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Jiang W, Wu Z, Gao Z, Wan M, Zhou M, Mao C, Shen J. Artificial Cells: Past, Present and Future. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15705-15733. [PMID: 36226996 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Artificial cells are constructed to imitate natural cells and allow researchers to explore biological process and the origin of life. The construction methods for artificial cells, through both top-down or bottom-up approaches, have achieved great progress over the past decades. Here we present a comprehensive overview on the development of artificial cells and their properties and applications. Artificial cells are derived from lipids, polymers, lipid/polymer hybrids, natural cell membranes, colloidosome, metal-organic frameworks and coacervates. They can be endowed with various functions through the incorporation of proteins and genes on the cell surface or encapsulated inside of the cells. These modulations determine the properties of artificial cells, including producing energy, cell growth, morphology change, division, transmembrane transport, environmental response, motility and chemotaxis. Multiple applications of these artificial cells are discussed here with a focus on therapeutic applications. Artificial cells are used as carriers for materials and information exchange and have been shown to function as targeted delivery systems of personalized drugs. Additionally, artificial cells can function to substitute for cells with impaired function. Enzyme therapy and immunotherapy using artificial cells have been an intense focus of research. Finally, prospects of future development of cell-mimic properties and broader applications are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jiang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
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2
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Hirschi S, Ward TR, Meier WP, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Synthetic Biology: Bottom-Up Assembly of Molecular Systems. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16294-16328. [PMID: 36179355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of biological and chemical components opens exciting opportunities to engineer artificial vesicular systems for applications with previously unmet requirements. The modular combination of scaffolds and functional building blocks enables the engineering of complex systems with biomimetic or new-to-nature functionalities. Inspired by the compartmentalized organization of cells and organelles, lipid or polymer vesicles are widely used as model membrane systems to investigate the translocation of solutes and the transduction of signals by membrane proteins. The bottom-up assembly and functionalization of such artificial compartments enables full control over their composition and can thus provide specifically optimized environments for synthetic biological processes. This review aims to inspire future endeavors by providing a diverse toolbox of molecular modules, engineering methodologies, and different approaches to assemble artificial vesicular systems. Important technical and practical aspects are addressed and selected applications are presented, highlighting particular achievements and limitations of the bottom-up approach. Complementing the cutting-edge technological achievements, fundamental aspects are also discussed to cater to the inherently diverse background of the target audience, which results from the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology. The engineering of proteins as functional modules and the use of lipids and block copolymers as scaffold modules for the assembly of functionalized vesicular systems are explored in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the controlled assembly of these components into increasingly complex vesicular systems. Finally, all descriptions are presented in the greater context of engineering valuable synthetic biological systems for applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, bioremediation, or targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Yu X, Zhou L, Wang G, Wang L, Dou H. Hierarchical Structures in Macromolecule-assembled Synthetic Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100926. [PMID: 35445490 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100926] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Various models of synthetic cells have been developed as researchers have sought to explore the origin of life. Based on the fact that structural complexity is the foundation of higher-order functions, this review will focus on hierarchical structures in synthetic cell models that are inspired by living systems, in which macromolecules are the dominant participants. We discuss the underlying advantages and functions provided by biomimetic higher-order structures from four perspectives, including hierarchical structures in membranes, in the composite construction of membrane-coated artificial cytoplasm, in organelle-like subcellular compartments, as well as in synthetic cell-cell assembled synthetic tissues. In parallel, various feasible driving forces and approaches for the fabrication of such higher-order structures are showcased. Furthermore, we highlight both the implemented and potential applications of biomimetic systems, bottom-up biosynthesis, biomedical tissue engineering, and disease therapy. This thriving field is gradually narrowing the gap between fundamental research and applied science. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Gangyang Wang, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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4
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Shin J, Cole BD, Shan T, Jang Y. Heterogeneous Synthetic Vesicles toward Artificial Cells: Engineering Structure and Composition of Membranes for Multimodal Functionalities. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:1505-1518. [PMID: 35266692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The desire to develop artificial cells to imitate living cells in synthetic vesicle platforms has continuously increased over the past few decades. In particular, heterogeneous synthetic vesicles made from two or more building blocks have attracted attention for artificial cell applications based on their multifunctional modules with asymmetric structures. In addition to the traditional liposomes or polymersomes, polypeptides and proteins have recently been highlighted as potential building blocks to construct artificial cells owing to their specific biological functionalities. Incorporating one or more functionally folded, globular protein into synthetic vesicles enables more cell-like functions mediated by proteins. This Review highlights the recent research about synthetic vesicles toward artificial cell models, from traditional synthetic vesicles to protein-assembled vesicles with asymmetric structures. We aim to provide fundamental and practical insights into applying knowledge on molecular self-assembly to the bottom-up construction of artificial cell platforms with heterogeneous building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyong Shin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Blair D Cole
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Ting Shan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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5
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Stauffer M, Ucurum Z, Harder D, Fotiadis D. Engineering and functional characterization of a proton-driven β-lactam antibiotic translocation module for bionanotechnological applications. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17205. [PMID: 34446740 PMCID: PMC8390754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96298-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel approaches in synthetic biology focus on the bottom-up modular assembly of natural, modified natural or artificial components into molecular systems with functionalities not found in nature. A possible application for such techniques is the bioremediation of natural water sources contaminated with small organic molecules (e.g., drugs and pesticides). A simple molecular system to actively accumulate and degrade pollutants could be a bionanoreactor composed of a liposome or polymersome scaffold combined with energizing- (e.g., light-driven proton pump), transporting- (e.g., proton-driven transporter) and degrading modules (e.g., enzyme). This work focuses on the engineering of a transport module specific for β-lactam antibiotics. We previously solved the crystal structure of a bacterial peptide transporter, which allowed us to improve the affinity for certain β-lactam antibiotics using structure-based mutagenesis combined with a bacterial uptake assay. We were able to identify specific mutations, which enhanced the affinity of the transporter for antibiotics containing certain structural features. Screening of potential compounds allowed for the identification of a β-lactam antibiotic ligand with relatively high affinity. Transport of antibiotics was evaluated using a solid-supported membrane electrophysiology assay. In summary, we have engineered a proton-driven β-lactam antibiotic translocation module, contributing to the growing toolset for bionanotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Stauffer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zöhre Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Harder
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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6
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Gaut NJ, Adamala KP. Reconstituting Natural Cell Elements in Synthetic Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000188. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J. Gaut
- Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development University of Minnesota 420 Washington Ave SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Katarzyna P. Adamala
- Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development University of Minnesota 420 Washington Ave SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
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7
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Patron NJ. Beyond natural: synthetic expansions of botanical form and function. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:295-310. [PMID: 32239523 PMCID: PMC7383487 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Powered by developments that enabled genome-scale investigations, systems biology emerged as a field aiming to understand how phenotypes emerge from network functions. These advances fuelled a new engineering discipline focussed on synthetic reconstructions of complex biological systems with the goal of predictable rational design and control. Initially, progress in the nascent field of synthetic biology was slow due to the ad hoc nature of molecular biology methods such as cloning. The application of engineering principles such as standardisation, together with several key technical advances, enabled a revolution in the speed and accuracy of genetic manipulation. Combined with mathematical and statistical modelling, this has improved the predictability of engineering biological systems of which nonlinearity and stochasticity are intrinsic features leading to remarkable achievements in biotechnology as well as novel insights into biological function. In the past decade, there has been slow but steady progress in establishing foundations for synthetic biology in plant systems. Recently, this has enabled model-informed rational design to be successfully applied to the engineering of plant gene regulation and metabolism. Synthetic biology is now poised to transform the potential of plant biotechnology. However, reaching full potential will require conscious adjustments to the skillsets and mind sets of plant scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J. Patron
- Engineering BiologyEarlham InstituteNorwich Research Park, NorwichNorfolkNR4 7UZUK
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8
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Biner O, Fedor JG, Yin Z, Hirst J. Bottom-Up Construction of a Minimal System for Cellular Respiration and Energy Regeneration. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:1450-1459. [PMID: 32383867 PMCID: PMC7611821 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular energy currency, is essential for life. The ability to provide a constant supply of ATP is therefore crucial for the construction of artificial cells in synthetic biology. Here, we describe the bottom-up assembly and characterization of a minimal respiratory system that uses NADH as a fuel to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, and is thus capable of sustaining both upstream metabolic processes that rely on NAD+, and downstream energy-demanding processes that are powered by ATP hydrolysis. A detergent-mediated approach was used to co-reconstitute respiratory mitochondrial complex I and an F-type ATP synthase into nanosized liposomes. Addition of the alternative oxidase to the resulting proteoliposomes produced a minimal artificial "organelle" that reproduces the energy-converting catalytic reactions of the mitochondrial respiratory chain: NADH oxidation, ubiquinone cycling, oxygen reduction, proton pumping, and ATP synthesis. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that our nanovesicles are capable of using an NAD+-linked substrate to drive cell-free protein expression. Our nanovesicles are both efficient and durable and may be applied to sustain artificial cells in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Biner
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Justin G Fedor
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Zhan Yin
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Judy Hirst
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
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9
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Li J, Baxani DK, Jamieson WD, Xu W, Rocha VG, Barrow DA, Castell OK. Formation of Polarized, Functional Artificial Cells from Compartmentalized Droplet Networks and Nanomaterials, Using One-Step, Dual-Material 3D-Printed Microfluidics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1901719. [PMID: 31921557 PMCID: PMC6947711 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The bottom-up construction of synthetic cells with user-defined chemical organization holds considerable promise in the creation of bioinspired materials. Complex emulsions, droplet networks, and nested vesicles all represent platforms for the engineering of segregated chemistries with controlled communication, analogous to biological cells. Microfluidic manufacture of such droplet-based materials typically results in radial or axisymmetric structures. In contrast, biological cells frequently display chemical polarity or gradients, which enable the determination of directionality, and inform higher-order interactions. Here, a dual-material, 3D-printing methodology to produce microfluidic architectures that enable the construction of functional, asymmetric, hierarchical, emulsion-based artificial cellular chassis is developed. These materials incorporate droplet networks, lipid membranes, and nanoparticle components. Microfluidic 3D-channel arrangements enable symmetry-breaking and the spatial patterning of droplet hierarchies. This approach can produce internal gradients and hemispherically patterned, multilayered shells alongside chemical compartmentalization. Such organization enables incorporation of organic and inorganic components, including lipid bilayers, within the same entity. In this way, functional polarization, that imparts individual and collective directionality on the resulting artificial cells, is demonstrated. This approach enables exploitation of polarity and asymmetry, in conjunction with compartmentalized and networked chemistry, in single and higher-order organized structures, thereby increasing the palette of functionality in artificial cellular materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
- Cardiff University School of EngineeringQueen's Buildings, 14‐17 The ParadeCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Divesh Kamal Baxani
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
| | - William David Jamieson
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
| | - Wen Xu
- Cardiff Business School Cardiff UniversityAberconway Building, Colum DrCardiffCF10 3EUUK
| | - Victoria Garcia Rocha
- Cardiff University School of EngineeringQueen's Buildings, 14‐17 The ParadeCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - David Anthony Barrow
- Cardiff University School of EngineeringQueen's Buildings, 14‐17 The ParadeCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Oliver Kieran Castell
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesRedwood Building, King Edward VII AveCardiffCF10 3NBUK
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10
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Hirschi S, Fischer N, Kalbermatter D, Laskowski PR, Ucurum Z, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Design and assembly of a chemically switchable and fluorescently traceable light-driven proton pump system for bionanotechnological applications. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1046. [PMID: 30705382 PMCID: PMC6355921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy-supplying modules are essential building blocks for the assembly of functional multicomponent nanoreactors in synthetic biology. Proteorhodopsin, a light-driven proton pump, is an ideal candidate to provide the required energy in form of an electrochemical proton gradient. Here we present an advanced proteoliposome system equipped with a chemically on-off switchable proteorhodopsin variant. The proton pump was engineered to optimize the specificity and efficiency of chemical deactivation and reactivation. To optically track and characterize the proteoliposome system using fluorescence microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis, fluorescenlty labelled lipids were implemented. Fluorescence is a highly valuable feature that enables detection and tracking of nanoreactors in complex media. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and correlative atomic force and confocal microscopy revealed that our procedure yields polylamellar proteoliposomes, which exhibit enhanced mechanical stability. The combination of these features makes the presented energizing system a promising foundation for the engineering of complex nanoreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - N Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Kalbermatter
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - P R Laskowski
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Z Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - D Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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11
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Yoshiyama T, Ichii T, Yomo T, Ichihashi N. Automated in vitro evolution of a translation-coupled RNA replication system in a droplet flow reactor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11867. [PMID: 30089835 PMCID: PMC6082869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Automation is a useful strategy to make laborious evolutionary experiments faster and easier. To date, several types of continuous flow reactors have been developed for the automated evolutionary experiments of viruses and bacteria. However, the development of a flow reactor applicable to compartmentalized in vitro self-replication systems is still a challenge. In this study, we demonstrate automated in vitro evolution of a translation-coupled RNA system in a droplet flow reactor for the first time. This reactor contains approximately 1010 micro-scale droplets (average diameter is approximately 0.8 μm), which continuously fuse and divide among each other at a controllable rate. In the droplets, an RNA (artificial genomic RNA) replicate through the translation of self-encoded RNA replicase with spontaneously appearing parasitic RNA. We performed two automated replication experiments for more than 400 hours with different mixing intensities. We found that several mutations displayed increased frequencies in the genomic RNA populations and the dominant RNA mutants acquired the ability to replicate faster or acquired resistance to the parasitic RNA, demonstrating that Darwinian evolution occurred during the long-term replication. The droplet flow reactor we developed can be a useful tool to perform in vitro evolutionary experiments of translation-coupled systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Yoshiyama
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ichii
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Institute of Biology and Information Science, East China Normal University, 3663 Zhongshan North Rd., Shanghai, 200062, P.R. China
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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12
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Courbet A, Amar P, Fages F, Renard E, Molina F. Computer-aided biochemical programming of synthetic microreactors as diagnostic devices. Mol Syst Biol 2018; 14:e7845. [PMID: 29700076 PMCID: PMC5917673 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20177845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological systems have evolved efficient sensing and decision-making mechanisms to maximize fitness in changing molecular environments. Synthetic biologists have exploited these capabilities to engineer control on information and energy processing in living cells. While engineered organisms pose important technological and ethical challenges, de novo assembly of non-living biomolecular devices could offer promising avenues toward various real-world applications. However, assembling biochemical parts into functional information processing systems has remained challenging due to extensive multidimensional parameter spaces that must be sampled comprehensively in order to identify robust, specification compliant molecular implementations. We introduce a systematic methodology based on automated computational design and microfluidics enabling the programming of synthetic cell-like microreactors embedding biochemical logic circuits, or protosensors, to perform accurate biosensing and biocomputing operations in vitro according to temporal logic specifications. We show that proof-of-concept protosensors integrating diagnostic algorithms detect specific patterns of biomarkers in human clinical samples. Protosensors may enable novel approaches to medicine and represent a step toward autonomous micromachines capable of precise interfacing of human physiology or other complex biological environments, ecosystems, or industrial bioprocesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Courbet
- Sys2diag UMR9005 CNRS/ALCEDIAG, Montpellier, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and INSERM 1411 Clinical Investigation Center, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Patrick Amar
- Sys2diag UMR9005 CNRS/ALCEDIAG, Montpellier, France
- LRI, Université Paris Sud - UMR CNRS 8623, Orsay Cedex, France
| | | | - Eric Renard
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and INSERM 1411 Clinical Investigation Center, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- Institute of Functional Genomics, CNRS UMR 5203, INSERM U1191, University of Montpellier, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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13
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Lin S, Sun S, Wang K, Shen K, Ma B, Ren Y, Fan X. Bioinspired Design of Alcohol Dehydrogenase@nano TiO₂ Microreactors for Sustainable Cycling of NAD⁺/NADH Coenzyme. NANOMATERIALS 2018; 8:nano8020127. [PMID: 29495316 PMCID: PMC5853758 DOI: 10.3390/nano8020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The bioinspired design and construction of enzyme@capsule microreactors with specific cell-like functionality has generated tremendous interest in recent years. Inspired by their fascinating complexity, scientists have endeavored to understand the essential aspects of a natural cell and create biomimicking microreactors so as to immobilize enzymes within the hierarchical structure of a microcapsule. In this study, simultaneous encapsulation of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was achieved during the preparation of microcapsules by the Pickering emulsion method using amphiphilic modified TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as building blocks for assembling the photocatalytic microcapsule membrane. The ADH@TiO2 NP microreactors exhibited dual catalytic functions, i.e., spatially confined enzymatic catalysis and the membrane-associated photocatalytic oxidation under visible light. The sustainable cycling of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) coenzyme between NADH and NAD+ was realized by enzymatic regeneration of NADH from NAD+ reduction, and was provided in a form that enabled further photocatalytic oxidation to NAD+ under visible light. This bioinspired ADH@TiO2 NP microreactor allowed the linking of a semiconductor mineral-based inorganic photosystem to enzymatic reactions. This is a first step toward the realization of sustainable biological cycling of NAD+/NADH coenzyme in synthetic functional microsystems operating under visible light irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Institute of Non-Metallic Minerals, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
- Low-cost Wastewater Treatment Technology International Sci-Tech Cooperation Base of Sichuan Province, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Shiyong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Institute of Non-Metallic Minerals, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
- Low-cost Wastewater Treatment Technology International Sci-Tech Cooperation Base of Sichuan Province, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Institute of Non-Metallic Minerals, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
- Low-cost Wastewater Treatment Technology International Sci-Tech Cooperation Base of Sichuan Province, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Kexuan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Institute of Non-Metallic Minerals, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Biaobiao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Institute of Non-Metallic Minerals, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Yuquan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycle of Ministry of Education, Institute of Non-Metallic Minerals, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Fan
- Low-cost Wastewater Treatment Technology International Sci-Tech Cooperation Base of Sichuan Province, Mianyang 621010, China.
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14
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Okano T, Inoue K, Koseki K, Suzuki H. Deformation Modes of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Encapsulating Biopolymers. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:739-747. [PMID: 29382193 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The shapes of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) enclosing polymer molecules at relatively high concentration, used as a model cytoplasm, significantly differ from those containing only small molecules. Here, we investigated the effects of the molecular weights and concentrations of polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and DNA on the morphology of GUVs deflated by osmotic pressure. Although small PEG (MW < 1000) does not alter the mode of shape transformation even at >10% (w/w), PEG with MW > 6000 induces budding and pearling transformation at above 1% (w/w). Larger PEG frequently induced small buddings and tubulation from the membrane of mother GUVs. A similar trend was observed with BSA, indicating that the effect is irrelevant to the chemical nature of polymers. More surprisingly, long strands of DNA (>105 bp) enclosed in GUVs induced budding transformation at concentrations as low as 0.01-0.1% (w/w). We expect that this molecular size dependency arises mainly from the depletion volume effect. Our results showed that curving, budding, and tubulation of lipid membranes, which are ubiquitous in living cells, can result from simple cell-mimics consisting of the membrane and cytosolic macromolecules, but without specific shape-determining proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiji Okano
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Koya Inoue
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Kaoru Koseki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suzuki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
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15
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Adamala KP, Martin-Alarcon DA, Guthrie-Honea KR, Boyden ES. Engineering genetic circuit interactions within and between synthetic minimal cells. Nat Chem 2017; 9:431-439. [PMID: 28430194 PMCID: PMC5407321 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic circuits and reaction cascades are of great importance for synthetic biology, biochemistry and bioengineering. An open question is how to maximize the modularity of their design to enable the integration of different reaction networks and to optimize their scalability and flexibility. One option is encapsulation within liposomes, which enables chemical reactions to proceed in well-isolated environments. Here we adapt liposome encapsulation to enable the modular, controlled compartmentalization of genetic circuits and cascades. We demonstrate that it is possible to engineer genetic circuit-containing synthetic minimal cells (synells) to contain multiple-part genetic cascades, and that these cascades can be controlled by external signals as well as inter-liposomal communication without crosstalk. We also show that liposomes that contain different cascades can be fused in a controlled way so that the products of incompatible reactions can be brought together. Synells thus enable a more modular creation of synthetic biology cascades, an essential step towards their ultimate programmability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel A. Martin-Alarcon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Edward S. Boyden
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Howard J, Murashov V, Schulte P. Synthetic biology and occupational risk. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:224-236. [PMID: 27754800 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1237031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is an emerging interdisciplinary field of biotechnology that involves applying the principles of engineering and chemical design to biological systems. Biosafety professionals have done an excellent job in addressing research laboratory safety as synthetic biology and gene editing have emerged from the larger field of biotechnology. Despite these efforts, risks posed by synthetic biology are of increasing concern as research procedures scale up to industrial processes in the larger bioeconomy. A greater number and variety of workers will be exposed to commercial synthetic biology risks in the future, including risks to a variety of workers from the use of lentiviral vectors as gene transfer devices. There is a need to review and enhance current protection measures in the field of synthetic biology, whether in experimental laboratories where new advances are being researched, in health care settings where treatments using viral vectors as gene delivery systems are increasingly being used, or in the industrial bioeconomy. Enhanced worker protection measures should include increased injury and illness surveillance of the synthetic biology workforce; proactive risk assessment and management of synthetic biology products; research on the relative effectiveness of extrinsic and intrinsic biocontainment methods; specific safety guidance for synthetic biology industrial processes; determination of appropriate medical mitigation measures for lentiviral vector exposure incidents; and greater awareness and involvement in synthetic biology safety by the general occupational safety and health community as well as by government occupational safety and health research and regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Howard
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Washington, DC
| | - Vladimir Murashov
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Washington, DC
| | - Paul Schulte
- a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Washington, DC
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17
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Vieregg JR, Tang TYD. Polynucleotides in cellular mimics: Coacervates and lipid vesicles. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Qiao Y, Li M, Booth R, Mann S. Predatory behaviour in synthetic protocell communities. Nat Chem 2016; 9:110-119. [PMID: 28282044 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the chemical construction of colloidal objects comprising integrated biomimetic functions is paving the way towards rudimentary forms of artificial cell-like entities (protocells). Although several new types of protocells are currently available, the design of synthetic protocell communities and investigation of their collective behaviour has received little attention. Here we demonstrate an artificial form of predatory behaviour in a community of protease-containing coacervate microdroplets and protein-polymer microcapsules (proteinosomes) that interact via electrostatic binding. The coacervate microdroplets act as killer protocells for the obliteration of the target proteinosome population by protease-induced lysis of the protein-polymer membrane. As a consequence, the proteinosome payload (dextran, single-stranded DNA, platinum nanoparticles) is trafficked into the attached coacervate microdroplets, which are then released as functionally modified killer protocells capable of rekilling. Our results highlight opportunities for the development of interacting artificial protocell communities, and provide a strategy for inducing collective behaviour in soft matter microcompartmentalized systems and synthetic protocell consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qiao
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Richard Booth
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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19
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Krishna Kumar R, Harniman RL, Patil AJ, Mann S. Self-transformation and structural reconfiguration in coacervate-based protocells. Chem Sci 2016; 7:5879-5887. [PMID: 30034729 PMCID: PMC6024302 DOI: 10.1039/c6sc00205f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A functionalized small-molecule dipeptide capable of structural adaptation is used to prepare coacervate-based protocells that exhibit a pH-triggered process of self-transformation and structural reconfiguration. Polymer-dipeptide coacervate micro-droplets are prepared at pH 8.5 from aqueous mixtures of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and deprotonated N-(fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl)-d-Ala-d-Ala, and transform into discrete aster-like micro-architectures by controlled lowering of the pH to 4.5. Reconfiguration of the micro-droplets results in entanglement and formation of an interpenetrating fibrous network that subsequently develops into a polymer-containing dipeptide hydrogel. Our results provide a step towards the assembly of synthetic protocells exhibiting rudimentary aspects of metamorphosis, and should offer a new approach to the design and construction of soft reconfigurable chemical micro-ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinash Krishna Kumar
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter , School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Bristol , BS8 1TS , UK .
| | - Robert L Harniman
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter , School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Bristol , BS8 1TS , UK .
| | - Avinash J Patil
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter , School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Bristol , BS8 1TS , UK .
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter , School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Bristol , BS8 1TS , UK .
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20
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Schmidt-Dannert C, Lopez-Gallego F. A roadmap for biocatalysis - functional and spatial orchestration of enzyme cascades. Microb Biotechnol 2016; 9:601-9. [PMID: 27418373 PMCID: PMC4993178 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in biological engineering and systems biology have provided new approaches and tools for the industrialization of biology. In the next decade, advanced biocatalytic systems will increasingly be used for the production of chemicals that cannot be made by current processes and/or where the use of enzyme catalysts is more resource efficient with a much reduced environmental impact. We expect that in the future, manufacture of chemicals and materials will utilize both biocatalytic and chemical synthesis synergistically. The realization of such advanced biomanufacturing processes currently faces a number of major challenges. Ready‐to‐deploy portfolios of biocatalysts for design to production must be created from biological diverse sources and through protein engineering. Robust and efficient multi‐step enzymatic reaction cascades must be developed that can operate simultaneously in one‐pot. For this to happen, bio‐orthogonal strategies for spatial and temporal control of biocatalyst activities must be developed. Promising approaches and technologies are emerging that will eventually lead to the design of in vitro biocatalytic systems that mimic the metabolic pathways and networks of cellular systems which will be discussed in this roadmap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schmidt-Dannert
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, 1479 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Fernando Lopez-Gallego
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Group, CIC BiomaGUNE, Pase Miramon 182, San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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21
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Harder D, Hirschi S, Ucurum Z, Goers R, Meier W, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Engineering a Chemical Switch into the Light-driven Proton Pump Proteorhodopsin by Cysteine Mutagenesis and Thiol Modification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201601537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Harder
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Zöhre Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Roland Goers
- Department of Chemistry; University of Basel; 4056 Basel Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering; ETH Zürich; 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry; University of Basel; 4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Daniel J. Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering; ETH Zürich; 4058 Basel Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine; University of Bern; 3012 Bern Switzerland
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22
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Harder D, Hirschi S, Ucurum Z, Goers R, Meier W, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Engineering a Chemical Switch into the Light-driven Proton Pump Proteorhodopsin by Cysteine Mutagenesis and Thiol Modification. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:8846-9. [PMID: 27294681 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201601537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
For applications in synthetic biology, for example, the bottom-up assembly of biomolecular nanofactories, modules of specific and controllable functionalities are essential. Of fundamental importance in such systems are energizing modules, which are able to establish an electrochemical gradient across a vesicular membrane as an energy source for powering other modules. Light-driven proton pumps like proteorhodopsin (PR) are excellent candidates for efficient energy conversion. We have extended the versatility of PR by implementing an on/off switch based on reversible chemical modification of a site-specifically introduced cysteine residue. The position of this cysteine residue in PR was identified by structure-based cysteine mutagenesis combined with a proton-pumping assay using E. coli cells overexpressing PR and PR proteoliposomes. The identified PR mutant represents the first light-driven proton pump that can be chemically switched on/off depending on the requirements of the molecular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Harder
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zöhre Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Goers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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23
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Akkarachaneeyakorn K, Li M, Davis SA, Mann S. Secretion and Reversible Assembly of Extracellular-like Matrix by Enzyme-Active Colloidosome-Based Protocells. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2016; 32:2912-2919. [PMID: 26981922 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The secretion and reversible assembly of an extracellular-like matrix by enzyme-active inorganic protocells (colloidosomes) is described. Addition of N-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl-tyrosine-(O)-phosphate to an aqueous suspension of alkaline phosphatase-containing colloidosomes results in molecular uptake and dephosphorylation to produce a time-dependent sequence of supramolecular hydrogel motifs (outer membrane wall, cytoskeletal-like interior and extra-protocellular matrix) that are integrated and remodelled within the microcapsule architecture and surrounding environment. Heat-induced disassembly of the extra-protocellular matrix followed by cooling produces colloidosomes with a densely packed hydrogel interior. These procedures are exploited for the fabrication of nested colloidosomes with spatially delineated regions of hydrogelation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khrongkhwan Akkarachaneeyakorn
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Sean A Davis
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
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24
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Yin Y, Niu L, Zhu X, Zhao M, Zhang Z, Mann S, Liang D. Non-equilibrium behaviour in coacervate-based protocells under electric-field-induced excitation. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10658. [PMID: 26876162 PMCID: PMC4756681 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although numerous strategies are now available to generate rudimentary forms of synthetic cell-like entities, minimal progress has been made in the sustained excitation of artificial protocells under non-equilibrium conditions. Here we demonstrate that the electric field energization of coacervate microdroplets comprising polylysine and short single strands of DNA generates membrane-free protocells with complex, dynamical behaviours. By confining the droplets within a microfluidic channel and applying a range of electric field strengths, we produce protocells that exhibit repetitive cycles of vacuolarization, dynamical fluctuations in size and shape, chaotic growth and fusion, spontaneous ejection and sequestration of matter, directional capture of solute molecules, and pulsed enhancement of enzyme cascade reactions. Our results highlight new opportunities for the study of non-equilibrium phenomena in synthetic protocells, provide a strategy for inducing complex behaviour in electrostatically assembled soft matter microsystems and illustrate how dynamical properties can be activated and sustained in microcompartmentalized media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Yin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaocui Zhu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Meiping Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Dehai Liang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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25
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Lagny TJ, Bassereau P. Bioinspired membrane-based systems for a physical approach of cell organization and dynamics: usefulness and limitations. Interface Focus 2015; 5:20150038. [PMID: 26464792 PMCID: PMC4590427 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2015.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Being at the periphery of each cell compartment and enclosing the entire cell while interacting with a large part of cell components, cell membranes participate in most of the cell's vital functions. Biologists have worked for a long time on deciphering how membranes are organized, how they contribute to trafficking, motility, cytokinesis, cell-cell communication, information transport, etc., using top-down approaches and always more advanced techniques. In contrast, physicists have developed bottom-up approaches and minimal model membrane systems of growing complexity in order to build up general models that explain how cell membranes work and how they interact with proteins, e.g. the cytoskeleton. We review the different model membrane systems that are currently available, and how they can help deciphering cell functioning, but also list their limitations. Model membrane systems are also used in synthetic biology and can have potential applications beyond basic research. We discuss the possible synergy between the development of complex in vitro membrane systems in a biological context and for technological applications. Questions that could also be discussed are: what can we still do with synthetic systems, where do we stop building up and which are the alternative solutions?
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut J Lagny
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University , Laboratory PhysicoChimie Curie , 75248 Paris, Cedex 05 , France ; CNRS , UMR168, 75248 Paris, Cedex 05 , France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie , 75252 Paris, Cedex 05 , France
| | - Patricia Bassereau
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University , Laboratory PhysicoChimie Curie , 75248 Paris, Cedex 05 , France ; CNRS , UMR168, 75248 Paris, Cedex 05 , France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie , 75252 Paris, Cedex 05 , France
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