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Shi R, Lu W, Yang J, Ma S, Wang A, Sun L, Xia Q, Zhao P. Ectopic expression of BmeryCA in Bombyx mori increases silk yield and mechanical properties by altering the pH of posterior silk gland. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132695. [PMID: 38810858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132695] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The silk glands are the specialized tissue where silk protein synthesis, secretion, and conformational transitions take place, with pH playing a critical role in both silk protein synthesis and fiber formation. In the present study, we have identified erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (BmeryCA) belonging to the α-CA class in the silk gland, which is a Zn2+ dependent metalloenzyme capable of efficiently and reversibly catalyzing the hydrated reaction of CO2 to HCO3-, thus participating in the regulation of acid-base balance. Multiple sequence alignments revealed that the active site of BmeryCA was highly conserved. Tissue expression profiling showed that BmeryCA had relatively high expression levels in hemolymph and epidermis but is barely expressed in the posterior silk gland (PSG). By specifically overexpressing BmeryCA in the PSG, we generated transgenic silkworms. Ion-selective microelectrode (ISM) measurements demonstrated that specifically overexpression of BmeryCA in the PSG led to a shift in pH from weakly alkaline to slightly neutral conditions. Moreover, the resultant PSG-specific BmeryCA overexpression mutant strain displayed a significant increase in both silk yield and silk fiber mechanical properties. Our research provided new insights into enhancing silk yield and improving the mechanical properties of silk fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Shi
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aoming Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Le Sun
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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2
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Välisalmi T, Linder MB. The ratio of fibroin to sericin in the middle silk gland of Bombyx mori and its correlation with the extensional behavior of the silk dope. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4907. [PMID: 38380732 PMCID: PMC10880417 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4907] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how native silk spinning occurs is crucial for designing artificial spinning systems. One often overlooked factor in Bombyx mori is the secretion of sericin proteins. Herein, we investigate the variation in amino acid content at different locations in the middle silk gland (MSG) of B. mori. This variation corresponds to an increase in sericin content when moving towards the anterior region of the MSG, while the posterior region predominantly contains fibroin. We estimate the mass ratio of sericin to fibroin to be ~25/75 wt% in the anterior MSG, depending on the fitting method. Then, we demonstrate that the improvement in the extensional behavior of the silk dope in the MSG correlates with the increase in sericin content. The addition of sericin may decrease the viscosity of the silk dope, a factor associated with an increase in the spinnability of silk. We further discuss whether this effect could also result from other known physicochemical changes within the MSG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teemu Välisalmi
- Department of Bioproducts and BiosystemsSchool of Chemical Engineering, Aalto UniversityAaltoFinland
- Centre of Excellence in Life‐Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER)Aalto UniversityAaltoFinland
| | - Markus B. Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and BiosystemsSchool of Chemical Engineering, Aalto UniversityAaltoFinland
- Centre of Excellence in Life‐Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER)Aalto UniversityAaltoFinland
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3
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Wang X, Ye X, Guo J, Dai X, Yu S, Zhong B. Modeling the 3-dimensional structure of the silkworm's spinning apparatus in silk production. Acta Biomater 2024; 174:217-227. [PMID: 38030101 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.030] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The silk-spinning process of the silkworms transforms the liquid silk solution to a solid state under mild conditions, making it an attractive model for bioinspiration However, the precise mechanism behind silk expulsion remains largely unknown. Here we selected the silkworms as representative models to investigate the silk-spinning mechanism. We used serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to reconstruct the three-dimensional structures of the spinnerets in silkworms at various stages and with different gene backgrounds. By comparing the musculature and duct deformation of these spinneret models during the spinning process, we were able to simulate the morphological changes of the spinneret. Based on the results, we proposed three essential factors for silkworm spinning: the pressure generated by the silk gland, the opening duct, and the pulling force generated by head movement. Understanding the silkworm spinning process provides insights into clarify the fluid-ejecting mechanism of a group of animals. Moreover, these findings are helpful to the development of biomimetic spinning device that mimics the push-and-pull dual-force system in silkworms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The silkworms' spinning system produces fibers under mild conditions, making it an ideal candidate for bioinspiration. However, the mechanism of silk expulsion is unknown, and the three-dimensional structure of the spinneret is still uncertain. In this study, we reconstructed a detailed 3-dimensional model of the spinneret at near-nanometer resolution, and for the first time, we observed the changes that occur before and during the silk-spinning process. Our reconstructed models suggested that silkworms have the ability to control the spinning process by opening or closing the spinning duct. During the continuously spinning period, both the pressure generated by the silk gland and the pulling force resulting from head movement work in tandem to expel the silk solution. We believe that gaining a full understanding of the spinning process steps can advance our ability to spin synthetic fibers with properties comparable to those of native fibers by mimicking the natural spinning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinqiu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaogang Ye
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, 310058 Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jiansheng Guo
- Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Center of Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangping Dai
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, 310058 Hangzhou, China
| | - Boxiong Zhong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, 310058 Hangzhou, China.
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4
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Menke MA, Li BM, Arnold MG, Mueller LE, Dietrich R, Zhou S, Kelley-Loughnane N, Dennis P, Boock JT, Estevez J, Tabor CE, Sparks JL. Silky Liquid Metal Electrodes for On-Skin Health Monitoring. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301811. [PMID: 37779336 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301811] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Next generation on-skin electrodes will require soft, flexible, and gentle materials to provide both high-fidelity sensing and wearer comfort. However, many commercially available on-skin electrodes lack these key properties due to their use of rigid hardware, harsh adhesives, uncomfortable support structures, and poor breathability. To address these challenges, this work presents a new device paradigm by joining biocompatible electrospun spider silk with printable liquid metal to yield an incredibly soft and scalable on-skin electrode that is strain-tolerant, conformable, and gentle on-skin. These electrodes, termed silky liquid metal (SLiM) electrodes, are found to be over five times more breathable than commercial wet electrodes, while the silk's intrinsic adhesion mechanism allows SLiM electrodes to avoid the use of harsh artificial adhesives, potentially decreasing skin irritation and inflammation over long-term use. Finally, the SLiM electrodes provide comparable impedances to traditional wet and other liquid metal electrodes, offering a high-fidelity sensing alternative with increased wearer comfort. Human subject testing confirmed the SLiM electrodes ability to sense electrophysiological signals with high fidelity and minimal irritation to the skin. The unique properties of the reported SLiM electrodes offer a comfortable electrophysiological sensing solution especially for patients with pre-existing skin conditions or surface wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Menke
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Braden M Li
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Human Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Meghan G Arnold
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Logan E Mueller
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Robin Dietrich
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Shijie Zhou
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Patrick Dennis
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Jason T Boock
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Joseph Estevez
- Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, CA, 93555, USA
| | - Christopher E Tabor
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Jessica L Sparks
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
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5
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Suzuki Y, Morie S, Okamura H, Asakura T, Naito A. Real-Time Monitoring of the Structural Transition of Bombyx mori Liquid Silk under Pressure by Solid-State NMR. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:22925-22933. [PMID: 37828719 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibroin is stored in the silk glands of Bombyx mori silkworms as a condensed aqueous solution called liquid silk. It is converted into silk fibers at the silkworm's spinnerets under mechanical forces including shear stress and pressure. However, the detailed mechanism of the structural transition of liquid silk to silk fibers under pressure is not well understood. Magic angle spinning (MAS) in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can exert pressure on liquid samples in a quantitative manner. In this study, solid-state NMR was used to quantitatively analyze the impact of pressure on the structural transition of liquid silk. A combination of 13C DD-MAS and CP-MAS NMR measurements enabled the conformation and dynamics of the crystalline region of the silk fibroin (both before (Silk Ip) and after (Silk IIp) the structural transition) to be detected in real time with atomic resolution. Spectral analyses proposed that the pressure-induced structural transition from Silk Ip to Silk IIp proceeds by a two-step autocatalytic reaction mechanism. The first reaction step is a nucleation step in which Silk Ip transforms to single lamellar Silk IIp, and the second is a growth step in which the single lamellar Silk IIp acts as a catalyst that reacts with Silk Ip molecules to further form Silk IIp molecules, resulting in stacked lamellar Silk IIp. Furthermore, the rate constant in the second step shows a significant pressure dependence, with an increase in pressure accelerating the formation of large stacked lamellar Silk IIp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Suzuki
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1, Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui 9108507, Japan
| | - Shota Morie
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1, Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui 9108507, Japan
| | - Hideyasu Okamura
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1, Bunkyo, Fukui-shi, Fukui 9108507, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akira Naito
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Tokiwadai 79-5, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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6
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Välisalmi T, Bettahar H, Zhou Q, Linder MB. Pulling and analyzing silk fibers from aqueous solution using a robotic device. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 250:126161. [PMID: 37549763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Spiders, silkworms, and many other animals can spin silk with exceptional properties. However, artificially spun fibers often fall short of their natural counterparts partly due sub-optimal production methods. A variety of methods, such as wet-, dry-, and biomimetic spinning have been used. The methods are based on extrusion, whereas natural spinning also involves pulling. Another shortcoming is that there is a lack feedback control during extension. Here we demonstrate a robotic fiber pulling device that enables controlled pulling of silk fibers and in situ measurement of extensional forces during the pulling and tensile testing of the pulled fibers. The pulling device was used to study two types of silk-one recombinant spider silk (a structural variant of ADF3) and one regenerated silk fibroin. Also, dextran-a branched polysaccharide-was used as a reference material for the procedure due to its straightforward preparation and storage. No post-treatments were applied. The pulled regenerated silk fibroin fibers achieved high tensile strength in comparison to similar extrusion-based methods. The mechanical properties of the recombinant spider silk fibers seemed to be affected by the liquid-liquid phase separation of the silk proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teemu Välisalmi
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Houari Bettahar
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland.
| | - Markus B Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland.
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7
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Hahn J, Gögele C, Schulze-Tanzil G. Could an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Be Tissue-Engineered from Silk? Cells 2023; 12:2350. [PMID: 37830564 PMCID: PMC10571837 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192350] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk has a long history as an exclusive textile, but also as a suture thread in medicine; nowadays, diverse cell carriers are manufactured from silk. Its advantages are manifold, including high biocompatibility, biomechanical strength and processability (approved for nearly all manufacturing techniques). Silk's limitations, such as scarcity and batch to batch variations, are overcome by gene technology, which allows for the upscaled production of recombinant "designed" silk proteins. For processing thin fibroin filaments, the sericin component is generally removed (degumming). In contrast to many synthetic biomaterials, fibroin allows for superior cell adherence and growth. In addition, silk grafts demonstrate superior mechanical performance and long-term stability, making them attractive for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue engineering. Looking at these promising properties, this review focusses on the responses of cell types to silk variants, as well as their biomechanical properties, which are relevant for ACL tissue engineering. Meanwhile, sericin has also attracted increasing interest and has been proposed as a bioactive biomaterial with antimicrobial properties. But so far, fibroin was exclusively used for experimental ACL tissue engineering approaches, and fibroin from spider silk also seems not to have been applied. To improve the bone integration of ACL grafts, silk scaffolds with osteogenic functionalization, silk-based tunnel fillers and interference screws have been developed. Nevertheless, signaling pathways stimulated by silk components remain barely elucidated, but need to be considered during the development of optimized silk cell carriers for ACL tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Hahn
- Workgroup BioEngineering, Institute of Polymer Materials, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF), Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Clemens Gögele
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg and Salzburg, Prof. Ernst Nathan Str. 1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany;
| | - Gundula Schulze-Tanzil
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg and Salzburg, Prof. Ernst Nathan Str. 1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany;
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8
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Mu X, Amouzandeh R, Vogts H, Luallen E, Arzani M. A brief review on the mechanisms and approaches of silk spinning-inspired biofabrication. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1252499. [PMID: 37744248 PMCID: PMC10512026 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1252499] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk spinning, observed in spiders and insects, exhibits a remarkable biological source of inspiration for advanced polymer fabrications. Because of the systems design, silk spinning represents a holistic and circular approach to sustainable polymer fabrication, characterized by renewable resources, ambient and aqueous processing conditions, and fully recyclable "wastes." Also, silk spinning results in structures that are characterized by the combination of monolithic proteinaceous composition and mechanical strength, as well as demonstrate tunable degradation profiles and minimal immunogenicity, thus making it a viable alternative to most synthetic polymers for the development of advanced biomedical devices. However, the fundamental mechanisms of silk spinning remain incompletely understood, thus impeding the efforts to harness the advantageous properties of silk spinning. Here, we present a concise and timely review of several essential features of silk spinning, including the molecular designs of silk proteins and the solvent cues along the spinning apparatus. The solvent cues, including salt ions, pH, and water content, are suggested to direct the hierarchical assembly of silk proteins and thus play a central role in silk spinning. We also discuss several hypotheses on the roles of solvent cues to provide a relatively comprehensive analysis and to identify the current knowledge gap. We then review the state-of-the-art bioinspired fabrications with silk proteins, including fiber spinning and additive approaches/three-dimensional (3D) printing. An emphasis throughout the article is placed on the universal characteristics of silk spinning developed through millions of years of individual evolution pathways in spiders and silkworms. This review serves as a stepping stone for future research endeavors, facilitating the in vitro recapitulation of silk spinning and advancing the field of bioinspired polymer fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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9
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Ebbinghaus T, Lang G, Scheibel T. Biomimetic polymer fibers-function by design. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2023; 18:041003. [PMID: 37307815 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/acddc1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomimicry applies the fundamental principles of natural materials, processes, and structures to technological applications. This review presents the two strategies of biomimicry-bottom-up and top-down approaches, using biomimetic polymer fibers and suitable spinning techniques as examples. The bottom-up biomimicry approach helps to acquire fundamental knowledge on biological systems, which can then be leveraged for technological advancements. Within this context, we discuss the spinning of silk and collagen fibers due to their unique natural mechanical properties. To achieve successful biomimicry, it is imperative to carefully adjust the spinning solution and processing parameters. On the other hand, top-down biomimicry aims to solve technological problems by seeking solutions from natural role models. This approach will be illustrated using examples such as spider webs, animal hair, and tissue structures. To contextualize biomimicking approaches in practical applications, this review will give an overview of biomimetic filter technologies, textiles, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ebbinghaus
- Chair of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Gregor Lang
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Chair of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Material Science (BayMAT), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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10
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Rising A, Harrington MJ. Biological Materials Processing: Time-Tested Tricks for Sustainable Fiber Fabrication. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2155-2199. [PMID: 36508546 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to improve the sustainability of the materials we produce and use. Here, we explore what humans can learn from nature about how to sustainably fabricate polymeric fibers with excellent material properties by reviewing the physical and chemical aspects of materials processing distilled from diverse model systems, including spider silk, mussel byssus, velvet worm slime, hagfish slime, and mistletoe viscin. We identify common and divergent strategies, highlighting the potential for bioinspired design and technology transfer. Despite the diversity of the biopolymeric fibers surveyed, we identify several common strategies across multiple systems, including: (1) use of stimuli-responsive biomolecular building blocks, (2) use of concentrated fluid precursor phases (e.g., coacervates and liquid crystals) stored under controlled chemical conditions, and (3) use of chemical (pH, salt concentration, redox chemistry) and physical (mechanical shear, extensional flow) stimuli to trigger the transition from fluid precursor to solid material. Importantly, because these materials largely form and function outside of the body of the organisms, these principles can more easily be transferred for bioinspired design in synthetic systems. We end the review by discussing ongoing efforts and challenges to mimic biological model systems, with a particular focus on artificial spider silks and mussel-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rising
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 141 52, Sweden.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
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11
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Xie X, Wang X, Liu Q, Li Y, Dong Z, Wang L, Xia Q, Zhao P. The tissue-specific expression of silkworm cuticle protein gene ASSCP2 is mediated by the Sox-2 transcription factor. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 237:124182. [PMID: 36972822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124182] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The silk gland of silkworm is a unique organ in which silk proteins are synthesized, secreted, and transformed into fibers. The anterior silk gland (ASG) is located at the end of the silk gland, and is thought to be involved in silk fibrosis. In our previous study, a cuticle protein, ASSCP2, was identified. This protein is specifically and highly expressed in the ASG. In this work, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of ASSCP2 gene was studied by a transgenic route. The ASSCP2 promoter was analyzed, truncated sequentially, and used to initiate the expression of EGFP gene in silkworm larvae. After egg injection, seven transgenic silkworm lines were isolated. Molecular analysis revealed that the green fluorescent signal could not be detected when the promoter was truncated to -257 bp, suggesting that the -357 to -257 sequence is the key region responsible for the transcriptional regulation of the ASSCP2 gene. Furthermore, an ASG specific transcription factor Sox-2 was identified. EMSA assays showed that Sox-2 binds with the -357 to -257 sequence, and thus regulates the tissue-specific expression of ASSCP2. This study on the transcriptional regulation of ASSCP2 gene provides theoretical and experimental basis for further studies of the regulatory mechanism of tissue-specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Xie
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yi Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhaoming Dong
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingyan Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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12
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Blamires SJ, Rawal A, Edwards AD, Yarger JL, Oberst S, Allardyce BJ, Rajkhowa R. Methods for Silk Property Analyses across Structural Hierarchies and Scales. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052120. [PMID: 36903366 PMCID: PMC10003856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052120] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk from silkworms and spiders is an exceptionally important natural material, inspiring a range of new products and applications due to its high strength, elasticity, and toughness at low density, as well as its unique conductive and optical properties. Transgenic and recombinant technologies offer great promise for the scaled-up production of new silkworm- and spider-silk-inspired fibres. However, despite considerable effort, producing an artificial silk that recaptures the physico-chemical properties of naturally spun silk has thus far proven elusive. The mechanical, biochemical, and other properties of pre-and post-development fibres accordingly should be determined across scales and structural hierarchies whenever feasible. We have herein reviewed and made recommendations on some of those practices for measuring the bulk fibre properties; skin-core structures; and the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of silk proteins and the properties of dopes and their proteins. We thereupon examine emerging methodologies and make assessments on how they might be utilized to realize the goal of developing high quality bio-inspired fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Blamires
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Aditya Rawal
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Angela D. Edwards
- School of Molecular Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Yarger
- School of Molecular Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA
| | - Sebastian Oberst
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
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13
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Hu W, Jia A, Ma S, Zhang G, Wei Z, Lu F, Luo Y, Zhang Z, Sun J, Yang T, Xia T, Li Q, Yao T, Zheng J, Jiang Z, Xu Z, Xia Q, Wang Y. A molecular atlas reveals the tri-sectional spinning mechanism of spider dragline silk. Nat Commun 2023; 14:837. [PMID: 36792670 PMCID: PMC9932165 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36545-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of natural silk production in the spider major ampullate (Ma) gland endows dragline silk with extraordinary mechanical properties and the potential for biomimetic applications. However, the precise genetic roles of the Ma gland during this process remain unknown. Here, we performed a systematic molecular atlas of dragline silk production through a high-quality genome assembly for the golden orb-weaving spider Trichonephila clavata and a multiomics approach to defining the Ma gland tri-sectional architecture: Tail, Sac, and Duct. We uncovered a hierarchical biosynthesis of spidroins, organic acids, lipids, and chitin in the sectionalized Ma gland dedicated to fine silk constitution. The ordered secretion of spidroins was achieved by the synergetic regulation of epigenetic and ceRNA signatures for genomic group-distributed spidroin genes. Single-cellular and spatial RNA profiling identified ten cell types with partitioned functional division determining the tri-sectional organization of the Ma gland. Convergence analysis and genetic manipulation further validated that this tri-sectional architecture of the silk gland was analogous across Arthropoda and inextricably linked with silk formation. Collectively, our study provides multidimensional data that significantly expand the knowledge of spider dragline silk generation and ultimately benefit innovation in spider-inspired fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Anqiang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Fang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yongjiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhisheng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiahe Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tianfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - TingTing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qinhui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ting Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiangyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zijie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zehui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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14
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A Comprehensive Review on Silk Fibroin as a Persuasive Biomaterial for Bone Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032660. [PMID: 36768980 PMCID: PMC9917095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032660] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) utilizes a special mix of scaffolds, cells, and bioactive factors to regulate the microenvironment of bone regeneration and form a three-dimensional bone simulation structure to regenerate bone tissue. Silk fibroin (SF) is perhaps the most encouraging material for BTE given its tunable mechanical properties, controllable biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility. Numerous studies have confirmed the significance of SF for stimulating bone formation. In this review, we start by introducing the structure and characteristics of SF. After that, the immunological mechanism of SF for osteogenesis is summarized, and various forms of SF biomaterials and the latest development prospects of SF in BTE are emphatically introduced. Biomaterials based on SF have great potential in bone tissue engineering, and this review will serve as a resource for future design and research.
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15
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Zhao S, Ye X, Dai X, Wang X, Yu S, Zhong B. Drosophila melanogaster resilin improves the mechanical properties of transgenic silk. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282533. [PMID: 36867637 PMCID: PMC9983856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Resilin is a natural protein with high extensibility and resilience that plays a key role in the biological processes of insects, such as flight, bouncing, and vocalization. This study used piggyBac-mediated transgenic technology to stably insert the Drosophila melanogaster resilin gene into the silkworm genome to investigate whether exogenous protein structures improve the mechanical properties of silkworm silk. Molecular detection showed that recombinant resilin was expressed and secreted into silk. Secondary structure and mechanical property analysis showed that the β-sheet content in silk from transgenic silkworms was higher than in wild-type silk. The fracture strength of silk fused with resilin protein was 7.2% higher than wild-type silk. The resilience of recombinant silk after one-time stretching and cyclic stretching was 20.5% and 18.7% higher than wild-type silk, respectively. In summary, Drosophila resilin can enhance the mechanical properties of silk, and this study is the first to improve the mechanical properties of silk using proteins other than spider silk, which broadens the possibilities for the design and application of biomimetic silk materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zheng Zhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Ye
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangping Dai
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinqiu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shihua Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boxiong Zhong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Eliaz D, Paul S, Benyamin D, Cernescu A, Cohen SR, Rosenhek-Goldian I, Brookstein O, Miali ME, Solomonov A, Greenblatt M, Levy Y, Raviv U, Barth A, Shimanovich U. Micro and nano-scale compartments guide the structural transition of silk protein monomers into silk fibers. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7856. [PMID: 36543800 PMCID: PMC9772184 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35505-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk is a unique, remarkably strong biomaterial made of simple protein building blocks. To date, no synthetic method has come close to reproducing the properties of natural silk, due to the complexity and insufficient understanding of the mechanism of the silk fiber formation. Here, we use a combination of bulk analytical techniques and nanoscale analytical methods, including nano-infrared spectroscopy coupled with atomic force microscopy, to probe the structural characteristics directly, transitions, and evolution of the associated mechanical properties of silk protein species corresponding to the supramolecular phase states inside the silkworm's silk gland. We found that the key step in silk-fiber production is the formation of nanoscale compartments that guide the structural transition of proteins from their native fold into crystalline β-sheets. Remarkably, this process is reversible. Such reversibility enables the remodeling of the final mechanical characteristics of silk materials. These results open a new route for tailoring silk processing for a wide range of new material formats by controlling the structural transitions and self-assembly of the silk protein's supramolecular phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Eliaz
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - S. Paul
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D. Benyamin
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 9190401 Israel
| | - A. Cernescu
- grid.431971.9Neaspec—Attocube Systems AG, Eglfinger Weg 2, Haar, 85540 Munich Germany
| | - S. R. Cohen
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Re-hovot, Israel
| | - I. Rosenhek-Goldian
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Re-hovot, Israel
| | - O. Brookstein
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - M. E. Miali
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - A. Solomonov
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - M. Greenblatt
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Y. Levy
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - U. Raviv
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 9190401 Israel
| | - A. Barth
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - U. Shimanovich
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
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17
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Massive production of fibroin nano-fibrous biomaterial by turbulent co-flow. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21924. [PMID: 36536025 PMCID: PMC9763433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26137-7] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different polymers (proteins, polysaccharides, etc.) that make up natural fibers, fibroin is a protein produced by silk spinning animals, which have developed an optimized system for the conversion of a highly concentrated solution of this protein into high-performance solid fibers. This protein undergoes a self-assembly process in the silk glands that result from chemical gradients and by the application of mechanical stresses during the last step of the process. In the quest for a process that could mimic natural spinning at massive scales, we have discovered that turbulence offers a novel and promising solution: a turbulent liquid jet can be formed by a chemically green and simple coagulating liquid (a diluted solution of acetic acid in etanol) co-flowing with a concentrated solution of fibroin in water by the use of a Flow Blurring nebulizer. In this system, (a) the co-flowing coagulant liquid extracts water from the original protein solution and, simultaneously, (b) the self-assembled proteins are subjected to mechanical actions, including splitting and stretching. Given the non-negligible produced content with the size and appearance of natural silk, the stochastic distribution of those effects in our process should contain the range of natural ones found in animals. The resulting easily functionalizable and tunable one-step material is 100% biocompatible, and our method a perfect candidate to large-scale, low-cost, green and sustainable processing of fibroin for fibres and textiles.
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18
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Recombinant protein polymers as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114544. [PMID: 36176240 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114544] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the standard of care for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. However, its use is associated with severe toxicity and resistance arising mainly due to non-specificity, resulting in disease progression. The advancement in recombinant technology has led to the synthesis of genetically engineered protein polymers like Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), Silk-like polypeptide (SLP), hybrid protein polymers with specific sequences to impart precisely controlled properties and to target proteins that have provided satisfactory preclinical outcomes. Such protein polymers have been exploited for the formulation and delivery of chemotherapeutics for biomedical applications. The use of such polymers has not only solved the limitation of conventional chemotherapy but has also improved the therapeutic index of typical drug delivery systems. This review, therefore, summarizes the development of such advanced recombinant protein polymers designed to deliver chemotherapeutics and also discusses the key challenges associated with their current usage and their application in the future.
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19
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Croft AS, Spessot E, Bhattacharjee P, Yang Y, Motta A, Wöltje M, Gantenbein B. Biomedical applications of silk and its role for intervertebral disc repair. JOR Spine 2022; 5:e1225. [PMID: 36601376 PMCID: PMC9799090 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is the main contributor to chronic low back pain. To date, the present therapies mainly focus on treating the symptoms caused by IDD rather than addressing the problem itself. For this reason, researchers have searched for a suitable biomaterial to repair and/or regenerate the IVD. A promising candidate to fill this gap is silk, which has already been used as a biomaterial for many years. Therefore, this review aims first to elaborate on the different origins from which silk is harvested, the individual composition, and the characteristics of each silk type. Another goal is to enlighten why silk is so suitable as a biomaterial, discuss its functionalization, and how it could be used for tissue engineering purposes. The second part of this review aims to provide an overview of preclinical studies using silk-based biomaterials to repair the inner region of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP), and the IVD's outer area, the annulus fibrosus (AF). Since the NP and the AF differ fundamentally in their structure, different therapeutic approaches are required. Consequently, silk-containing hydrogels have been used mainly to repair the NP, and silk-based scaffolds have been used for the AF. Although most preclinical studies have shown promising results in IVD-related repair and regeneration, their clinical transition is yet to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas S. Croft
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedic & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Eugenia Spessot
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research CenterUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly,European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine UnitTrentoItaly
| | - Promita Bhattacharjee
- Department of Chemical SciencesSSPC the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Bernal Institute, University of LimerickLimerickIreland
| | - Yuejiao Yang
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research CenterUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly,European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine UnitTrentoItaly,INSTM, Trento Research Unit, Interuniversity Consortium for Science and Technology of MaterialsTrentoItaly
| | - Antonella Motta
- Department of Industrial Engineering and BIOtech Research CenterUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly,European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine UnitTrentoItaly,INSTM, Trento Research Unit, Interuniversity Consortium for Science and Technology of MaterialsTrentoItaly
| | - Michael Wöltje
- Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material TechnologyDresdenGermany
| | - Benjamin Gantenbein
- Tissue Engineering for Orthopaedic & Mechanobiology, Bone & Joint Program, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Medical FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, InselspitalBern University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of BernBernSwitzerland
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20
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Bargel H, Trossmann VT, Sommer C, Scheibel T. Bioselectivity of silk protein-based materials and their bio-inspired applications. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 13:902-921. [PMID: 36127898 PMCID: PMC9475208 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion to material surfaces is crucial for almost all organisms regarding subsequent biological responses. Mammalian cell attachment to a surrounding biological matrix is essential for maintaining their survival and function concerning tissue formation. Conversely, the adhesion and presence of microbes interferes with important multicellular processes of tissue development. Therefore, tailoring bioselective, biologically active, and multifunctional materials for biomedical applications is a modern focus of biomaterial research. Engineering biomaterials that stimulate and interact with cell receptors to support binding and subsequent physiological responses of multicellular systems attracted much interest in the last years. Further to this, the increasing threat of multidrug resistance of pathogens against antibiotics to human health urgently requires new material concepts for preventing microbial infestation and biofilm formation. Thus, materials exhibiting microbial repellence or antimicrobial behaviour to reduce inflammation, while selectively enhancing regeneration in host tissues are of utmost interest. In this context, protein-based materials are interesting candidates due to their natural origin, biological activity, and structural properties. Silk materials, in particular those made of spider silk proteins and their recombinant counterparts, are characterized by extraordinary properties including excellent biocompatibility, slow biodegradation, low immunogenicity, and non-toxicity, making them ideally suited for tissue engineering and biomedical applications. Furthermore, recombinant production technologies allow for application-specific modification to develop adjustable, bioactive materials. The present review focusses on biological processes and surface interactions involved in the bioselective adhesion of mammalian cells and repellence of microbes on protein-based material surfaces. In addition, it highlights the importance of materials made of recombinant spider silk proteins, focussing on the progress regarding bioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Bargel
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Vanessa T Trossmann
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Christoph Sommer
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Material Science and Engineering (BayMat), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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21
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Siemer AB. What makes functional amyloids work? Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 57:399-411. [PMID: 35997712 PMCID: PMC9588633 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2022.2113030] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Although first described in the context of disease, cross-β (amyloid) fibrils have also been found as functional entities in all kingdoms of life. However, what are the specific properties of the cross-β fibril motif that convey biological function, make them especially suited for their particular purpose, and distinguish them from other fibrils found in biology? This review approaches these questions by arguing that cross-β fibrils are highly periodic, stable, and self-templating structures whose formation is accompanied by substantial conformational change that leads to a multimerization of their core and framing sequences. A discussion of each of these properties is followed by selected examples of functional cross-β fibrils that show how function is usually achieved by leveraging many of these properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar B Siemer
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Strategies for the Biofunctionalization of Straining Flow Spinning Regenerated Bombyx mori Fibers. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134146. [PMID: 35807389 PMCID: PMC9267934 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High-performance regenerated silkworm (Bombyx mori) silk fibers can be produced efficiently through the straining flow spinning (SFS) technique. In addition to an enhanced biocompatibility that results from the removal of contaminants during the processing of the material, regenerated silk fibers may be functionalized conveniently by using a range of different strategies. In this work, the possibility of implementing various functionalization techniques is explored, including the production of fluorescent fibers that may be tracked when implanted, the combination of the fibers with enzymes to yield fibers with catalytic properties, and the functionalization of the fibers with cell-adhesion motifs to modulate the adherence of different cell lineages to the material. When considered globally, all these techniques are a strong indication not only of the high versatility offered by the functionalization of regenerated fibers in terms of the different chemistries that can be employed, but also on the wide range of applications that can be covered with these functionalized fibers.
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23
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Chitin and cuticle proteins form the cuticular layer in the spinning duct of silkworm. Acta Biomater 2022; 145:260-271. [PMID: 35364319 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.03.043] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is found in the exoskeleton and peritrophic matrix of arthropods, but recent studies have also identified chitin in the spinning duct of silk-spinning arthropods. Here, we report the presence and function of chitin and cuticle proteins ASSCP1 and ASSCP2 in the spinning duct of silkworm. We show that chitin and these proteins are co-located in the cuticular layer of the spinning duct. Ultrastructural analysis indicates that the cuticular layer has a multilayer structure by layered stacking of the chitin laminae. After knocking down ASSCP1 and ASSCP2, the fine structure of this layer was disrupted, which had negative impacts on the mechanical properties of silk. This work clarifies the function of chitin in the spinning duct of silkworm. Chitin and cuticle proteins are the main components of the cuticular layer, providing the shearing stress during silk fibrillogenesis and regulating the final mechanical properties of silk. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Recent studies have identified chitin in the spinning duct of silk-spinning arthropods. However, the role of chitin in this specific organ remains unclear. This study reports that chitin and cuticle proteins form the cuticular layer, a unique structure of the spinning duct of silkworm. This layer with a precise laminate structure gives the spinning duct flexible properties, provides shearing forces for silk fibrillogenesis, and contributes to silk final mechanical properties. Our work clarifies the component, ultrastructure, and biological significance of the silkworm cuticular layer, describes the specific process of silk fiber formation, and proposes new molecular targets (chitin and cuticle proteins) for the improvement of animal silks.
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Aznar-Cervantes SD, Pagán A, Candel MJ, Pérez-Rigueiro J, Cenis JL. Silkworm Gut Fibres from Silk Glands of Samia cynthia ricini-Potential Use as a Scaffold in Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073888. [PMID: 35409245 PMCID: PMC8998787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High-performance fibroin fibres are ideal candidates for the manufacture of scaffolds with applications in tissue engineering due to the excellent mechanical properties and optimal biocompatibility of this protein. In this work, the manufacture of high-strength fibres made from the silk glands of Samia cynthia ricini is explored. The glands were subjected to soaking in aqueous dissolutions of acetic acid and stretched to manufacture the fibres. The materials produced were widely characterized, in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, crystallinity and content of secondary structures, comparing them with those produced by the standard procedure published for Bombyx mori. In addition, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of a braided scaffold produced from these fibres was evaluated. The results obtained show that the fibres from B. mori present a higher degree of crystallinity than those from S. c. ricini, which is reflected in higher values of elastic modulus and lower values of strain at break. Moreover, a decrease in the elongation values of the fibres from S. c. ricini was observed as the concentration of acetic acid was increased during the manufacture. On the other hand, the study of the braided scaffolds showed higher values of tensile strength and strain at break in the case of S. c. ricini materials and similar values of elastic modulus, compared to those of B. mori, displaying both scaffolds optimal biocompatibility using a fibroblast cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador D. Aznar-Cervantes
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Genómica y Mejora Vegetal, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Ambiental (IMIDA), La Alberca, 30150 Murcia, Spain; (S.D.A.-C.); (M.J.C.); (J.L.C.)
| | - Ana Pagán
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Genómica y Mejora Vegetal, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Ambiental (IMIDA), La Alberca, 30150 Murcia, Spain; (S.D.A.-C.); (M.J.C.); (J.L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-968366719
| | - María J. Candel
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Genómica y Mejora Vegetal, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Ambiental (IMIDA), La Alberca, 30150 Murcia, Spain; (S.D.A.-C.); (M.J.C.); (J.L.C.)
| | - José Pérez-Rigueiro
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- 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), 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - José L. Cenis
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Genómica y Mejora Vegetal, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Ambiental (IMIDA), La Alberca, 30150 Murcia, Spain; (S.D.A.-C.); (M.J.C.); (J.L.C.)
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Mu X, Gonzalez-Obeso C, Xia Z, Sahoo JK, Li G, Cebe P, Zhang YS, Kaplan DL. 3D Printing of Monolithic Proteinaceous Cantilevers Using Regenerated Silk Fibroin. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072148. [PMID: 35408547 PMCID: PMC9000323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk fibroin, regenerated from Bombyx mori, has shown considerable promise as a printable, aqueous-based ink using a bioinspired salt-bath system in our previous work. Here, we further developed and characterized silk fibroin inks that exhibit concentration-dependent fluorescence spectra at the molecular level. These insights supported extrusion-based 3D printing using concentrated silk fibroin solutions as printing inks. 3D monolithic proteinaceous structures with high aspect ratios were successfully printed using these approaches, including cantilevers only supported at one end. This work provides further insight and broadens the utility of 3D printing with silk fibroin inks for the microfabrication of proteinaceous structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (X.M.); (C.G.-O.); (Z.X.); (J.K.S.); (G.L.)
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Constancio Gonzalez-Obeso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (X.M.); (C.G.-O.); (Z.X.); (J.K.S.); (G.L.)
| | - Zhiyu Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (X.M.); (C.G.-O.); (Z.X.); (J.K.S.); (G.L.)
| | - Jugal Kishore Sahoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (X.M.); (C.G.-O.); (Z.X.); (J.K.S.); (G.L.)
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (X.M.); (C.G.-O.); (Z.X.); (J.K.S.); (G.L.)
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Peggy Cebe
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA;
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.S.Z.); (D.L.K.)
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; (X.M.); (C.G.-O.); (Z.X.); (J.K.S.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence: (Y.S.Z.); (D.L.K.)
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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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27
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Laity PR, Holland C. Seeking Solvation: Exploring the Role of Protein Hydration in Silk Gelation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27020551. [PMID: 35056868 PMCID: PMC8781151 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism by which arthropods (e.g., spiders and many insects) can produce silk fibres from an aqueous protein (fibroin) solution has remained elusive, despite much scientific investigation. In this work, we used several techniques to explore the role of a hydration shell bound to the fibroin in native silk feedstock (NSF) from Bombyx mori silkworms. Small angle X-ray and dynamic light scattering (SAXS and DLS) revealed a coil size (radius of gyration or hydrodynamic radius) around 12 nm, providing considerable scope for hydration. Aggregation in dilute aqueous solution was observed above 65 °C, matching the gelation temperature of more concentrated solutions and suggesting that the strength of interaction with the solvent (i.e., water) was the dominant factor. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy indicated decreasing hydration as the temperature was raised, with similar changes in hydration following gelation by freezing or heating. It was found that the solubility of fibroin in water or aqueous salt solutions could be described well by a relatively simple thermodynamic model for the stability of the protein hydration shell, which suggests that the affected water is enthalpically favoured but entropically penalised, due to its reduced (vibrational or translational) dynamics. Moreover, while the majority of this investigation used fibroin from B. mori, comparisons with published work on silk proteins from other silkworms and spiders, globular proteins and peptide model systems suggest that our findings may be of much wider significance.
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Yao Y, Allardyce BJ, Rajkhowa R, Hegh D, Qin S, Usman KA, Mota-Santiago P, Zhang J, Lynch P, Wang X, Kaplan DL, Razal JM. Toughening Wet-Spun Silk Fibers by Silk Nanofiber Templating. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 43:e2100891. [PMID: 34939252 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100891] [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: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Regenerated silk fibers typically fall short of silkworm cocoon fibers in mechanical properties due to reduced fiber crystal structure and alignment. One approach to address this has been to employ inorganic materials as reinforcing agents. The present study avoids the need for synthetic additives, demonstrating the first use of exfoliated silk nanofibers to control silk solution crystallization, resulting in all-silk pseudocomposite fibers with remarkable mechanical properties. Incorporating only 0.06 wt. % silk nanofibers led to a ∼44% increase in tensile strength (over 600 MPa) and ∼33% increase in toughness (over 200 kJ/kg) compared with fibers without silk nanofibers. These remarkable properties can be attributed to nanofiber crystal seeding in conjunction with fiber draw. The crystallinity nearly doubled from ∼17% for fiber spun from pure silk solution to ∼30% for the silk nanofiber reinforced sample. The latter fiber also shows a high degree of crystal orientation with a Herman's orientation factor of 0.93, a value which approaches that of natural degummed B. mori silk cocoon fiber (0.96). This study provides a strong foundation to guide the development of simple, eco-friendly methods to spin regenerated silk with excellent properties and a hierarchical structure that mimics natural silk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yao
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Allardyce
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Dylan Hegh
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Si Qin
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Ken Aldren Usman
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | | | - Jizhen Zhang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Peter Lynch
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Xungai Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Joselito M Razal
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
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Diverse silk and silk-like proteins derived from terrestrial and marine organisms and their applications. Acta Biomater 2021; 136:56-71. [PMID: 34551332 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Organisms develop unique systems in a given environment. In the process of adaptation, they employ materials in a clever way, which has inspired mankind extensively. Understanding the behavior and material properties of living organisms provides a way to emulate these natural systems and engineer various materials. Silk is a material that has been with human for over 5000 years, and the success of mass production of silkworm silk has realized its applications to medical, pharmaceutical, optical, and even electronic fields. Spider silk, which was characterized later, has expanded the application sectors to textile and military materials based on its tough mechanical properties. Because silk proteins are main components of these materials and there are abundant creatures producing silks that have not been studied, the introduction of new silk proteins would be a breakthrough of engineering materials to open innovative industry fields. Therefore, in this review, we present diverse silk and silk-like proteins and how they are utilized with respect to organism's survival. Here, the range of organisms are not constrained to silkworms and spiders but expanded to other insects, and even marine creatures which produce silk-like proteins that are not observed in terrestrial silks. This viewpoint broadening of silk and silk-like proteins would suggest diverse targets of engineering to design promising silk-based materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Silk has been developed as a biomedical material due to unique mechanical and chemical properties. For decades, silks from various silkworm and spider species have been intensively studied. More recently, other silk and silk-like proteins with different sequences and structures have been reported, not only limited to terrestrial organisms (honeybee, green lacewing, caddisfly, and ant), but also from marine creatures (mussel, squid, sea anemone, and pearl oyster). Nevertheless, there has hardly been well-organized literature on silks from such organisms. Regarding the relationship among sequence-structure-properties, this review addresses how silks have been utilized with respect to organism's survival. Finally, this information aims to improve the understanding of diverse silk and silk-like proteins which can offer a significant interest to engineering fields.
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High mechanical property silk produced by transgenic silkworms expressing the spidroins PySp1 and ASG1. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20980. [PMID: 34697320 PMCID: PMC8546084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00029-8] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider silk is one of the best natural fibers with excellent mechanical properties; however, due to the visual awareness, biting behavior and territory consciousness of spiders, we cannot obtain spider silk by large-scale breeding. Silkworms have a spinning system similar to that of spiders, and the use of transgenic technology in Bombyx mori, which is an ideal reactor for producing spider silk, is routine. In this study, the piggyBac transposon technique was used to achieve specific expression of two putative spider silk genes in the posterior silk glands of silkworms: aggregate spider glue 1 (ASG1) of Trichonephila clavipes (approximately 1.2 kb) and two repetitive units of pyriform spidroin 1 (PySp1) of Argiope argentata (approximately 1.4 kb). Then, two reconstituted spider silk-producing strains, the AG and PA strains, were obtained. Finally, the toughness of the silk fiber was increased by up to 91.5% and the maximum stress was enhanced by 36.9% in PA, and the respective properties in AG were increased by 21.0% and 34.2%. In summary, these two spider genes significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of silk fiber, which can provide a basis for spidroin silk production.
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Kono N, Nakamura H, Mori M, Yoshida Y, Ohtoshi R, Malay AD, Pedrazzoli Moran DA, Tomita M, Numata K, Arakawa K. Multicomponent nature underlies the extraordinary mechanical properties of spider dragline silk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2107065118. [PMID: 34312234 PMCID: PMC8346794 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107065118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dragline silk of golden orb-weaver spiders (Nephilinae) is noted for its unsurpassed toughness, combining extraordinary extensibility and tensile strength, suggesting industrial application as a sustainable biopolymer material. To pinpoint the molecular composition of dragline silk and the roles of its constituents in achieving its mechanical properties, we report a multiomics approach, combining high-quality genome sequencing and assembly, silk gland transcriptomics, and dragline silk proteomics of four Nephilinae spiders. We observed the consistent presence of the MaSp3B spidroin unique to this subfamily as well as several nonspidroin SpiCE proteins. Artificial synthesis and the combination of these components in vitro showed that the multicomponent nature of dragline silk, including MaSp3B and SpiCE, along with MaSp1 and MaSp2, is essential to realize the mechanical properties of spider dragline silk.
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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
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Spiber Inc., 234-1 Mizukami, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, 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
| | - 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
| | - Rintaro Ohtoshi
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ali D Malay
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | | | - Masaru Tomita
- 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
| | - Keiji Numata
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Depertment 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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Hu W, Wang X, Ma S, Peng Z, Cao Y, Xia Q. CRISPR-Mediated Endogenous Activation of Fibroin Heavy Chain Gene Triggers Cellular Stress Responses in Bombyx mori Embryonic Cells. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12060552. [PMID: 34199296 PMCID: PMC8231919 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Based on a CRISPRa approach, activating endogenous fibroin heavy chain (FibH) gene expression in Bombyx mori embryonic (BmE) cells, which was driven by a combination of the dCas9-VPR (a tripartite activator, composed of VP64, p65, and Rta) and the sgRNA targeting to the promoter of FibH gene, was performed for investigating the biological roles of FibH in the development of silk gland cells. The activation of the endogenous FibH gene lead to up-regulation of cellular stress responses-related genes, which suggested a significant positive correlation between activated FibH gene expression and cellular stress responses. Moreover, the present findings might provide a potential model for studying the cellular stress responses caused by silk secretion disorder and lay a foundation for the understanding of silk gland development in silk-spinning insects. Abstract The silkworm Bombyx mori is an economically important insect, as it is the main producer of silk. Fibroin heavy chain (FibH) gene, encoding the core component of silk protein, is specifically and highly expressed in silk gland cells but not in the other cells. Although the silkworm FibH gene has been well studied in transcriptional regulation, its biological functions in the development of silk gland cells remain elusive. In this study, we constructed a CRISPRa system to activate the endogenous transcription of FibH in Bombyx mori embryonic (BmE) cells, and the mRNA expression of FibH was successfully activated. In addition, we found that FibH expression was increased to a maximum at 60 h after transient transfection of sgRNA/dCas9-VPR at a molar ratio of 9:1. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of cellular stress response-related genes were significantly up-regulated along with activated FibH gene. Moreover, the lyso-tracker red and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining assays revealed an apparent appearance of autophagy in FibH-activated BmE cells. Therefore, we conclude that the activation of FibH gene leads to up-regulation of cellular stress responses-related genes in BmE cells, which is essential for understanding silk gland development and the fibroin secretion process in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (W.H.); (X.W.); (S.M.); (Z.P.); (Y.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (W.H.); (X.W.); (S.M.); (Z.P.); (Y.C.)
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (W.H.); (X.W.); (S.M.); (Z.P.); (Y.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhangchuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (W.H.); (X.W.); (S.M.); (Z.P.); (Y.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (W.H.); (X.W.); (S.M.); (Z.P.); (Y.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (W.H.); (X.W.); (S.M.); (Z.P.); (Y.C.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericulture Science, Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence:
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Whittall DR, Baker KV, Breitling R, Takano E. Host Systems for the Production of Recombinant Spider Silk. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:560-573. [PMID: 33051051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk is renowned for its impressive mechanical properties. It is one of the strongest known biomaterials, possessing mechanical properties that outmatch both steel and Kevlar. However, the farming of spiders for their silk is unfeasible. Consequently, production of recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) in more amenable hosts is an exciting field of research. For large-scale production to be viable, a heterologous silk production system that is both highly efficient and cost effective is essential. Genes encoding recombinant spidroin have been expressed in bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian cells, in addition to many other platforms. This review discusses the recent advances in exploiting an increasingly diverse range of host platforms in the heterologous production of recombinant spidroins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic R Whittall
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Katherine V Baker
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Rainer Breitling
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Eriko Takano
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
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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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Yonesi M, Garcia-Nieto M, Guinea GV, Panetsos F, Pérez-Rigueiro J, González-Nieto D. Silk Fibroin: An Ancient Material for Repairing the Injured Nervous System. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:429. [PMID: 33806846 PMCID: PMC8004633 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk refers to a family of natural fibers spun by several species of invertebrates such as spiders and silkworms. In particular, silkworm silk, the silk spun by Bombyx mori larvae, has been primarily used in the textile industry and in clinical settings as a main component of sutures for tissue repairing and wound ligation. The biocompatibility, remarkable mechanical performance, controllable degradation, and the possibility of producing silk-based materials in several formats, have laid the basic principles that have triggered and extended the use of this material in regenerative medicine. The field of neural soft tissue engineering is not an exception, as it has taken advantage of the properties of silk to promote neuronal growth and nerve guidance. In addition, silk has notable intrinsic properties and the by-products derived from its degradation show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Finally, this material can be employed for the controlled release of factors and drugs, as well as for the encapsulation and implantation of exogenous stem and progenitor cells with therapeutic capacity. In this article, we review the state of the art on manufacturing methodologies and properties of fiber-based and non-fiber-based formats, as well as the application of silk-based biomaterials to neuroprotect and regenerate the damaged nervous system. We review previous studies that strategically have used silk to enhance therapeutics dealing with highly prevalent central and peripheral disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral trauma. Finally, we discuss previous research focused on the modification of this biomaterial, through biofunctionalization techniques and/or the creation of novel composite formulations, that aim to transform silk, beyond its natural performance, into more efficient silk-based-polymers towards the clinical arena of neuroprotection and regeneration in nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Yonesi
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain; (M.Y.); (G.V.G.)
- Silk Biomed SL, 28260 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain; (M.Y.); (G.V.G.)
- Silk Biomed SL, 28260 Madrid, Spain;
- 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
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Silk Biomed SL, 28260 Madrid, Spain;
- Neurocomputing and Neurorobotics Research Group, Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Optics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Pérez-Rigueiro
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain; (M.Y.); (G.V.G.)
- Silk Biomed SL, 28260 Madrid, Spain;
- 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
| | - Daniel González-Nieto
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain; (M.Y.); (G.V.G.)
- Silk Biomed SL, 28260 Madrid, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Tecnología Fotónica y Bioingeniería, ETSI Telecomunicaciones, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Toprakcioglu Z, Knowles TPJ. Shear-mediated sol-gel transition of regenerated silk allows the formation of Janus-like microgels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6673. [PMID: 33758259 PMCID: PMC7988050 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85199-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcapsules and microgels consisting of macromolecular networks have received increasing attention due to their biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Protein microgels and in particular silk-based microcapsules have desirable properties due to their biocompatibility and lack of toxicity. Typically such structures formed through emulsion templating are spherical in geometry due to interfacial tension. However, approaches to synthesis particles with more complex and non-spherical geometries are sought due to their packing properties and cargo release characteristics. Here, we describe a droplet-microfluidic strategy for generating asymmetric tubular-like microgels from reconstituted silk fibroin; a major component of native silk. It was determined using fluorescence microscopy, that the shear stress within the microchannel promotes surface protein aggregation, resulting in the asymmetric morphology of the microgels. Moreover, the structural transition that the protein undergoes was confirmed using FTIR. Crucially, the core of the microgels remains liquid, while the surface has fully aggregated into a fibrillar network. Additionally, we show that microgel morphology could be controlled by varying the dispersed to continuous phase flow rates, while it was determined that the radius of curvature of the asymmetric microgels is correlated to the wall shear stress. By comparing the surface fluorescence intensity of the microgels as a function of radius of curvature, the effect of the shear stress on the amount of aggregation could be quantified. Finally, the potential use of these asymmetric microgels as carriers of cargo molecules is showcased. As the core of the microgel remains liquid but the shell has gelled, this approach is highly suitable for the storage of bio-active cargo molecules such as antibodies, making such a delivery system attractive in the context of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
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Joyce K, Fabra GT, Bozkurt Y, Pandit A. Bioactive potential of natural biomaterials: identification, retention and assessment of biological properties. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:122. [PMID: 33737507 PMCID: PMC7973744 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials have had an increasingly important role in recent decades, in biomedical device design and the development of tissue engineering solutions for cell delivery, drug delivery, device integration, tissue replacement, and more. There is an increasing trend in tissue engineering to use natural substrates, such as macromolecules native to plants and animals to improve the biocompatibility and biodegradability of delivered materials. At the same time, these materials have favourable mechanical properties and often considered to be biologically inert. More importantly, these macromolecules possess innate functions and properties due to their unique chemical composition and structure, which increase their bioactivity and therapeutic potential in a wide range of applications. While much focus has been on integrating these materials into these devices via a spectrum of cross-linking mechanisms, little attention is drawn to residual bioactivity that is often hampered during isolation, purification, and production processes. Herein, we discuss methods of initial material characterisation to determine innate bioactivity, means of material processing including cross-linking, decellularisation, and purification techniques and finally, a biological assessment of retained bioactivity of a final product. This review aims to address considerations for biomaterials design from natural polymers, through the optimisation and preservation of bioactive components that maximise the inherent bioactive potency of the substrate to promote tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Joyce
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Georgina Targa Fabra
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Yagmur Bozkurt
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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Zhao S, Ye X, Wu M, Ruan J, Wang X, Tang X, Zhong B. Recombinant Silk Proteins with Additional Polyalanine Have Excellent Mechanical Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041513. [PMID: 33546270 PMCID: PMC7913374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper explores the structures of exogenous protein molecules that can effectively improve the mechanical properties of silkworm silk. Several transgenic vectors fused with the silkworm fibroin light chain and type 3 repeats in different multiples of the ampullate dragline silk protein 1 (MaSp1) from black widow spider with different lengths of the polyalanine motifs were constructed for this study. Transgenic silkworms were successfully obtained by piggyBac-mediated microinjection. Molecular detection showed that foreign proteins were successfully secreted and contained within the cocoon shells. According to the prediction of PONDR® VSL2 and PONDR® VL-XT, the type 3 repeats and the polyalanine motif of the MaSp1 protein were amorphous. The results of FTIR analysis showed that the content of β-sheets in the silk of transgenic silkworms engineered with transgenic vectors with additional polyalanine was significantly higher than that of wild-type silkworm silk. Additionally, silk with a higher β-sheet content had better fracture strength and Young’s modulus. The mechanical properties of silk with longer chains of exogenous proteins were improved. In general, our results provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the large-scale production of excellent bionic silk.
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Neubauer VJ, Döbl A, Scheibel T. Silk-Based Materials for Hard Tissue Engineering. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:674. [PMID: 33535662 PMCID: PMC7867174 DOI: 10.3390/ma14030674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hard tissues, e.g., bone, are mechanically stiff and, most typically, mineralized. To design scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration, mechanical, physico-chemical and biological cues must align with those found in the natural tissue. Combining these aspects poses challenges for material and construct design. Silk-based materials are promising for bone tissue regeneration as they fulfill several of such necessary requirements, and they are non-toxic and biodegradable. They can be processed into a variety of morphologies such as hydrogels, particles and fibers and can be mineralized. Therefore, silk-based materials are versatile candidates for biomedical applications in the field of hard tissue engineering. This review summarizes silk-based approaches for mineralized tissue replacements, and how to find the balance between sufficient material stiffness upon mineralization and cell survival upon attachment as well as nutrient supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa J. Neubauer
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (V.J.N.); (A.D.)
| | - Annika Döbl
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (V.J.N.); (A.D.)
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Straße 1, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (V.J.N.); (A.D.)
- Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen (BZKG), Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayerisches Polymerinstitut (BPI), Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften (BZMB), Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuther Materialzentrum (BayMAT), Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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Zhang Y, Huang Z, Zhang H, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Pan A, Cai Z, Liu S. Nitrogen‐doped porous biomass carbon with ultrastable performance as anodes for potassium‐ion batteries. NANO SELECT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202000140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering Central South University Changsha China
- Hunan Key Lab of Mineral Materials and Application Central South University Changsha China
| | - Zongwang Huang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering Central South University Changsha China
- Hunan Key Lab of Mineral Materials and Application Central South University Changsha China
| | - Haimin Zhang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering Central South University Changsha China
- Hunan Key Lab of Mineral Materials and Application Central South University Changsha China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering Central South University Changsha China
- Hunan Key Lab of Mineral Materials and Application Central South University Changsha China
| | - Jun Zhang
- The Sericultural Research Institute of Hunan Province Changsha China
| | - Anqiang Pan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Zhenyang Cai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Sainan Liu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering Central South University Changsha China
- Hunan Key Lab of Mineral Materials and Application Central South University Changsha China
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Yao Y, Allardyce BJ, Rajkhowa R, Guo C, Mu X, Hegh D, Zhang J, Lynch P, Wang X, Kaplan DL, Razal JM. Spinning Regenerated Silk Fibers with Improved Toughness by Plasticizing with Low Molecular Weight Silk. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:788-799. [PMID: 33337131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Low-molecular weight (LMW) silk was utilized as a LMW silk plasticizer for regenerated silk, generating weak physical crosslinks between high-molecular weight (HMW) silk chains in the amorphous regions of a mixed solution of HMW/LMW silk. The plasticization effect of LMW silk was investigated using mechanical testing, Raman spectroscopy, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Small amounts (10%) of LMW silk resulted in a 19.4% enhancement in fiber extensibility and 37.8% increase in toughness. The addition of the LMW silk facilitated the movement of HMW silk chains during drawing, resulting in an increase in molecular chain orientation when compared with silk spun from 100% HMW silk solution. The best regenerated silk fibers produced in this work had an orientation factor of 0.94 and crystallinity of 47.82%, close to the values of natural degummedBombyx mori silk fiber. The approach and mechanism elucidated here can facilitate artificial silk systems with enhanced properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yao
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | | | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Chengchen Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Xuan Mu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Dylan Hegh
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Jizhen Zhang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Peter Lynch
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Xungai Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Joselito M Razal
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
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Kelly SP, Huang KP, Liao CP, Khasanah RAN, Chien FSS, Hu JS, Wu CL, Tso IM. Mechanical and structural properties of major ampullate silk from spiders fed carbon nanomaterials. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241829. [PMID: 33166360 PMCID: PMC7652353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dragline silk of spiders is of particular interest to science due to its unique properties that make it an exceptional biomaterial that has both high tensile strength and elasticity. To improve these natural fibers, researchers have begun to try infusing metals and carbon nanomaterials to improve mechanical properties of spider silk. The objective of this study was to incorporate carbon nanomaterials into the silk of an orb-weaving spider, Nephila pilipes, by feeding them solutions containing graphene and carbon nanotubes. Spiders were collected from the field and in the lab were fed solutions by pipette containing either graphene sheets or nanotubes. Major ampullate silk was collected and a tensile tester was used to determine mechanical properties for pre- and post-treatment samples. Raman spectroscopy was then used to test for the presence of nanomaterials in silk samples. There was no apparent incorporation of carbon nanomaterials in the silk fibers that could be detected with Raman spectroscopy and there were no significant improvements in mechanical properties. This study represents an example for the importance of attempting to replicate previously published research. Researchers should be encouraged to continue to do these types of investigations in order to build a strong consensus and solid foundation for how to go forward with these new methods for creating novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Kelly
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ping Huang
- Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Jwu-Sheng Hu
- Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Lin Wu
- Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - I-Min Tso
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hybrid Spider Silk with Inorganic Nanomaterials. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091853. [PMID: 32947954 PMCID: PMC7559941 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
High-performance functional biomaterials are becoming increasingly requested. Numerous natural and artificial polymers have already demonstrated their ability to serve as a basis for bio-composites. Spider silk offers a unique combination of desirable aspects such as biocompatibility, extraordinary mechanical properties, and tunable biodegradability, which are superior to those of most natural and engineered materials. Modifying spider silk with various inorganic nanomaterials with specific properties has led to the development of the hybrid materials with improved functionality. The purpose of using these inorganic nanomaterials is primarily due to their chemical nature, enhanced by large surface areas and quantum size phenomena. Functional properties of nanoparticles can be implemented to macro-scale components to produce silk-based hybrid materials, while spider silk fibers can serve as a matrix to combine the benefits of the functional components. Therefore, it is not surprising that hybrid materials based on spider silk and inorganic nanomaterials are considered extremely promising for potentially attractive applications in various fields, from optics and photonics to tissue regeneration. This review summarizes and discusses evidence of the use of various kinds of inorganic compounds in spider silk modification intended for a multitude of applications. It also provides an insight into approaches for obtaining hybrid silk-based materials via 3D printing.
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Application of the Spider Silk Standardization Initiative (S 3I) methodology to the characterization of major ampullate gland silk fibers spun by spiders from Pantanos de Villa wetlands (Lima, Peru). J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 111:104023. [PMID: 32818773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk is a natural material with unique properties and a great potential for engineering and biomedical applications. In spite of its simple composition and highly conserved and stereotypical production, spider silks show a wide range of variability in their mechanical properties which, for long, have defied their classification and standardization. Here we propose to launch the Spider Silk Standardization Initiative (S3I), a methodology based on the definition of the α* parameter, in an attempt to define a systematic procedure to classify the tensile properties exhibited by major ampullate gland silk (MAS) spun by Entelegynae spiders. The α* parameter is calculated from the comparison of the true stress-true strain curve of any MAS fiber after being subjected to maximum supercontraction, with the true stress-true strain curve of the species Argiope aurantia, which is set as a reference curve. This work presents the details of the S3I methodology and, as an example, shows its application to an assemblage of Entelegynae spiders from different families collected at the Pantanos de Villa wetlands (Lima, Peru). The systematic and objective classification of the tensile properties of MAS fibers allowed by the S3I will offer insights into key aspects of the biological evolution of the material, and address questions such as how history and adaptation contributed to shape those properties. In addition, it will surely have far reaching consequences in fields such as Materials Science, and Molecular and Evolutionary Biology, by organizing the range of tensile properties exhibited by spider silk fibers.
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Mu X, Fitzpatrick V, Kaplan DL. From Silk Spinning to 3D Printing: Polymer Manufacturing using Directed Hierarchical Molecular Assembly. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901552. [PMID: 32109007 PMCID: PMC7415583 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Silk spinning offers an evolution-based manufacturing strategy for industrial polymer manufacturing, yet remains largely inaccessible as the manufacturing mechanisms in biological and synthetic systems, especially at the molecular level, are fundamentally different. The appealing characteristics of silk spinning include the sustainable sourcing of the protein material, the all-aqueous processing into fibers, and the unique material properties of silks in various formats. Substantial progress has been made to mimic silk spinning in artificial manufacturing processes, despite the gap between natural and artificial systems. This report emphasizes the universal spinning conditions utilized by both spiders and silkworms to generate silk fibers in nature, as a scientific and technical framework for directing molecular assembly into high-performance structures. The preparation of regenerated silk feedstocks and mimicking native spinning conditions in artificial manufacturing are discussed, as is progress and challenges in fiber spinning and 3D printing of silk-composites. Silk spinning is a biomimetic model for advanced and sustainable artificial polymer manufacturing, offering benefits in biomedical applications for tissue scaffolds and implantable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Vincent Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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Georgilis E, Abdelghani M, Pille J, Aydinlioglu E, van Hest JC, Lecommandoux S, Garanger E. Nanoparticles based on natural, engineered or synthetic proteins and polypeptides for drug delivery applications. Int J Pharm 2020; 586:119537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pollini M, Paladini F. Bioinspired Materials for Wound Healing Application: The Potential of Silk Fibroin. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E3361. [PMID: 32751205 PMCID: PMC7436046 DOI: 10.3390/ma13153361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nature is an incredible source of inspiration for scientific research due to the multiple examples of sophisticated structures and architectures which have evolved for billions of years in different environments. Numerous biomaterials have evolved toward high level functions and performances, which can be exploited for designing novel biomedical devices. Naturally derived biopolymers, in particular, offer a wide range of chances to design appropriate substrates for tissue regeneration and wound healing applications. Wound management still represents a challenging field which requires continuous efforts in scientific research for definition of novel approaches to facilitate and promote wound healing and tissue regeneration, particularly where the conventional therapies fail. Moreover, big concerns associated to the risk of wound infections and antibiotic resistance have stimulated the scientific research toward the definition of products with simultaneous regenerative and antimicrobial properties. Among the bioinspired materials for wound healing, this review focuses attention on a protein derived from the silkworm cocoon, namely silk fibroin, which is characterized by incredible biological features and wound healing capability. As demonstrated by the increasing number of publications, today fibroin has received great attention for providing valuable options for fabrication of biomedical devices and products for tissue engineering. In combination with antimicrobial agents, particularly with silver nanoparticles, fibroin also allows the development of products with improved wound healing and antibacterial properties. This review aims at providing the reader with a comprehensive analysis of the most recent findings on silk fibroin, presenting studies and results demonstrating its effective role in wound healing and its great potential for wound healing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Pollini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Caresilk S.r.l.s., Via Monteroni c/o Technological District DHITECH, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Federica Paladini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Caresilk S.r.l.s., Via Monteroni c/o Technological District DHITECH, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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The beta-1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 gene, selected by domestication and breeding, is involved in cocoon construction of Bombyx mori. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008907. [PMID: 32667927 PMCID: PMC7363074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Holometabolous insects have distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages. The pupal stage is typically immobile and can be subject to predation, but cocoon offers pupal protection for many insect species. The cocoon provides a space in which the pupa to adult metamorphosis occurs. It also protects the pupa from weather, predators and parasitoids. Silk protein is a precursor of the silk used in cocoon construction. We used the silkworm as a model species to identify genes affecting silk protein synthesis and cocoon construction. We used quantitative genetic analysis to demonstrate that β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 (BmGlcNase1) is associated with synthesis of sericin, the main composite of cocoon. BmGlcNase1 has an expression pattern coupled with silk gland development and cocoon shell weight (CSW) variation, and CSW is an index of the ability to synthesize silk protein. Up-regulated expression of BmGlcNase1 increased sericin content by 13.9% and 22.5% while down-regulation reduced sericin content by 41.2% and 27.3% in the cocoons of females and males, respectively. Genomic sequencing revealed that sequence variation upstream of the BmGlcNase1 transcriptional start site (TSS) is associated with the expression of BmGlcNase1 and CSW. Selective pressure analysis showed that GlcNase1 was differentially selected in insects with and without cocoons (ω1 = 0.044 vs. ω2 = 0.154). This indicates that this gene has a conserved function in the cocooning process of insects. BmGlcNase1 appears to be involved in sericin synthesis and silkworm cocooning. The cocoon provides a protected space for the metamorphosis of many insect species. Silk protein is a precursor of the fiber used for cocoon construction. Deciphering the genetic basis underlying silk protein synthesis will improve our understanding of cocoon construction and the adaptations of species that construct cocoons. We used the silkworm (Bombyx mori) as a model to identify genes affecting silk protein synthesis and cocoon construction. Quantitative genetic analysis was used to show that β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase 1 (BmGlcNase1), a gene selected during silkworm domestication and breeding, is associated with sericin synthesis. Transgenic-based functional validation confirmed that BmGlcNase1 positively regulates sericin content in the silkworm cocoon. The selective pressure of GlcNase1 in the evolution of insects with cocoons is higher than those without cocoons. This indicates that it has a conserved function in the cocooning process. These results reveal aspects of the genetic basis of silk protein synthesis and the cocoon construction of insects.
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Park H, Baek S, Kang H, Lee D. Biomaterials to Prevent Post-Operative Adhesion. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E3056. [PMID: 32650529 PMCID: PMC7412384 DOI: 10.3390/ma13143056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Surgery is performed to treat various diseases. During the process, the surgical site is healed through self-healing after surgery. Post-operative or tissue adhesion caused by unnecessary contact with the surgical site occurs during the normal healing process. In addition, it has been frequently found in patients who have undergone surgery, and severe adhesion can cause chronic pain and various complications. Therefore, anti-adhesion barriers have been developed using multiple biomaterials to prevent post-operative adhesion. Typically, anti-adhesion barriers are manufactured and sold in numerous forms, such as gels, solutions, and films, but there are no products that can completely prevent post-operative adhesion. These products are generally applied over the surgical site to physically block adhesion to other sites (organs). Many studies have recently been conducted to increase the anti-adhesion effects through various strategies. This article reviews recent research trends in anti-adhesion barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heekyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 06974, Korea; (H.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Seungho Baek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 06974, Korea; (H.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Hyun Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul 06973, Korea
| | - Donghyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 06974, Korea; (H.P.); (S.B.)
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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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