1
|
Chen C, Ganar KA, de Haas RJ, Jarnot N, Hogeveen E, de Vries R, Deshpande S. Elastin-like polypeptide coacervates as reversibly triggerable compartments for synthetic cells. Commun Chem 2024; 7:198. [PMID: 39232074 PMCID: PMC11374812 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization is a vital aspect of living cells to orchestrate intracellular processes. In a similar vein, constructing dynamic and responsive sub-compartments is key to synthetic cell engineering. In recent years, liquid-liquid phase separation via coacervation has offered an innovative avenue for creating membraneless organelles (MOs) within artificial cells. Here, we present a lab-on-a-chip system to reversibly trigger peptide-based coacervates within cell-mimicking confinements. We use double emulsion droplets (DEs) as our synthetic cell containers while pH-responsive elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) act as the coacervate system. We first present a high-throughput microfluidic DE production enabling efficient encapsulation of the ELPs. The DEs are then harvested to perform multiple MO formation-dissolution cycles using pH as well as temperature variation. For controlled long-term visualization and modulation of the external environment, we developed an integrated microfluidic device for trapping and environmental stimulation of DEs, with negligible mechanical force, and demonstrated a proof-of-principle osmolyte-based triggering to induce multiple MO formation-dissolution cycles. In conclusion, our work showcases the use of DEs and ELPs in designing membraneless reversible compartmentalization within synthetic cells via physicochemical triggers. Additionally, presented on-chip platform can be applied over a wide range of phase separation and vesicle systems for applications in synthetic cells and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Chen
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ketan A Ganar
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert J de Haas
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nele Jarnot
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Hogeveen
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renko de Vries
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Siddharth Deshpande
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu Z, Chen Y, Li J, Chen C, Lu H, Chen S, Zhang T, Guo T, Zhu Y, Jin J, Yan S, Chen H. A tempo-spatial controllable microfluidic shear-stress generator for in-vitro mimicking of the thrombus. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:187. [PMID: 38632623 PMCID: PMC11022418 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02334-6] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological conditions linked to shear stress have been identified in hematological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These conditions often exhibit significantly elevated shear stress levels, surpassing 1000 dyn/cm2 in severely stenotic arteries. Heightened shear stress can induce mechanical harm to endothelial cells, potentially leading to bleeding and fatal consequences. However, current technology still grapples with limitations, including inadequate flexibility in simulating bodily shear stress environments, limited range of shear stress generation, and spatial and temporal adaptability. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the impact of shear stress on physiological and pathological conditions, like thrombosis, remains inadequate. To address these limitations, this study presents a microfluidic-based shear stress generation chip as a proposed solution. The chip achieves a substantial 929-fold variation in shear stress solely by adjusting the degree of constriction in branch channels after PDMS fabrication. Experiments demonstrated that a rapid increase in shear stress up to 1000 dyn/cm2 significantly detached 88.2% cells from the substrate. Long-term exposure (24 h) to shear stress levels below 8.3 dyn/cm2 did not significantly impact cell growth. Furthermore, cells exposed to shear stress levels equal to or greater than 8.3 dyn/cm2 exhibited significant alterations in aspect ratio and orientation, following a normal distribution. This microfluidic chip provides a reliable tool for investigating cellular responses to the wide-ranging shear stress existing in both physiological and pathological flow conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang Yu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yiqun Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Chang Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Huaxiu Lu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tianruo Guo
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yonggang Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jing Jin
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Sheng Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Huaying Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roshan U, Mudugamuwa A, Cha H, Hettiarachchi S, Zhang J, Nguyen NT. Actuation for flexible and stretchable microdevices. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:2146-2175. [PMID: 38507292 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01086d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Flexible and stretchable microdevices incorporate highly deformable structures, facilitating precise functionality at the micro- and millimetre scale. Flexible microdevices have showcased extensive utility in the fields of biomedicine, microfluidics, and soft robotics. Actuation plays a critical role in transforming energy between different forms, ensuring the effective operation of devices. However, when it comes to actuating flexible microdevices at the small millimetre or even microscale, translating actuation mechanisms from conventional rigid large-scale devices is not straightforward. The recent development of actuation mechanisms leverages the benefits of device flexibility, particularly in transforming conventional actuation concepts into more efficient approaches for flexible devices. Despite many reviews on soft robotics, flexible electronics, and flexible microfluidics, a specific and systematic review of the actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices is still lacking. Therefore, the present review aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices. We elaborate on the different actuation mechanisms based on fluid pressure, electric, magnetic, mechanical, and chemical sources, thoroughly examining and comparing the structure designs, characteristics, performance, advantages, and drawbacks of these diverse actuation mechanisms. Furthermore, the review explores the pivotal role of materials and fabrication techniques in the development of flexible and stretchable microdevices. Finally, we summarise the applications of these devices in biomedicine and soft robotics and provide perspectives on current and future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uditha Roshan
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Amith Mudugamuwa
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Haotian Cha
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Samith Hettiarachchi
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiang N, Ni Z. Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13020161. [PMID: 36831927 PMCID: PMC9953641 DOI: 10.3390/bios13020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics refers to a technique for controlling and analyzing the fluids or micro-/nano-bioparticles in microscale channels or structures [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zhonghua Ni
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| |
Collapse
|