driven movement of liquid crystalline elastomers based on light-induced deformation. An outlook is further presented on the future development of light-driven MNMs towards overcoming key challenges after summarizing the potential applications in biomedical, environmental and micro/nanoengineering fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China.
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9
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Vandenboom R. Modulation of Skeletal Muscle Contraction by Myosin Phosphorylation. Compr Physiol 2016; 7:171-212. [PMID: 28135003 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The striated muscle sarcomere is a highly organized and complex enzymatic and structural organelle. Evolutionary pressures have played a vital role in determining the structure-function relationship of each protein within the sarcomere. A key part of this multimeric assembly is the light chain-binding domain (LCBD) of the myosin II motor molecule. This elongated "beam" functions as a biological lever, amplifying small interdomain movements within the myosin head into piconewton forces and nanometer displacements against the thin filament during the cross-bridge cycle. The LCBD contains two subunits known as the essential and regulatory myosin light chains (ELC and RLC, respectively). Isoformic differences in these respective species provide molecular diversity and, in addition, sites for phosphorylation of serine residues, a highly conserved feature of striated muscle systems. Work on permeabilized skeletal fibers and thick filament systems shows that the skeletal myosin light chain kinase catalyzed phosphorylation of the RLC alters the "interacting head motif" of myosin motor heads on the thick filament surface, with myriad consequences for muscle biology. At rest, structure-function changes may upregulate actomyosin ATPase activity of phosphorylated cross-bridges. During activation, these same changes may increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of force development to enhance force, work, and power output, outcomes known as "potentiation." Thus, although other mechanisms may contribute, RLC phosphorylation may represent a form of thick filament activation that provides a "molecular memory" of contraction. The clinical significance of these RLC phosphorylation mediated alterations to contractile performance of various striated muscle systems are just beginning to be understood. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:171-212, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Vandenboom
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Lin X, Wu Z, Wu Y, Xuan M, He Q. Self-Propelled Micro-/Nanomotors Based on Controlled Assembled Architectures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2016; 28:1060-72. [PMID: 26421653 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201502583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic micro-/nanomotors (MNMs) are capable of performing self-propelled motion in fluids through harvesting different types of energies into mechanical movement, with potential applications in biomedicine and other fields. To address the challenges in these applications, a promising strategy that combines controlled assembly (bottom-up approaches) with top-down approaches for engineering autonomous, multifunctionalized MNMs is under investigation, beginning in 2012. These MNMs, derived from layer-by-layer assembly or molecular self-assembly, display the advantages of: i) mass production, ii) response to the external stimuli, and iii) access to multifunctionality, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The advance on how to integrate diverse functional components into different architectures based on controlled assemblies, to realize controlled fabrication, motion control (including the movement speed, direction, and state), and biomedical applications of MNMs, directed by the concept of nanoarchitectonics, are highlighted here. The remaining challenges and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiankun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System (HIT), Micro/Nanotechnology Research Center Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Zhiguang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System (HIT), Micro/Nanotechnology Research Center Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System (HIT), Micro/Nanotechnology Research Center Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Mingjun Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System (HIT), Micro/Nanotechnology Research Center Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Qiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System (HIT), Micro/Nanotechnology Research Center Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
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11
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Immunolocalization of skeletal matrix proteins in tissue and mineral of the coral Stylophora pistillata. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:12728-33. [PMID: 25139990 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1408621111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The precipitation and assembly of calcium carbonate skeletons by stony corals is a precisely controlled process regulated by the secretion of an ECM. Recently, it has been reported that the proteome of the skeletal organic matrix (SOM) contains a group of coral acid-rich proteins as well as an assemblage of adhesion and structural proteins, which together, create a framework for the precipitation of aragonite. To date, we are aware of no report that has investigated the localization of individual SOM proteins in the skeleton. In particular, no data are available on the ultrastructural mapping of these proteins in the calcification site or the skeleton. This information is crucial to assessing the role of these proteins in biomineralization. Immunological techniques represent a valuable approach to localize a single component within a calcified skeleton. By using immunogold labeling and immunohistochemical assays, here we show the spatial arrangement of key matrix proteins in tissue and skeleton of the common zooxanthellate coral, Stylophora pistillata. To our knowledge, our results reveal for the first time that, at the nanoscale, skeletal proteins are embedded within the aragonite crystals in a highly ordered arrangement consistent with a diel calcification pattern. In the tissue, these proteins are not restricted to the calcifying epithelium, suggesting that they also play other roles in the coral's metabolic pathways.
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12
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Mou F, Chen C, Zhong Q, Yin Y, Ma H, Guan J. Autonomous motion and temperature-controlled drug delivery of Mg/Pt-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Janus micromotors driven by simulated body fluid and blood plasma. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:9897-903. [PMID: 24869766 DOI: 10.1021/am502729y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we have demonstrated the autonomous motion of biologically-friendly Mg/Pt-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) Janus micromotors in simulated body fluids (SBF) or blood plasma without any other additives. The pit corrosion of chloride anions and the buffering effect of SBF or blood plasma in removing the Mg(OH)2 passivation layer play major roles for accelerating Mg-H2O reaction to produce hydrogen propulsion for the micromotors. Furthermore, the Mg/Pt-PNIPAM Janus micromotors can effectively uptake, transport, and temperature-control-release drug molecules by taking advantage of the partial surface-attached thermoresponsive PNIPAM hydrogel layers. The PNIPAM hydrogel layers on the micromotors can be easily replaced with other responsive polymers or antibodies by the surface modification strategy, suggesting that the as-proposed micromotors also hold a promising potential for separation and detection of heavy metal ions, toxicants, or proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology , Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
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13
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Mercadante D, Melton LD, Jameson GB, Williams MAK. Processive pectin methylesterases: the role of electrostatic potential, breathing motions and bond cleavage in the rectification of Brownian motions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87581. [PMID: 24503943 PMCID: PMC3913658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) hydrolyze the methylester groups that are found on the homogalacturonan (HG) chains of pectic polysaccharides in the plant cell wall. Plant and bacterial PMEs are especially interesting as the resulting de-methylesterified (carboxylated) sugar residues are found to be arranged contiguously, indicating a so-called processive nature of these enzymes. Here we report the results of continuum electrostatics calculations performed along the molecular dynamics trajectory of a PME-HG-decasaccharide complex. In particular it was observed that, when the methylester groups of the decasaccharide were arranged in order to mimic the just-formed carboxylate product of de-methylesterification, a net unidirectional sliding of the model decasaccharide was subsequently observed along the enzyme’s binding groove. The changes that occurred in the electrostatic binding energy and protein dynamics during this translocation provide insights into the mechanism by which the enzyme rectifies Brownian motions to achieve processivity. The free energy that drives these molecular motors is thus demonstrated to be incorporated endogenously in the methylesterified groups of the HG chains and is not supplied exogenously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Mercadante
- The Riddet Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laurence D. Melton
- The Riddet Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Geoffrey B. Jameson
- The Riddet Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Martin A. K. Williams
- The Riddet Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
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14
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Chowdhury D. Michaelis-Menten at 100 and allosterism at 50: driving molecular motors in a hailstorm with noisy ATPase engines and allosteric transmission. FEBS J 2013; 281:601-11. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Wilson DA, de Nijs B, van Blaaderen A, Nolte RJM, van Hest JCM. Fuel concentration dependent movement of supramolecular catalytic nanomotors. NANOSCALE 2013; 5:1315-1318. [PMID: 23223943 DOI: 10.1039/c2nr32976j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the fuel concentration on the movement of self-assembled nanomotors based on polymersomes is reported. Positive control over the speed of the nanomotors and insights into the mechanism of propulsion are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Wilson
- Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Autonomous movement of platinum-loaded stomatocytes. Nat Chem 2012; 4:268-74. [DOI: 10.1038/nchem.1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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