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Brizuela Guerra N, Morais Lima JV, Nozella NL, Boratto MH, Paulin JV, Graeff CFDO. Electrochemical Doping Effect on the Conductivity of Melanin-Inspired Materials. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:2186-2196. [PMID: 38466818 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01166] [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] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Eumelanin is a natural pigment that can be particularly valuable for sustainable bioelectronic devices due to its inherent biocompatibility and hydration-dependent conductivity. However, the low conductivity of eumelanin limits its technological development. In this research, electrochemical doping was proposed as an alternative route to increase the electronic conductivity of synthetic eumelanin derivatives. Thin films of sulfonated eumelanin were deposited on platinum interdigitated electrodes and electrochemically treated by using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry treatments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed ion doping in sulfonated melanin. Current-voltage, current-time, and electrochemical impedance measurements were used to investigate the effect of different aqueous electrolytes (including KCl and LiClO4) treatments on the charge transport of sulfonated eumelanin. We show that the conductivity depends on the type and size of the anion used and can reach 10-3 S·cm-1. Additionally, depending on the electrolyte, there is a change in charge transport from mixed ionic/electronic to a predominantly electronic-only conduction. Our results show that the chemical nature of the ion plays an important role in the electrochemical doping and, consequently, in the charge transport of eumelanin. These insights serve as inspiration to explore the use of alternative electrolytes with different compositions further and develop eumelanin-based devices with tunable conductivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayrim Brizuela Guerra
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - João Victor Morais Lima
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Natan Luis Nozella
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Miguel Henrique Boratto
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - João Vitor Paulin
- Department of Physics and Meteorology, School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
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2
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Lu Q, Vosberg B, Wang Z, Balasubramanian P, Sow M, Volkert C, Gonzalez Brouwer R, Lieberwirth I, Graf R, Jelezko F, Plenio MB, Wu Y, Weil T. Unraveling Eumelanin Radical Formation by Nanodiamond Optical Relaxometry in a Living Cell. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7222-7232. [PMID: 38469853 PMCID: PMC10958502 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Defect centers in a nanodiamond (ND) allow the detection of tiny magnetic fields in their direct surroundings, rendering them as an emerging tool for nanoscale sensing applications. Eumelanin, an abundant pigment, plays an important role in biology and material science. Here, for the first time, we evaluate the comproportionation reaction in eumelanin by detecting and quantifying semiquinone radicals through the nitrogen-vacancy color center. A thin layer of eumelanin is polymerized on the surface of nanodiamonds (NDs), and depending on the environmental conditions, such as the local pH value, near-infrared, and ultraviolet light irradiation, the radicals form and react in situ. By combining experiments and theoretical simulations, we quantify the local number and kinetics of free radicals in the eumelanin layer. Next, the ND sensor enters the cells via endosomal vesicles. We quantify the number of radicals formed within the eumelanin layer in these acidic compartments by applying optical relaxometry measurements. In the future, we believe that the ND quantum sensor could provide valuable insights into the chemistry of eumelanin, which could contribute to the understanding and treatment of eumelanin- and melanin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Berlind Vosberg
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute
of Theoretical Physics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and
Technology (IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Key
Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry
of Education), and School of Physics, South
China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials,
and Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Quantum Matter, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Priyadharshini Balasubramanian
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Maabur Sow
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carla Volkert
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Raul Gonzalez Brouwer
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ingo Lieberwirth
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Graf
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fedor Jelezko
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin B. Plenio
- Institute
of Theoretical Physics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and
Technology (IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Yingke Wu
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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3
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Pota G, Silvestri B, Vitiello G, Gallucci N, Di Girolamo R, Scialla S, Raucci MG, Ambrosio L, Di Napoli M, Zanfardino A, Varcamonti M, Pezzella A, Luciani G. Towards nanostructured red-ox active bio-interfaces: Bioinspired antibacterial hybrid melanin-CeO 2 nanoparticles for radical homeostasis. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 153:213558. [PMID: 37467646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Redox-active nano-biointerfaces are gaining weight in the field of regenerative medicine since they can act as enzymes in regulating physiological processes and enabling cell homeostasis, as well as the defense against pathogen aggression. In particular, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) stand as intriguing enzyme-mimicking nanoplatforms, owing to the reversible Ce+3/Ce+4 surface oxidation state. Moreover, surface functionalization leads to higher catalytic activity and selectivity, as well as more tunable enzyme-mimicking performances. Conjugation with melanin is an adequate strategy to boost and enrich CeO2 NPs biological features, because of melanin redox properties accounting for intrinsic antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory power. Herein, hybrid Melanin/CeO2 nanostructures were designed by simply coating the metal-oxide nanoparticles with melanin chains, obtained in-situ through ligand-to-metal charge transfer mechanism, according to a bioinspired approach. Obtained hybrid nanostructures underwent detailed physico-chemical characterization. Morphological and textural features were investigated through TEM, XRD and N2 physisorption. The nature of nanoparticle-melanin interaction was analyzed through FTIR, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy. Melanin-coated hybrid nanostructures exhibited a relevant antioxidant activity, confirmed by a powerful quenching effect for DPPH radical, reaching 81 % inhibition at 33 μg/mL. A promising anti-inflammatory efficacy of the melanin-coated hybrid nanostructures was validated through a significant inhibition of BSA denaturation after 3 h. Meanwhile, the enzyme-mimicking activity was corroborated by a prolonged peroxidase activity after 8 h at 100 μg/mL and a relevant catalase-like action, by halving the H2O2 level in 30 min at 50 μg/mL. Antimicrobial assays attested that conjugation with melanin dramatically boosted CeO2 biocide activity against both Gram (-) and Gram (+) strains. Cytocompatibility tests demonstrated that the melanin coating not only enhanced the CeO2 nanostructures biomimicry, resulting in improved cell viability for human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs), but mostly they proved that Melanin-CeO2 NPs were able to control the oxidative stress, modulating the production of nitrite and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HDFs, under physiological conditions. Such remarkable outcomes make hybrid melanin-CeO2 nanozymes, promising redox-active interfaces for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Pota
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Brigida Silvestri
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy; CSGI, Center for Colloid and Surface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Noemi Gallucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rocco Di Girolamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scialla
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Raucci
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pezzella
- Institute for Polymers Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR Via Campi Flegrei 34, I-80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy; Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples Federico II Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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4
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Wang X, Kinziabulatova L, Bortoli M, Manickoth A, Barilla MA, Huang H, Blancafort L, Kohler B, Lumb JP. Indole-5,6-quinones display hallmark properties of eumelanin. Nat Chem 2023:10.1038/s41557-023-01175-4. [PMID: 37037912 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are ubiquitous biopolymers produced from phenols and catechols by oxidation. They provide photoprotection, pigmentation and redox activity to most life forms, and inspire synthetic materials with desirable optical, electronic and mechanical properties. The chemical structures of melanins remain elusive, however, creating uncertainty about their roles, and preventing the design of synthetic mimics with tailored properties. Indole-5,6-quinone (IQ) has been implicated as a biosynthetic intermediate and structural subunit of mammalian eumelanin pigments, but its instability has prevented its isolation and unambiguous characterization. Here we use steric shielding to stabilize IQ and show that 'blocked' derivatives exhibit eumelanin's characteristic ultrafast nonradiative decay and its ability to absorb light from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared. These new compounds are also redox-active and a source of paramagnetism, emulating eumelanin's unique electronic properties, which include persistent radicals. Blocked IQs are atomistically precise and tailorable molecules that can offer a bottom-up understanding of emergent properties in eumelanin and have the potential to advance the rational design of melanin-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Wang
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lilia Kinziabulatova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marco Bortoli
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Anju Manickoth
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marisa A Barilla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lluís Blancafort
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Bern Kohler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Jean-Philip Lumb
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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5
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Beilinson Y, Rassabina A, Lunev I, Faizullin D, Greenbaum A, Salnikov V, Zuev Y, Minibayeva F, Feldman Y. The dielectric response of hydrated water as a structural signature of nanoconfined lichen melanins. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:22624-22633. [PMID: 36102934 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01383e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lichens are unique symbiotic organisms from a mutually beneficial alliance of fungi and algae/cyanobacteria that successfully survive extreme temperatures and drought conditions. Most probably such extraordinary vitality of lichens is underlain by melanins, one of the main structural and chemical lichen components, and their mutual relationship with residual water. In this paper, we propose mechanisms, which allow lichens to store up the extra water in their structure. Melanins that are constituents of the cortical lichen layer and presumably contribute to unique water-lichen interactions are chosen for physical experiments in a wide temperature domain. Two melanin pigments extracted from different lichens are studied here - eumelanin from Lobaria pulmonaria and allomelanin from Cetraria islandica. To investigate the inner melanin structure and water-melanin interactions, FTIR and BDS techniques are applied. The BDS technique was used in a wide temperature region of 123-293 K for melanins with various hydration levels. The relaxation processes related to the confinement of supercooled water - in melanins are observed and discussed in details. At medium and high hydration levels, the relaxation process in two melanins of different chemical compositions and supramolecular structures exhibits a well-known crossover that was already observed in many types of confinements. The analysis of FTIR and BDS results helps to clarify the lichen-water interaction processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Beilinson
- Department of Applied Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Laboratory, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
| | - Anna Rassabina
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str. 2/31, Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation.
| | - Ivan Lunev
- Kazan Federal University, Institute of Physics, Kremlevskaya str.18, Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Dzhigangir Faizullin
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str. 2/31, Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation.
| | - Anna Greenbaum
- Department of Applied Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Laboratory, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel. .,Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Vadim Salnikov
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str. 2/31, Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation.
| | - Yuriy Zuev
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str. 2/31, Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation.
| | - Farida Minibayeva
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky str. 2/31, Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation.
| | - Yuri Feldman
- Department of Applied Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Laboratory, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
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Mostert AB. The importance of water content on the conductivity of biomaterials and bioelectronic devices. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:7108-7121. [PMID: 35735112 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00593j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Conductive biocompatible-, bioinspired- and biomaterials are increasing in importance, especially in bioelectronic applications where these materials are used in a variety of devices. Given the intended purpose of many of these devices is to interface with the human body, a pertinent issue is the effect of water from the environment on the electrical properties of the materials and devices. A researcher on biomaterials may currently not be aware, but the conductivity of these materials and device performances can be significantly altered with the presence of hydration in the environment. Examples will be given to highlight the problem that the conductivity of biomaterials can change by orders of magnitude depending on water content. Furthermore, case studies will be discussed in which control of the water content was key to understanding the underlying charge transport mechanism of conductive biomaterials. Examples of various devices and their response to hydration content will also be covered. Finally, this perspective will also mention the various methods of hydration control (including contrast studies) that can be used to perform careful work on conductive biomaterials and devices. Overall, water content should be considered an environmental variable as important as temperature to control for sound scientific investigation and to yield understanding of conductive biomaterials and bioelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bernardus Mostert
- Department of Physics, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2, 8PP, Wales, UK.
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