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Sun Q, Shen L, Zhang BL, Yu J, Wei F, Sun Y, Chen W, Wang S. Advance on Engineering of Bacteriophages by Synthetic Biology. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1941-1953. [PMID: 37025193 PMCID: PMC10072152 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s402962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since bacteriophages (phages) were firstly reported at the beginning of the 20th century, the study on them experiences booming-fading-emerging with discovery and overuse of antibiotics. Although they are the hotspots for therapy of antibiotic-resistant strains nowadays, natural phage applications encounter some challenges such as limited host range and bacterial resistance to phages. Synthetic biology, one of the most dramatic directions in the recent 20-years study of microbiology, has generated numerous methods and tools and has contributed a lot to understanding phage evolution, engineering modification, and controlling phage-bacteria interactions. In order to better modify and apply phages by using synthetic biology techniques in the future, in this review, we comprehensively introduce various strategies on engineering or modification of phage genome and rebooting of recombinant phages, summarize the recent researches and potential directions of phage synthetic biology, and outline the current application of engineered phages in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lixin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bai-Ling Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
- The Clinical Infectious Disease Center of Nanjing, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wei Chen; Shiwei Wang, Email ;
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, the College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Katke C, Pedrueza-Villalmanzo E, Spustova K, Ryskulov R, Kaplan CN, Gözen I. Colony-like Protocell Superstructures. ACS NANO 2023; 17:3368-3382. [PMID: 36795609 PMCID: PMC9979656 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We report the formation, growth, and dynamics of model protocell superstructures on solid surfaces, resembling single cell colonies. These structures, consisting of several layers of lipidic compartments enveloped in a dome-shaped outer lipid bilayer, emerged as a result of spontaneous shape transformation of lipid agglomerates deposited on thin film aluminum surfaces. Collective protocell structures were observed to be mechanically more stable compared to isolated spherical compartments. We show that the model colonies encapsulate DNA and accommodate nonenzymatic, strand displacement DNA reactions. The membrane envelope is able to disassemble and expose individual daughter protocells, which can migrate and attach via nanotethers to distant surface locations, while maintaining their encapsulated contents. Some colonies feature "exocompartments", which spontaneously extend out of the enveloping bilayer, internalize DNA, and merge again with the superstructure. A continuum elastohydrodynamic theory that we developed suggests that a plausible driving force behind subcompartment formation is attractive van der Waals (vdW) interactions between the membrane and surface. The balance between membrane bending and vdW interactions yields a critical length scale of 236 nm, above which the membrane invaginations can form subcompartments. The findings support our hypotheses that in extension of the "lipid world hypothesis", protocells may have existed in the form of colonies, potentially benefiting from the increased mechanical stability provided by a superstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Katke
- Department
of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Esteban Pedrueza-Villalmanzo
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Göteborg SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department
of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Universitetsplatsen 1, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre
for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, Göteborg SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - C. Nadir Kaplan
- Department
of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center
for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre
for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
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3
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Wang Y, Cans AS. Artificial Cells for Dissecting Exocytosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2565:261-279. [PMID: 36205900 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2671-9_18] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of vesicles and exocytosis release of neurotransmitters into the extracellular space for detection and chemical signal decoding by neighboring cells is the key process in neuronal communication. It is important to understand what regulates exocytosis because the amount of neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft has a direct impact on brain function such as cognition learning and memory as well as on brain malfunctions. Much success in molecular biology can be credited for the existence of simplified model systems. Therefore, for gaining deeper insights into the details of exocytosis and what controls vesicle-mediated neurotransmission, functional artificial cells for exocytosis have been developed that can be used for studying various biophysical aspects and roles of molecules affecting exocytosis, which is difficult to study in living cells. Here, we describe the design and fabrication of specific artificial cell models and how chemical measurements at these cells can be implemented for probing dynamics of the exocytosis fusion pore and its effect on the regulation of neurochemical release. We introduce bottom-up synthetic methods for constructing model cells using protein-free giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) as starting material, which allows further tuning of molecular complexity in a manner that is not possible in living cells and therefore can be used for dissecting the role of essential molecular components affecting the exocytosis process. The experimental setup uses microscopy video recording, micromanipulation and microelectroinjection techniques, and amperometry detection to study neurotransmitter release from these cells mimicking exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmo Wang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ann-Sofie Cans
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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4
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Chakrabarty P, Illath K, Kar S, Nagai M, Santra TS. Combinatorial physical methods for cellular therapy: Towards the future of cellular analysis? J Control Release 2023; 353:1084-1095. [PMID: 36538949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The physical energy activated techniques for cellular delivery and analysis is one of the most rapidly expanding research areas for a variety of biological and biomedical discoveries. These methods, such as electroporation, optoporation, sonoporation, mechanoporation, magnetoporation, etc., have been widely used in delivering different biomolecules into a range of primary and patient-derived cell types. However, the techniques when used individually have had limitations in delivery and co-delivery of diverse biomolecules in various cell types. In recent years, a number of studies have been performed by combining the different membrane disruption techniques, either sequentially or simultaneously, in a single study. The studies, referred to as combinatorial, or hybrid techniques, have demonstrated enhanced transfection, such as efficient macromolecular and gene delivery and co-delivery, at lower delivery parameters and with high cell viability. Such studies can open up new and exciting avenues for understanding the subcellular structure and consequently facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This review consequently aims at summarising the different developments in hybrid therapeutic techniques. The different methods discussed include mechano-electroporation, electro-sonoporation, magneto-mechanoporation, magnetic nanoparticles enhanced electroporation, and magnetic hyperthermia studies. We discuss the clinical status of the different methods and conclude with a discussion on the future prospects of the combinatorial techniques for cellular therapy and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulasta Chakrabarty
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Kavitha Illath
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Srabani Kar
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati, India
| | - Moeto Nagai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tuhin Subhra Santra
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India.
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5
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Schanke IJ, Xue L, Spustova K, Gözen I. Transport among protocells via tunneling nanotubes. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:10418-10427. [PMID: 35748865 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02290g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We employ model protocell networks for evaluation of molecular transport through lipid nanotubes as potential means of communication among primitive cells on the early Earth. Network formation is initiated by deposition of lipid reservoirs onto a SiO2 surface in an aqueous environment. These reservoirs autonomously develop into surface-adhered protocells interconnected via lipid nanotubes while encapsulating solutes from the ambient buffer. We observe the uptake of DNA and RNA, and their diffusive transport between the lipid compartments via the interconnecting nanotubes. By means of an analytical model we determine key physical parameters affecting the transport, such as nanotube diameter and compartment size. We conclude that nanotube-mediated transport could have been a possible pathway of communication between primitive cells on the early Earth, circumventing the necessity for crossing the membrane barrier. We suggest this transport as a feasible means of RNA and DNA exchange under primitive prebiotic conditions, possibly facilitating early replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Jin Schanke
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karolina Spustova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
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6
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Chakrabarty P, Gupta P, Illath K, Kar S, Nagai M, Tseng FG, Santra TS. Microfluidic mechanoporation for cellular delivery and analysis. Mater Today Bio 2022; 13:100193. [PMID: 35005598 PMCID: PMC8718663 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly efficient intracellular delivery strategies are essential for developing therapeutic, diagnostic, biological, and various biomedical applications. The recent advancement of micro/nanotechnology has focused numerous researches towards developing microfluidic device-based strategies due to the associated high throughput delivery, cost-effectiveness, robustness, and biocompatible nature. The delivery strategies can be carrier-mediated or membrane disruption-based, where membrane disruption methods find popularity due to reduced toxicity, enhanced delivery efficiency, and cell viability. Among all of the membrane disruption techniques, the mechanoporation strategies are advantageous because of no external energy source required for membrane deformation, thereby achieving high delivery efficiencies and increased cell viability into different cell types with negligible toxicity. The past two decades have consequently seen a tremendous boost in mechanoporation-based research for intracellular delivery and cellular analysis. This article provides a brief review of the most recent developments on microfluidic-based mechanoporation strategies such as microinjection, nanoneedle arrays, cell-squeezing, and hydroporation techniques with their working principle, device fabrication, cellular delivery, and analysis. Moreover, a brief discussion of the different mechanoporation strategies integrated with other delivery methods has also been provided. Finally, the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of this technique are discussed compared to other intracellular delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulasta Chakrabarty
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Pallavi Gupta
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Kavitha Illath
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Srabani Kar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB30FA, UK
| | - Moeto Nagai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tuhin Subhra Santra
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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7
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Põldsalu I, Köksal ES, Gözen I. Mixed fatty acid-phospholipid protocell networks. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:26948-26954. [PMID: 34842249 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp03832j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled membranes composed of both fatty acids and phospholipids are permeable for solutes and structurally stable, which was likely an advantageous combination for the development of primitive cells on the early Earth. Here we report on the solid surface-assisted formation of primitive mixed-surfactant membrane compartments, i.e. model protocells, from multilamellar lipid reservoirs composed of different ratios of fatty acids and phospholipids. Similar to the previously discovered enhancement of model protocell formation on solid substrates, we achieve spontaneous multi-step self-transformation of mixed surfactant reservoirs into closed surfactant containers, interconnected via nanotube networks. Some of the fatty acid-containing compartments in the networks exhibit colony-like growth. We demonstrate that the compartments generated from fatty acid-containing phospholipid membranes feature increased permeability coefficients for molecules in the ambient solution, for fluorescein up to 7 × 10-6 cm s-1 and for RNA up to 3.5 × 10-6 cm s-1. Our findings indicate that surface-assisted autonomous protocell formation and development, starting from mixed amphiphiles, is a plausible scenario for the early stages of the emergence of primitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Põldsalu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Elif Senem Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
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8
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Lefrançois P, Santolini J, Arbault S. Electroanalysis at a Single Giant Vesicle Generating Enzymatically a Reactive Oxygen Species. Anal Chem 2021; 93:13143-13151. [PMID: 34546719 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the framework of artificial or synthetic cell development, giant liposomes are common basic structures. Their enclosed membrane allows encapsulating proteins, DNA, reactants, etc., while its phospholipid nature allows some exchanges with the surrounding medium. Biochemical reactions induced inside giant liposomes or vesicles are often monitored or imaged by fluorescence microscopy techniques. Here, we show that electrochemistry performed with ultramicroelectrodes is perfectly suitable to monitor an enzymatic reaction occurring in a single giant unilamellar vesicle. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was microinjected inside individual vesicles containing 1 mM glucose. H2O2 was thus generated in the vesicle and progressively diffused across the membrane toward the surrounding environment. An ultramicroelectrode sensitive to H2O2 (black platinum-modified carbon surface) was placed next to the membrane and provided a direct detection of the hydrogen peroxide flux generated by the enzyme activity. Electrochemistry offered a highly sensitive (in situ detection), selective (potential applied at the electrode), time-resolved analysis (chronoamperometry) of the GOx activity over an hour duration, without modifying the internal giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) medium. These results demonstrate that electroanalysis with microsensors is well adapted and complementary to fluorescence microscopy to sense enzymatic activities, for instance, generating reactive oxygen species, at single vesicles further used to develop artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lefrançois
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255 CNRS, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Jérôme Santolini
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Univ. Paris-Saclay, F-91198 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Stéphane Arbault
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255 CNRS, F-33400 Talence, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248 CNRS, F-33600 Pessac, France
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9
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Armstrong M, Vahey MD, Hunt TP, Fletcher DA. Forming and loading giant unilamellar vesicles with acoustic jetting. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:064105. [PMID: 33269034 PMCID: PMC7679179 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are a useful platform for reconstituting and studying membrane-bound biological systems, offering reduced complexity compared to living cells. Several techniques exist to form GUVs and populate them with biomolecules of interest. However, a persistent challenge is the ability to efficiently and reliably load solutions of biological macromolecules, organelle-like membranes, and/or micrometer-scale particles with controlled stoichiometry in the encapsulated volume of GUVs. Here, we demonstrate the use of acoustic streaming from high-intensity focused ultrasound to make and load GUVs from bulk solutions, without the need for nozzles that can become clogged or otherwise alter the solution composition. In this method, a compact acoustic lens is focused on a planar lipid bilayer formed between two aqueous solutions. The actuation of a planar piezoelectric material coupled to the lens accelerates a small volume of liquid, deforming the bilayer and forming a GUV containing the solution on the transducer side of the bilayer. As demonstrated here, acoustic jetting offers an alternative method for the generation of GUVs for biological and biophysical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Armstrong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Michael D. Vahey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Thomas P. Hunt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
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10
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Köksal ES, Liese S, Xue L, Ryskulov R, Viitala L, Carlson A, Gözen I. Rapid Growth and Fusion of Protocells in Surface-Adhered Membrane Networks. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002529. [PMID: 32776465 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Elevated temperatures might have promoted the nucleation, growth, and replication of protocells on the early Earth. Recent reports have shown evidence that moderately high temperatures not only permit protocell assembly at the origin of life, but can have actively supported it. Here, the fast nucleation and growth of vesicular compartments from autonomously formed lipid networks on solid surfaces, induced by a moderate increase in temperature, are shown. Branches of the networks, initially consisting of self-assembled interconnected nanotubes, rapidly swell into microcompartments which can spontaneously encapsulate RNA fragments. The increase in temperature further causes fusion of adjacent network-connected compartments, resulting in the redistribution of the RNA. The experimental observations and the mathematical model indicate that the presence of nanotubular interconnections between protocells facilitates the fusion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif S Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Susanne Liese
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
| | - Lin Xue
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
| | - Ruslan Ryskulov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Lauri Viitala
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
| | - Andreas Carlson
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0318, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, SE-412 96, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0315, Norway
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11
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Post EAJ, Fletcher SP. Dissipative self-assembly, competition and inhibition in a self-reproducing protocell model. Chem Sci 2020; 11:9434-9442. [PMID: 34094210 PMCID: PMC8162124 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc02768e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up synthesis of artificial, life-like systems promises to enable the study of emergent properties distinctive to life. Here, we report protocell systems generated from phase-separated building blocks. Vesicle protocells self-reproduce through a phase-transfer mechanism, catalysing their own formation. Dissipative self-assembly by the protocells is achieved when a hydrolysis step to destroy the surfactant is introduced. Competition between micelle and vesicle based replicators for a common feedstock shows that environmental conditions can control what species predominates: under basic conditions vesicles predominate, but in a neutral medium micelles are selected for via a mechanism which inhibits vesicle formation. Finally, the protocells enable orthogonal reactivity by catalysing in situ formation of an amphiphilic organocatalyst, which after incorporation into the vesicle bilayer enantioselectively forms a secondary product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias A J Post
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Stephen P Fletcher
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
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12
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Shimizu T, Ding W, Kameta N. Soft-Matter Nanotubes: A Platform for Diverse Functions and Applications. Chem Rev 2020; 120:2347-2407. [PMID: 32013405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled organic nanotubes made of single or multiple molecular components can be classified into soft-matter nanotubes (SMNTs) by contrast with hard-matter nanotubes, such as carbon and other inorganic nanotubes. To date, diverse self-assembly processes and elaborate template procedures using rationally designed organic molecules have produced suitable tubular architectures with definite dimensions, structural complexity, and hierarchy for expected functions and applications. Herein, we comprehensively discuss every functions and possible applications of a wide range of SMNTs as bulk materials or single components. This Review highlights valuable contributions mainly in the past decade. Fifteen different families of SMNTs are discussed from the viewpoints of chemical, physical, biological, and medical applications, as well as action fields (e.g., interior, wall, exterior, whole structure, and ensemble of nanotubes). Chemical applications of the SMNTs are associated with encapsulating materials and sensors. SMNTs also behave, while sometimes undergoing morphological transformation, as a catalyst, template, liquid crystal, hydro-/organogel, superhydrophobic surface, and micron size engine. Physical functions pertain to ferro-/piezoelectricity and energy migration/storage, leading to the applications to electrodes or supercapacitors, and mechanical reinforcement. Biological functions involve artificial chaperone, transmembrane transport, nanochannels, and channel reactors. Finally, medical functions range over drug delivery, nonviral gene transfer vector, and virus trap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshimi Shimizu
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, Department of Materials and Chemistry , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , Tsukuba Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8565 , Japan
| | - Wuxiao Ding
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, Department of Materials and Chemistry , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , Tsukuba Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8565 , Japan
| | - Naohiro Kameta
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, Department of Materials and Chemistry , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , Tsukuba Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8565 , Japan
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13
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Orwick Rydmark M, Christensen MK, Köksal ES, Kantarci I, Kustanovich K, Yantchev V, Jesorka A, Gözen I. Styrene maleic acid copolymer induces pores in biomembranes. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:7934-7944. [PMID: 31539004 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01407a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the interactions between styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymers and phospholipid bilayers, using confocal microscopy and surface acoustic wave resonance (SAR) sensing. For the first time we experimentally observed and followed pore formation by SMA copolymers in intact supported bilayers and unilamellar vesicles, showing that fluorescein, a water-soluble organic compound with a mean diameter of 6.9 Å, can traverse the membrane. Our findings are in agreement with recent theoretical predictions, which suggested that SMA copolymers may insert along the plane of the bilayer to form stable toroidal pores.
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14
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Köksal ES, Liese S, Kantarci I, Olsson R, Carlson A, Gözen I. Nanotube-Mediated Path to Protocell Formation. ACS NANO 2019; 13:6867-6878. [PMID: 31177769 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b01646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cellular compartments are membrane-enclosed, spatially distinct microenvironments that confine and protect biochemical reactions in the biological cell. On the early Earth, the autonomous formation of compartments is thought to have led to the encapsulation of nucleotides, thereby satisfying a starting condition for the emergence of life. Recently, surfaces have come into focus as potential platforms for the self-assembly of prebiotic compartments, as significantly enhanced vesicle formation was reported in the presence of solid interfaces. The detailed mechanism of such formation at the mesoscale is still under discussion. We report here on the spontaneous transformation of solid-surface-adhered lipid deposits to unilamellar membrane compartments through a straightforward sequence of topological changes, proceeding via a network of interconnected lipid nanotubes. We show that this transformation is entirely driven by surface-free energy minimization and does not require hydrolysis of organic molecules or external stimuli such as electrical currents or mechanical agitation. The vesicular structures take up and encapsulate their external environment during formation and can subsequently separate and migrate upon exposure to hydrodynamic flow. This may link the self-directed transition from weakly organized bioamphiphile assemblies on solid surfaces to protocells with secluded internal contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif S Köksal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , 0318 Oslo , Norway
| | - Susanne Liese
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , University of Oslo , 0315 Oslo , Norway
| | - Ilayda Kantarci
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , 0318 Oslo , Norway
| | - Ragni Olsson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , 0318 Oslo , Norway
| | - Andreas Carlson
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , University of Oslo , 0315 Oslo , Norway
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo , 0318 Oslo , Norway
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , University of Oslo , 0315 Oslo , Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Chalmers University of Technology , SE-412 96 Göteborg , Sweden
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15
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Liu Y, Xu C, Chen X, Wang J, Yu P, Mao L. Voltage-driven counting of phospholipid vesicles with nanopipettes by resistive-pulse principle. Electrochem commun 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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16
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Lefrançois P, Goudeau B, Arbault S. Electroformation of phospholipid giant unilamellar vesicles in physiological phosphate buffer. Integr Biol (Camb) 2018; 10:429-434. [DOI: 10.1039/c8ib00074c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report a protocol to prepare phospholipid Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) by electroformation in PBS physiological buffer.
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17
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Perrier DL, Rems L, Boukany PE. Lipid vesicles in pulsed electric fields: Fundamental principles of the membrane response and its biomedical applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 249:248-271. [PMID: 28499600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The present review focuses on the effects of pulsed electric fields on lipid vesicles ranging from giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) to small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), from both fundamental and applicative perspectives. Lipid vesicles are the most popular model membrane systems for studying biophysical and biological processes in living cells. Furthermore, as vesicles are made from biocompatible and biodegradable materials, they provide a strategy to create safe and functionalized drug delivery systems in health-care applications. Exposure of lipid vesicles to pulsed electric fields is a common physical method to transiently increase the permeability of the lipid membrane. This method, termed electroporation, has shown many advantages for delivering exogenous molecules including drugs and genetic material into vesicles and living cells. In addition, electroporation can be applied to induce fusion between vesicles and/or cells. First, we discuss in detail how research on cell-size GUVs as model cell systems has provided novel insight into the basic mechanisms of cell electroporation and associated phenomena. Afterwards, we continue with a thorough overview how electroporation and electrofusion have been used as versatile methods to manipulate vesicles of all sizes in different biomedical applications. We conclude by summarizing the open questions in the field of electroporation and possible future directions for vesicles in the biomedical field.
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18
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Ali Doosti B, Pezeshkian W, Bruhn DS, Ipsen JH, Khandelia H, Jeffries GDM, Lobovkina T. Membrane Tubulation in Lipid Vesicles Triggered by the Local Application of Calcium Ions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:11010-11017. [PMID: 28910109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Experimental and theoretical studies on ion-lipid interactions predict that binding of calcium ions to cell membranes leads to macroscopic mechanical effects and membrane remodeling. Herein, we provide experimental evidence that a point source of Ca2+ acting upon a negatively charged membrane generates spontaneous curvature and triggers the formation of tubular protrusions that point away from the ion source. This behavior is rationalized by strong binding of the divalent cations to the surface of the charged bilayer, which effectively neutralizes the surface charge density of outer leaflet of the bilayer. The mismatch in the surface charge density of the two leaflets leads to nonzero spontaneous curvature. We probe this mismatch through the use of molecular dynamics simulations and validate that calcium ion binding to a lipid membrane is sufficient to generate inward spontaneous curvature, bending the membrane. Additionally, we demonstrate that the formed tubular protrusions can be translated along the vesicle surface in a controlled manner by repositioning the site of localized Ca2+ exposure. The findings demonstrate lipid membrane remodeling in response to local chemical gradients and offer potential insights into the cell membrane behavior under conditions of varying calcium ion concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharan Ali Doosti
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology , SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Weria Pezeshkian
- Center for Biomembrane Physics (MEMPHYS), Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF), University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Dennis S Bruhn
- Center for Biomembrane Physics (MEMPHYS), Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF), University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - John H Ipsen
- Center for Biomembrane Physics (MEMPHYS), Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF), University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Himanshu Khandelia
- Center for Biomembrane Physics (MEMPHYS), Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy (FKF), University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Gavin D M Jeffries
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology , SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tatsiana Lobovkina
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology , SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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19
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Stein H, Spindler S, Bonakdar N, Wang C, Sandoghdar V. Production of Isolated Giant Unilamellar Vesicles under High Salt Concentrations. Front Physiol 2017; 8:63. [PMID: 28243205 PMCID: PMC5303729 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell membrane forms a dynamic and complex barrier between the living cell and its environment. However, its in vivo studies are difficult because it consists of a high variety of lipids and proteins and is continuously reorganized by the cell. Therefore, membrane model systems with precisely controlled composition are used to investigate fundamental interactions of membrane components under well-defined conditions. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) offer a powerful model system for the cell membrane, but many previous studies have been performed in unphysiologically low ionic strength solutions which might lead to altered membrane properties, protein stability and lipid-protein interaction. In the present work, we give an overview of the existing methods for GUV production and present our efforts on forming single, free floating vesicles up to several tens of μm in diameter and at high yield in various buffer solutions with physiological ionic strength and pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Stein
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightErlangen, Germany
| | - Susann Spindler
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightErlangen, Germany
| | - Navid Bonakdar
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chun Wang
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vahid Sandoghdar
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightErlangen, Germany
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20
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Stein H, Spindler S, Bonakdar N, Wang C, Sandoghdar V. Production of Isolated Giant Unilamellar Vesicles under High Salt Concentrations. Front Physiol 2017; 8:63. [PMID: 28243205 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00063/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell membrane forms a dynamic and complex barrier between the living cell and its environment. However, its in vivo studies are difficult because it consists of a high variety of lipids and proteins and is continuously reorganized by the cell. Therefore, membrane model systems with precisely controlled composition are used to investigate fundamental interactions of membrane components under well-defined conditions. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) offer a powerful model system for the cell membrane, but many previous studies have been performed in unphysiologically low ionic strength solutions which might lead to altered membrane properties, protein stability and lipid-protein interaction. In the present work, we give an overview of the existing methods for GUV production and present our efforts on forming single, free floating vesicles up to several tens of μm in diameter and at high yield in various buffer solutions with physiological ionic strength and pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Stein
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightErlangen, Germany
| | - Susann Spindler
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightErlangen, Germany
| | - Navid Bonakdar
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chun Wang
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vahid Sandoghdar
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for the Science of LightErlangen, Germany
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21
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Bilal T, Gözen I. Formation and dynamics of endoplasmic reticulum-like lipid nanotube networks. Biomater Sci 2017; 5:1256-1264. [DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00227k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipid membranes which are free of curvature-inducing proteins can spontaneously form nanotube networks mimicking the morphology and dynamics of endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irep Gözen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway
- Faculty of Medicine
- University of Oslo
- 0318 Oslo
- Norway
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22
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Shaali M, Lara-Avila S, Dommersnes P, Ainla A, Kubatkin S, Jesorka A. Nanopatterning of mobile lipid monolayers on electron-beam-sculpted Teflon AF surfaces. ACS NANO 2015; 9:1271-1279. [PMID: 25541906 DOI: 10.1021/nn5050867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Direct electron-beam lithography is used to fabricate nanostructured Teflon AF surfaces, which are utilized to pattern surface-supported monolayer phospholipid films with 50 nm lateral feature size. In comparison with unexposed Teflon AF coatings, e-beam-irradiated areas show reduced surface tension and surface potential. For phospholipid monolayer spreading experiments, these areas can be designed to function as barriers that enclose unexposed areas of nanometer dimensions and confine the lipid film within. We show that the effectiveness of the barrier is defined by pattern geometry and radiation dose. This surface preparation technique represents an efficient, yet simple, nanopatterning strategy supporting studies of lipid monolayer behavior in ultraconfined spaces. The generated structures are useful for imaging studies of biomimetic membranes and other specialized surface applications requiring spatially controlled formation of self-assembled, molecularly thin films on optically transparent patterned polymer surfaces with very low autofluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnaz Shaali
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and ‡Quantum Device Physics Laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology , 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
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23
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Huynh E, Lovell JF, Fobel R, Zheng G. Optically controlled pore formation in self-sealing giant porphyrin vesicles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2014; 10:1184-1193. [PMID: 24376046 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201302424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to develop self-contained microreactors and artificial cells have been limited by difficulty in generating membranes that can be robustly and repeatedly manipulated to load and release cargo from phospholipid compartments. Here we describe a purely optical method to form pores in a membrane generated from porphyrin-phospholipid conjugates electro-assembled into microscale giant porphyrin vesicles and manipulated using confocal microscopy. The pores in the membrane resealed within a minute allowing for repeated pore formation with precise spatial and temporal control and optical gating to allow selective diffusion of biomolecules across the membrane. Temporal control of pore formation was illustrated by performing sequential DNA hybridization reactions. A biotin-avidin based strategy was developed to selectively attach enzymes to the interior of the vesicle, demonstrating spatial control and the potential of giant porphyrin vesicles as versatile microreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Huynh
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G1L7, Canada, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L7, Canada
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24
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Ubiquinone accumulation improves osmotic-stress tolerance in Escherichia coli. Nat Chem Biol 2014; 10:266-72. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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25
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Abstract
Liposome structures have a wide range of applications in biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. As a result, several methods for forming liposomes have been developed. This review provides a critical comparison of existing microfluidic technologies for forming liposomes and, when applicable, a comparison with their analogous macroscale counterparts. The properties of the generated liposomes, including size, size distribution, lamellarity, membrane composition, and encapsulation efficiency, form the basis for comparison. We hope that this critique will allow the reader to make an informed decision as to which method should be used for a given biological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk van Swaay
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Hannestad JK, Brune R, Czolkos I, Jesorka A, El-Sagheer AH, Brown T, Albinsson B, Orwar O. Kinetics of diffusion-mediated DNA hybridization in lipid monolayer films determined by single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. ACS NANO 2013; 7:308-315. [PMID: 23215045 DOI: 10.1021/nn304010p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We use single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to monitor individual hybridization reactions between membrane-anchored DNA strands, occurring in nanofluidic lipid monolayer films deposited on Teflon AF substrates. The DNA molecules are labeled with different fluorescent dyes, which make it possible to simultaneously monitor the movements of two different molecular species, thus enabling tracking of both reactants and products. We employ lattice diffusion simulations to determine reaction probabilities upon interaction. The observed hybridization rate of the 40-mer DNA was more than 2-fold higher than that of the 20-mer DNA. Since the lateral diffusion coefficient of the two different constructs is nearly identical, the effective molecule radius determines the overall kinetics. This implies that when two DNA molecules approach each other, hydrogen bonding takes place distal from the place where the DNA is anchored to the surface. Strand closure then propagates bidirectionally through a zipper-like mechanism, eventually bringing the lipid anchors together. Comparison with hybridization rates for corresponding DNA sequences in solution reveals that hybridization rates are lower for the lipid-anchored strands and that the dependence on strand length is stronger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas K Hannestad
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Göteborg, Sweden
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27
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Simonsson L, Kurczy ME, Trouillon R, Hook F, Cans AS. A functioning artificial secretory cell. Sci Rep 2012; 2:824. [PMID: 23139869 PMCID: PMC3492876 DOI: 10.1038/srep00824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an amperometric study of content release from individual vesicles in an artificial secretory cell designed with the minimal components required to carry out exocytosis. Here, the membranes of the cell and vesicles are substituted for protein-free giant and large unilamellar vesicles respectively. In replacement of the SNARE-complex, the cell model was equipped with an analog composed of complimentary DNA constructs. The DNA constructs hybridize in a zipper-like fashion to bring about docking of the artificial secretory vesicles and following the addition of Ca2+ artificial exocytosis was completed. Exocytotic events recorded from the artificial cell closely approximate exocytosis in live cells. The results together with simulations of vesicular release demonstrate that the molecular flux in this model is attenuated and we suggest that this is the result of restricted diffusion through a semi-stable fusion pore or a partitioning of the signalling molecule out of the fused vesicle membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Simonsson
- Department of Applied Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
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28
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Sakaino H, Sawayama J, Kabashima SI, Yoshikawa I, Araki K. Dry Micromanipulation of Supramolecular Giant Vesicles on a Silicon Substrate: Highly Stable Hydrogen-Bond-Directed Nanosheet Membrane. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:15684-7. [DOI: 10.1021/ja307231u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotoshi Sakaino
- Institute
of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
153-8505, Japan
| | - Jun Sawayama
- Institute
of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
153-8505, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro Kabashima
- Institute
of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
153-8505, Japan
- Functional
Materials Research
Laboratories, Lion Corporation, 7-2-1 Hirai,
Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 132-0035, Japan
| | - Isao Yoshikawa
- Institute
of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
153-8505, Japan
| | - Koji Araki
- Institute
of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
153-8505, Japan
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29
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Abstract
Tremendous progress has been made in recent years in understanding the working of the living cell, including its micro-anatomy, signalling networks, and regulation of genes. However, an understanding of cellular phenomena using fundamental laws starting from first principles is still very far away. Part of the reason is that a cell is an active and exquisitely complex system where every part is linked to the other. Thus, it is difficult or even impossible to design experiments that selectively and exclusively probe a chosen aspect of the cell. Various kinds of idealised systems and cell models have been used to circumvent this problem. An important example is a giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV, also called giant liposome), which provides a cell-sized confined volume to study biochemical reactions as well as self-assembly processes that occur on the membrane. The GUV membrane can be designed suitably to present selected, correctly-oriented cell-membrane proteins, whose mobility is confined to two dimensions. Here, we present recent advances in GUV design and the use of GUVs as cell models that enable quantitative testing leading to insight into the working of real cells. We briefly recapitulate important classical concepts in membrane biophysics emphasising the advantages and limitations of GUVs. We then present results obtained over the last decades using GUVs, choosing the formation of membrane domains and cell adhesion as examples for in-depth treatment. Insight into cell adhesion obtained using micro-interferometry is treated in detail. We conclude by summarising the open questions and possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne F Fenz
- Leiden Institute of Physics: Physics of Life Processes, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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30
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Jesorka A, Stepanyants N, Zhang H, Ortmen B, Hakonen B, Orwar O. Generation of phospholipid vesicle-nanotube networks and transport of molecules therein. Nat Protoc 2011; 6:791-805. [PMID: 21637199 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2011.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe micromanipulation and microinjection procedures for the fabrication of soft-matter networks consisting of lipid bilayer nanotubes and surface-immobilized vesicles. These biomimetic membrane systems feature unique structural flexibility and expandability and, unlike solid-state microfluidic and nanofluidic devices prepared by top-down fabrication, they allow network designs with dynamic control over individual containers and interconnecting conduits. The fabrication is founded on self-assembly of phospholipid molecules, followed by micromanipulation operations, such as membrane electroporation and microinjection, to effect shape transformations of the membrane and create a series of interconnected compartments. Size and geometry of the network can be chosen according to its desired function. Membrane composition is controlled mainly during the self-assembly step, whereas the interior contents of individual containers is defined through a sequence of microneedle injections. Networks cannot be fabricated with other currently available methods of giant unilamellar vesicle preparation (large unilamellar vesicle fusion or electroformation). Described in detail are also three transport modes, which are suitable for moving water-soluble or membrane-bound small molecules, polymers, DNA, proteins and nanoparticles within the networks. The fabrication protocol requires ∼90 min, provided all necessary preparations are made in advance. The transport studies require an additional 60-120 min, depending on the transport regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
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31
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Cans AS, Ewing AG. Highlights of 20 years of electrochemical measurements of exocytosis at cells and artificial cells. J Solid State Electrochem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-011-1369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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32
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Abstract
AbstractImmobilized polymerized electroactive vesicles (IPEVs) are submicron biocapsules capable of storing charge in confined environments and chemisorbing on surfaces. Methods to immobilize stable submicron sized electroactive vesicles and the means to measure electroactivity of IPEVs at nanolevels have been demonstrated. IPEVs can withstand steep potential gradients applied across their membrane, maintain their structural integrity against surfaces poised at high/low electrical potentials, retain electroactive material over several days, and reversibly mediate (within the membrane) electron flow between the electrode surface and vesicle interior. IPEVs have strong potential to be used for charge storage and electron coupling applications that operate on the submicron scale and smaller.
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33
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Gözen I, Dommersnes P, Czolkos I, Jesorka A, Lobovkina T, Orwar O. Fractal avalanche ruptures in biological membranes. NATURE MATERIALS 2010; 9:908-912. [PMID: 20935656 DOI: 10.1038/nmat2854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Bilayer membranes envelope cells as well as organelles, and constitute the most ubiquitous biological material found in all branches of the phylogenetic tree. Cell membrane rupture is an important biological process, and substantial rupture rates are found in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells under a mechanical load. Rupture can also be induced by processes such as cell death, and active cell membrane repair mechanisms are essential to preserve cell integrity. Pore formation in cell membranes is also at the heart of many biomedical applications such as in drug, gene and short interfering RNA delivery. Membrane rupture dynamics has been studied in bilayer vesicles under tensile stress, which consistently produce circular pores. We observed very different rupture mechanics in bilayer membranes spreading on solid supports: in one instance fingering instabilities were seen resulting in floral-like pores and in another, the rupture proceeded in a series of rapid avalanches causing fractal membrane fragmentation. The intermittent character of rupture evolution and the broad distribution in avalanche sizes is consistent with crackling-noise dynamics. Such noisy dynamics appear in fracture of solid disordered materials, in dislocation avalanches in plastic deformations and domain wall magnetization avalanches. We also observed similar fractal rupture mechanics in spreading cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irep Gözen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
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34
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Wang M, Orwar O, Olofsson J, Weber SG. Single-cell electroporation. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 397:3235-48. [PMID: 20496058 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-3744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell electroporation (SCEP) is a relatively new technique that has emerged in the last decade or so for single-cell studies. When a large enough electric field is applied to a single cell, transient nano-pores form in the cell membrane allowing molecules to be transported into and out of the cell. Unlike bulk electroporation, in which a homogenous electric field is applied to a suspension of cells, in SCEP an electric field is created locally near a single cell. Today, single-cell-level studies are at the frontier of biochemical research, and SCEP is a promising tool in such studies. In this review, we discuss pore formation based on theoretical and experimental approaches. Current SCEP techniques using microelectrodes, micropipettes, electrolyte-filled capillaries, and microfabricated devices are all thoroughly discussed for adherent and suspended cells. SCEP has been applied in in-vivo and in-vitro studies for delivery of cell-impermeant molecules such as drugs, DNA, and siRNA, and for morphological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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35
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Walde P, Cosentino K, Engel H, Stano P. Giant Vesicles: Preparations and Applications. Chembiochem 2010; 11:848-65. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 556] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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36
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Abstract
Controlling the contents of liposomes and vesicles is essential for their use in medicine, biotechnology, and basic research. Cargos such as proteins, DNA, and RNA are of growing interest for therapeutic applications as well as for fundamental studies of cellular organization and function, but controlled encapsulation and mixing of biomolecules within vesicles has been a challenge. Recently, microfluidic encapsulation has been shown to efficiently load arbitrary solutions of biomolecules into unilamellar vesicles. This method utilizes a piezoelectrically driven liquid jet to deform a planar bilayer and form a vesicle, with the fluid vortex formed by the jet mixing the solution in the jet with the surrounding solution. Here, we describe the equipment and protocol used for loading mixtures within unilamellar vesicles by microfluidic encapsulation, and we measure the encapsulated fraction to be 79+/-5% using a falling vesicle technique. Additionally, we find that the presence of a continuous flow from the nozzle and changes in actuation voltage polarity do not significantly affect the encapsulated fraction. These results help to guide current applications and future development of this microfluidic encapsulation technique for forming and loading unilamellar vesicles.
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37
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Ainla A, Gözen I, Orwar O, Jesorka A. A microfluidic diluter based on pulse width flow modulation. Anal Chem 2009; 81:5549-56. [PMID: 19476370 DOI: 10.1021/ac9010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate that pulse width flow modulation (PWFM) can be used to design fast, accurate, and precise multistage dilution modules for microfluidic devices. The PWFM stage unit presented here yields 10-fold dilution, but several PWFM stages can be connected in series to yield higher-order dilutions. We have combined two stages in a device thus capable of diluting up to 100-fold, and we have experimentally determined a set of rules that can be conveniently utilized to design multistage diluters. Microfabrication with resist-based molds yielded geometrical channel height variances of 7% (22.9(16) microm) with corresponding hydraulic resistance variances of approximately 20%. Pulsing frequencies, channel lengths, and flow pressures can be chosen within a wide range to establish the desired diluter properties. Finally, we illustrate the benefits of on-chip dilution in an example application where we investigate the effect of the Ca(2+) concentration on a phospholipid bilayer spreading from a membrane reservoir onto a SiO(2) surface. This is one of many possible applications where flexible concentration control is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alar Ainla
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Microtechnology Centre (MC2), Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Göteborg, Sweden
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Ota S, Yoshizawa S, Takeuchi S. Microfluidic Formation of Monodisperse, Cell-Sized, and Unilamellar Vesicles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2009; 48:6533-7. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.200902182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ota S, Yoshizawa S, Takeuchi S. Microfluidic Formation of Monodisperse, Cell-Sized, and Unilamellar Vesicles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200902182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Stachowiak JC, Richmond DL, Li TH, Brochard-Wyart F, Fletcher DA. Inkjet formation of unilamellar lipid vesicles for cell-like encapsulation. LAB ON A CHIP 2009; 9:2003-9. [PMID: 19568667 PMCID: PMC2937252 DOI: 10.1039/b904984c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulation of macromolecules within lipid vesicles has the potential to drive biological discovery and enable development of novel, cell-like therapeutics and sensors. However, rapid and reliable production of large numbers of unilamellar vesicles loaded with unrestricted and precisely-controlled contents requires new technologies that overcome size, uniformity, and throughput limitations of existing approaches. Here we present a high-throughput microfluidic method for vesicle formation and encapsulation using an inkjet printer at rates up to 200 Hz. We show how multiple high-frequency pulses of the inkjet's piezoelectric actuator create a microfluidic jet that deforms a bilayer lipid membrane, controlling formation of individual vesicles. Variations in pulse number, pulse voltage, and solution viscosity are used to control the vesicle size. As a first step toward cell-like reconstitution using this method, we encapsulate the cytoskeletal protein actin and use co-encapsulated microspheres to track its polymerization into a densely entangled cytoskeletal network upon vesicle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - David L. Richmond
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Thomas H. Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Daniel A. Fletcher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Abstract
The generation of synthetic forms of cellular life requires solutions to the problem of how biological processes such as cyclic growth and division could emerge from purely physical and chemical systems. Small unilamellar fatty acid vesicles grow when fed with fatty acid micelles and can be forced to divide by extrusion, but this artificial division process results in significant loss of protocell contents during each division cycle. Here we describe a simple and efficient pathway for model protocell membrane growth and division. The growth of large multilamellar fatty acid vesicles fed with fatty acid micelles, in a solution where solute permeation across the membranes is slow, results in the transformation of initially spherical vesicles into long thread-like vesicles, a process driven by the transient imbalance between surface area and volume growth. Modest shear forces are then sufficient to cause the thread-like vesicles to divide into multiple daughter vesicles without loss of internal contents. In an environment of gentle shear, protocell growth and division are thus coupled processes. We show that model protocells can proceed through multiple cycles of reproduction. Encapsulated RNA molecules, representing a primitive genome, are distributed to the daughter vesicles. Our observations bring us closer to the laboratory synthesis of a complete protocell consisting of a self-replicating genome and a self-replicating membrane compartment. In addition, the robustness and simplicity of this pathway suggests that similar processes might have occurred under the prebiotic conditions of the early Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting F Zhu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Onoue Y, Suzuki T, Davidson M, Karlsson M, Orwar O, Yoshida M, Kinosita K. A giant liposome for single-molecule observation of conformational changes in membrane proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2009; 1788:1332-40. [PMID: 19366590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2008] [Revised: 01/25/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We present an experimental system that allows visualization of conformational changes in membrane proteins at the single-molecule level. The target membrane protein is reconstituted in a giant liposome for independent control of the aqueous environments on the two sides of the membrane. For direct observation of conformational changes, an extra-liposomal site(s) of the target protein is bound to a glass surface, and a probe that is easily visible under a microscope, such as a micron-sized plastic bead, is attached to another site on the intra-liposomal side. A conformational change, or an angular motion in the tiny protein molecule, would manifest as a visible motion of the probe. The attachment of the protein on the glass surface also immobilizes the liposome, greatly facilitating its manipulation such as the probe injection. As a model system, we reconstituted ATP synthase (F(O)F(1)) in liposomes tens of mum in size, attached the protein specifically to a glass surface, and demonstrated its ATP-driven rotation in the membrane through the motion of a submicron bead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Onoue
- Department of Functional Molecular Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
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Lobovkina T, Dommersnes PG, Tiourine S, Joanny JF, Orwar O. Shape optimization in lipid nanotube networks. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2008; 26:295-300. [PMID: 18500443 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2007-10325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 04/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Starting from a high surface free-energy state, lipid nanotube networks are capable to self-organize into tree-like structures with particular geometrical features. In this work we analyze the process of self-organization in such networks, and report a strong similarity to the Euclidian Steiner Tree Problem (ESTP). ESTP is a well-known NP-hard optimization problem of finding a network connecting a given set of terminal points on a plane, allowing addition of auxiliary points, with the overall objective to minimize the total network length. The present study shows that aggregate lipid structures self-organize into geometries that correspond to locally optimal solutions to such problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lobovkina
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Microtechnology Centre, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
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Hurtig J, Orwar O. Injection and transport of bacteria in nanotube-vesicle networks. SOFT MATTER 2008; 4:1515-1520. [PMID: 32907119 DOI: 10.1039/b800333e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microinjection of bacteria (the MG1655 strain of E. coli) into unilamellar lipid vesicles contained in surface-immobilized nanotube-vesicle networks is demonstrated. The density of bacteria can be controlled from a single bacterium up to several thousands of bacteria per injected vesicle. The bacteria retain flagellar motion and propulsion. The bacteria (approximately 2 × 0.8 μm) cannot escape from one vesicle to another as the size of the nanotubes is too small (∼200 nm in diameter) to allow for entry. Bacteria can, however, be moved from one vesicle to another in a nanotube-vesicle network by using Marangoni flows. Thus, single or several species can be transferred to a neighboring vesicle at will. The technique offers new possibilities for live matter functionalization into synthetic host networks, and may provide means for studying the effect of compartmentalization and perfusion of chemical species on a single bacterium. Furthermore, it may serve as an experimental model to study how vesicle-encapsulated bacteria evade destruction in macrophages or how bacteria surf along thin membrane nanotubes toward connected macrophage cell bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Hurtig
- Chalmers University of Technology, Dept Chemical and Biological Engineering, Kemivägen 10, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Owe Orwar
- Chalmers University of Technology, Dept Chemical and Biological Engineering, Kemivägen 10, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Yin X, Zhu L, Wang M. Intracellular Labeling Methods for Chip-Based Capillary Electrophoresis. J LIQ CHROMATOGR R T 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/10826070802128698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Yin
- a Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lanlan Zhu
- a Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Min Wang
- a Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou, P. R. China
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Markström M, Lizana L, Orwar O, Jesorka A. Thermoactuated diffusion control in soft matter nanofluidic devices. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2008; 24:5166-5171. [PMID: 18393556 DOI: 10.1021/la7035967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The diffusive transport rate in a soft matter nanofluidic device is controlled with a thermoactuated hydrogel valve. The device consists of three giant unilamellar vesicles linearly conjugated by lipid nanotubes, with a solution of the stimuli-responsive polymer poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) in the central vesicle. The valve states "high (transport) rate" and "low (transport) rate" are obtained by heat-activated switching between PNIPAAm's dissolved and compact aggregated states. We show that three parameters influence the diffusion rate within the device: the increase of the transport rate caused by a decrease in PNIPAAm concentration upon compaction, the temperature dependence of the buffer viscosity, and the volume excluded by the PNIPAAm hydrogel compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Markström
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296 Göteborg, Sweden
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Fischer PM. Cellular uptake mechanisms and potential therapeutic utility of peptidic cell delivery vectors: progress 2001-2006. Med Res Rev 2008; 27:755-95. [PMID: 17019680 DOI: 10.1002/med.20093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cell delivery vectors (CDVs) are short amphipathic and cationic peptides and peptide derivatives, usually containing multiple lysine and arginine residues. They possess inherent membrane activity and can be conjugated or complexed with large impermeable macromolecules and even microscopic particles to facilitate cell entry. Various mechanisms have been proposed but it is now becoming clear that the main port of entry into cells of such CDV constructs involves adsorptive-mediated endocytosis rather than direct penetration of the plasma membrane. It is still unclear, however, how and to what extent CDV constructs are capable of exiting endosomal compartments and reaching their intended cellular site of action, usually the cytosol or the nucleus. Furthermore, although many CDVs can mediate cellular uptake of their cargo and appear comparatively non-toxic to cells in tissue culture, the utility of CDVs for in vivo applications remains poorly understood. Whatever the mechanisms of cell entry and disposition, the overriding question as far as potential pharmacological application of CDV conjugates is concerned is whether or not a therapeutic margin can be achieved by their administration. Such a margin will only result if the intracellular concentration in the target tissues necessary to elicit the biological effect of the CDV cargo can be achieved at systemic CDV exposure levels that are non-toxic to both target and bystander cells. It is proposed that the focus of CDV research now be shifted from mechanistic in vitro studies with labeled but otherwise unconjugated CDVs to in vivo pharmacological and toxicological studies using CDV-derivatized and other cationized forms of inherently non-permeable macromolecules of true therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Fischer
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
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Unilamellar vesicle formation and encapsulation by microfluidic jetting. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:4697-702. [PMID: 18353990 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0710875105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization of biomolecules within lipid membranes is a fundamental requirement of living systems and an essential feature of many pharmaceutical therapies. However, applications of membrane-enclosed solutions of proteins, DNA, and other biologically active compounds have been limited by the difficulty of forming unilamellar vesicles with controlled contents in a repeatable manner. Here, we demonstrate a method for simultaneously creating and loading giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using a pulsed microfluidic jet. Akin to blowing a bubble, the microfluidic jet deforms a planar lipid bilayer into a vesicle that is filled with solution from the jet and separates from the planar bilayer. In contrast with existing techniques, our method rapidly generates multiple monodisperse, unilamellar vesicles containing solutions of unrestricted composition and molecular weight. Using the microfluidic jetting technique, we demonstrate repeatable encapsulation of 500-nm particles into GUVs and show that functional pore proteins can be incorporated into the vesicle membrane to mediate transport. The ability of microfluidic jetting to controllably encapsulate solutions inside of GUVs creates new opportunities for the study and use of compartmentalized biomolecular systems in science, industry, and medicine.
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Lobovkina T, Dommersnes P, Joanny JF, Orwar O. Formation and release of circular lipidnanotubes. SOFT MATTER 2008; 4:467-470. [PMID: 32907206 DOI: 10.1039/b715771a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A method for formation of circular lipid nanotubes based on manipulation of nanotube-vesicle networks is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana Lobovkina
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, and Microtechnology Centre at Chalmers, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Paul Dommersnes
- MSC, Université Paris Diderot, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, F-75205 Paris, France
| | | | - Owe Orwar
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, and Microtechnology Centre at Chalmers, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Jesorka A, Orwar O. Liposomes: technologies and analytical applications. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2008; 1:801-32. [PMID: 20636098 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.anchem.1.031207.112747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes are structurally and functionally some of the most versatile supramolecular assemblies in existence. Since the beginning of active research on lipid vesicles in 1965, the field has progressed enormously and applications are well established in several areas, such as drug and gene delivery. In the analytical sciences, liposomes serve a dual purpose: Either they are analytes, typically in quality-assessment procedures of liposome preparations, or they are functional components in a variety of new analytical systems. Liposome immunoassays, for example, benefit greatly from the amplification provided by encapsulated markers, and nanotube-interconnected liposome networks have emerged as ultrasmall-scale analytical devices. This review provides information about new developments in some of the most actively researched liposome-related topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jesorka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
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