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Griswold E, Cappello J, Ghandehari H. Silk-elastinlike protein-based hydrogels for drug delivery and embolization. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114579. [PMID: 36306893 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Silk-Elastinlike Protein-Based Polymers (SELPs) can form thermoresponsive hydrogels that allow for the generation of in-situ drug delivery matrices. They are produced by recombinant techniques, enabling exact control of monomer sequence and polymer length. In aqueous solutions SELP strands form physical crosslinks as a function of temperature increase without the addition of crosslinking agents. Gelation kinetics, modulus of elasticity, pore size, drug release, biorecognition, and biodegradation of SELP hydrogels can be controlled by placement of amino acid residues at strategic locations in the polymer backbone. SELP hydrogels have been investigated for delivery of a variety of bioactive agents including small molecular weight drugs and fluorescent probes, oligomers of glycosaminoglycans, polymeric macromolecules, proteins, plasmid DNA, and viral gene delivery systems. In this review we provide a background for use of SELPs in matrix-mediated delivery and summarize recent investigations of SELP hydrogels for controlled delivery of bioactive agents as well as their use as liquid embolics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Griswold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Utah Center of Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Joseph Cappello
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hamidreza Ghandehari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Utah Center of Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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2
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Isaacson KJ, Van Devener BR, Steinhauff DB, Jensen MM, Cappello J, Ghandehari H. Liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy for imaging of thermosensitive recombinant polymers. J Control Release 2022; 344:39-49. [PMID: 35182613 PMCID: PMC9121634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Various polymers used in controlled release applications exhibit solution-based thermal responses. Unfortunately, very few characterization and imaging techniques permit resolution of individual polymers during their thermally-triggered phase transitions. Here, we demonstrate the use of temperature-ramp liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) for real-time evaluation of the solution and interfacial behavior of elastinlike polypeptides (ELPs) and their self-assembled nanostructures over a temperature range incorporating their intrinsic lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs). Individual polymers and supramolecular assemblies were discriminated dependent upon solubility states. The recombinant polymers were shown to adsorb to the silicon-nitride chip window from the buffered saline solution and desorb in a temperature-dependent manner. Silk-elastinlike protein block copolymers (SELPs) (composed of repeat peptide motifs of silk and elastin) differed from ELPs in thermal behavior. While both polymers were shown to cluster, only SELPs formed robust amyloid-like fibers upon heating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Isaacson
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brian R Van Devener
- Utah Nanofab - Nano Scale Imaging and Surface Analysis Lab, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Douglas B Steinhauff
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M Martin Jensen
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joseph Cappello
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hamidreza Ghandehari
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Rodriguez-Cabello JC, Gonzalez De Torre I, González-Pérez M, González-Pérez F, Montequi I. Fibrous Scaffolds From Elastin-Based Materials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:652384. [PMID: 34336798 PMCID: PMC8323661 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.652384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Current cutting-edge strategies in biomaterials science are focused on mimicking the design of natural systems which, over millions of years, have evolved to exhibit extraordinary properties. Based on this premise, one of the most challenging tasks is to imitate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), due to its ubiquitous character and its crucial role in tissue integrity. The anisotropic fibrillar architecture of the ECM has been reported to have a significant influence on cell behaviour and function. A new paradigm that pivots around the idea of incorporating biomechanical and biomolecular cues into the design of biomaterials and systems for biomedical applications has emerged in recent years. Indeed, current trends in materials science address the development of innovative biomaterials that include the dynamics, biochemistry and structural features of the native ECM. In this context, one of the most actively studied biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications are nanofiber-based scaffolds. Herein we provide a broad overview of the current status, challenges, manufacturing methods and applications of nanofibers based on elastin-based materials. Starting from an introduction to elastin as an inspiring fibrous protein, as well as to the natural and synthetic elastin-based biomaterials employed to meet the challenge of developing ECM-mimicking nanofibrous-based scaffolds, this review will follow with a description of the leading strategies currently employed in nanofibrous systems production, which in the case of elastin-based materials are mainly focused on supramolecular self-assembly mechanisms and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. Thus, we will explore the tendency of elastin-based materials to form intrinsic fibers, and the self-assembly mechanisms involved. We will describe the function and self-assembly mechanisms of silk-like motifs, antimicrobial peptides and leucine zippers when incorporated into the backbone of the elastin-based biomaterial. Advanced polymer-processing technologies, such as electrospinning and additive manufacturing, as well as their specific features, will be presented and reviewed for the specific case of elastin-based nanofiber manufacture. Finally, we will present our perspectives and outlook on the current challenges facing the development of nanofibrous ECM-mimicking scaffolds based on elastin and elastin-like biomaterials, as well as future trends in nanofabrication and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Carlos Rodriguez-Cabello
- BIOFORGE, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Gonzalez De Torre
- BIOFORGE, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pérez
- BIOFORGE, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Pérez
- BIOFORGE, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Montequi
- BIOFORGE, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are stimulus-responsive biopolymers derived from human elastin. Their unique properties—including lower critical solution temperature phase behavior and minimal immunogenicity—make them attractive materials for a variety of biomedical applications. ELPs also benefit from recombinant synthesis and genetically encoded design; these enable control over the molecular weight and precise incorporation of peptides and pharmacological agents into the sequence. Because their size and sequence are defined, ELPs benefit from exquisite control over their structure and function, qualities that cannot be matched by synthetic polymers. As such, ELPs have been engineered to assemble into unique architectures and display bioactive agents for a variety of applications. This review discusses the design and representative biomedical applications of ELPs, focusing primarily on their use in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia K. Varanko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jonathan C. Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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Coenen AMJ, Bernaerts KV, Harings JAW, Jockenhoevel S, Ghazanfari S. Elastic materials for tissue engineering applications: Natural, synthetic, and hybrid polymers. Acta Biomater 2018; 79:60-82. [PMID: 30165203 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Elastin and collagen are the two main components of elastic tissues and provide the tissue with elasticity and mechanical strength, respectively. Whereas collagen is adequately produced in vitro, production of elastin in tissue-engineered constructs is often inadequate when engineering elastic tissues. Therefore, elasticity has to be artificially introduced into tissue-engineered scaffolds. The elasticity of scaffold materials can be attributed to either natural sources, when native elastin or recombinant techniques are used to provide natural polymers, or synthetic sources, when polymers are synthesized. While synthetic elastomers often lack the biocompatibility needed for tissue engineering applications, the production of natural materials in adequate amounts or with proper mechanical strength remains a challenge. However, combining natural and synthetic materials to create hybrid components could overcome these issues. This review explains the synthesis, mechanical properties, and structure of native elastin as well as the theories on how this extracellular matrix component provides elasticity in vivo. Furthermore, current methods, ranging from proteins and synthetic polymers to hybrid structures that are being investigated for providing elasticity to tissue engineering constructs, are comprehensively discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Tissue engineered scaffolds are being developed as treatment options for malfunctioning tissues throughout the body. It is essential that the scaffold is a close mimic of the native tissue with regards to both mechanical and biological functionalities. Therefore, the production of elastic scaffolds is of key importance to fabricate tissue engineered scaffolds of the elastic tissues such as heart valves and blood vessels. Combining naturally derived and synthetic materials to reach this goal proves to be an interesting area where a highly tunable material that unites mechanical and biological functionalities can be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M J Coenen
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien V Bernaerts
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Jules A W Harings
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Jockenhoevel
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands; Department of Biohybrid & Medical Textiles (BioTex), AME-Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraβe 55, 52072 Aachen, Germany
| | - Samaneh Ghazanfari
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maastricht University, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands.
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Dikecoglu FB, Topal AE, Ozkan AD, Tekin ED, Tekinay AB, Guler MO, Dana A. Force and time-dependent self-assembly, disruption and recovery of supramolecular peptide amphiphile nanofibers. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:285701. [PMID: 29664418 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aabeb4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Biological feedback mechanisms exert precise control over the initiation and termination of molecular self-assembly in response to environmental stimuli, while minimizing the formation and propagation of defects through self-repair processes. Peptide amphiphile (PA) molecules can self-assemble at physiological conditions to form supramolecular nanostructures that structurally and functionally resemble the nanofibrous proteins of the extracellular matrix, and their ability to reconfigure themselves in response to external stimuli is crucial for the design of intelligent biomaterials systems. Here, we investigated real-time self-assembly, deformation, and recovery of PA nanofibers in aqueous solution by using a force-stabilizing double-pass scanning atomic force microscopy imaging method to disrupt the self-assembled peptide nanofibers in a force-dependent manner. We demonstrate that nanofiber damage occurs at tip-sample interaction forces exceeding 1 nN, and the damaged fibers subsequently recover when the tip pressure is reduced. Nanofiber ends occasionally fail to reconnect following breakage and continue to grow as two individual nanofibers. Energy minimization calculations of nanofibers with increasing cross-sectional ellipticity (corresponding to varying levels of tip-induced fiber deformation) support our observations, with high-ellipticity nanofibers exhibiting lower stability compared to their non-deformed counterparts. Consequently, tip-mediated mechanical forces can provide an effective means of altering nanofiber integrity and visualizing the self-recovery of PA assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Begum Dikecoglu
- Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology and National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey. Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Gruberstrasse 40, A-4020 Linz, Austria
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Zhang W, Yu X, Li Y, Su Z, Jandt KD, Wei G. Protein-mimetic peptide nanofibers: Motif design, self-assembly synthesis, and sequence-specific biomedical applications. Prog Polym Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Humenik M, Lang G, Scheibel T. Silk nanofibril self-assembly versus electrospinning. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1509. [PMID: 29393590 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural silk fibers represent one of the most advanced blueprints for (bio)polymer scientists, displaying highly optimized mechanical properties due to their hierarchical structures. Biotechnological production of silk proteins and implementation of advanced processing methods enabled harnessing the potential of these biopolymer not just based on the mechanical properties. In addition to fibers, diverse morphologies can be produced, such as nonwoven meshes, films, hydrogels, foams, capsules and particles. Among them, nanoscale fibrils and fibers are particularly interesting concerning medical and technical applications due to their biocompatibility, environmental and mechanical robustness as well as high surface-to-volume ratio. Therefore, we introduce here self-assembly of silk proteins into hierarchically organized structures such as supramolecular nanofibrils and fabricated materials based thereon. As an alternative to self-assembly, we also present electrospinning a technique to produce nanofibers and nanofibrous mats. Accordingly, we introduce a broad range of silk-based dopes, used in self-assembly and electrospinning: natural silk proteins originating from natural spinning glands, natural silk protein solutions reconstituted from fibers, engineered recombinant silk proteins designed from natural blueprints, genetic fusions of recombinant silk proteins with other structural or functional peptides and moieties, as well as hybrids of recombinant silk proteins chemically conjugated with nonproteinaceous biotic or abiotic molecules. We highlight the advantages but also point out drawbacks of each particular production route. The scope includes studies of the natural self-assembly mechanism during natural silk spinning, production of silk fibrils as new nanostructured non-native scaffolds allowing dynamic morphological switches, as well as studying potential applications. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide-Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Humenik
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Gregor Lang
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), Research Center Bio-Macromolecules (BIOmac), Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), Bayreuth Center for Material Science (BayMAT), Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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Fazelinia H, Balog ERM, Desireddy A, Chakraborty S, Sheehan CJ, Strauss CE, Martinez JS. Genetically Engineered Elastomeric Polymer Network through Protein Zipper Assembly. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201700456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Fazelinia
- Bioscience Division, MS 888 Los Alamos National Laboratory NM 87545 USA
| | - Eva Rose M. Balog
- Center for Intergrated Nanotechnologies Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K771 Los Alamos NM 87545 USA
| | - Anil Desireddy
- Center for Intergrated Nanotechnologies Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K771 Los Alamos NM 87545 USA
| | - Saumen Chakraborty
- Center for Intergrated Nanotechnologies Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K771 Los Alamos NM 87545 USA
| | - Chris J. Sheehan
- Center for Intergrated Nanotechnologies Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K771 Los Alamos NM 87545 USA
| | | | - Jennifer S. Martinez
- Center for Intergrated Nanotechnologies Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K771 Los Alamos NM 87545 USA
- Institute for Material Science Los Alamos National Laboratory NM 87545 USA
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Zhang X, Hu X, Lei H, Hu J, Zhang Y. Mechanical force-induced polymerization and depolymerization of F-actin at water/solid interfaces. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:6008-6013. [PMID: 26928199 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08713a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Actin molecules are among the three main cytoskeleton proteins of cells and undergo rapid cycling to regulate critical processes such as endocytosis, cytokinesis, cell polarity, and cell morphogenesis. Although extensive studies have been carried out on the dynamics as well as biological functions of actin polymerization and depolymerization both in vivo and in vitro, the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to mechanical signals are not fully understood. In particular, little attention has been paid to the effect of a physical force that is exerted directly on the actin cytoskeleton. In this paper, we have explored how the mechanical force affects the actin polymerization and depolymerization behaviors at water/solid interfaces using an atomic force microscope (AFM) operated in liquid. By raster scanning an AFM probe on a substrate surface with a certain load, it was found that actin monomers could polymerize into filaments without the help of actin related proteins (ARPs). Further study indicated that actin monomers were inclined to form filaments only under a small scanning load. The polymerized actin filaments would be depolymerized when the mechanical force was stronger. A possible mechanism has been suggested to explain the mechanical force induced actin polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
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Yeo GC, Aghaei-Ghareh-Bolagh B, Brackenreg EP, Hiob MA, Lee P, Weiss AS. Fabricated Elastin. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:2530-2556. [PMID: 25771993 PMCID: PMC4568180 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical stability, elasticity, inherent bioactivity, and self-assembly properties of elastin make it a highly attractive candidate for the fabrication of versatile biomaterials. The ability to engineer specific peptide sequences derived from elastin allows the precise control of these physicochemical and organizational characteristics, and further broadens the diversity of elastin-based applications. Elastin and elastin-like peptides can also be modified or blended with other natural or synthetic moieties, including peptides, proteins, polysaccharides, and polymers, to augment existing capabilities or confer additional architectural and biofunctional features to compositionally pure materials. Elastin and elastin-based composites have been subjected to diverse fabrication processes, including heating, electrospinning, wet spinning, solvent casting, freeze-drying, and cross-linking, for the manufacture of particles, fibers, gels, tubes, sheets and films. The resulting materials can be tailored to possess specific strength, elasticity, morphology, topography, porosity, wettability, surface charge, and bioactivity. This extraordinary tunability of elastin-based constructs enables their use in a range of biomedical and tissue engineering applications such as targeted drug delivery, cell encapsulation, vascular repair, nerve regeneration, wound healing, and dermal, cartilage, bone, and dental replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle C. Yeo
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Behnaz Aghaei-Ghareh-Bolagh
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Edwin P. Brackenreg
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matti A. Hiob
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Pearl Lee
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anthony S. Weiss
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Huang W, Rollett A, Kaplan DL. Silk-elastin-like protein biomaterials for the controlled delivery of therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 12:779-91. [PMID: 25476201 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2015.989830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetically engineered biomaterials are useful for controlled delivery owing to their rational design, tunable structure-function, biocompatibility, degradability and target specificity. Silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs), a family of genetically engineered recombinant protein polymers, possess these properties. Additionally, given the benefits of combining semi-crystalline silk-blocks and elastomeric elastin-blocks, SELPs possess multi-stimuli-responsive properties and tunability, thereby becoming promising candidates for targeted cancer therapeutics delivery and controlled gene release. AREAS COVERED An overview of SELP biomaterials for drug delivery and gene release is provided. Biosynthetic strategies used for SELP production, fundamental physicochemical properties and self-assembly mechanisms are discussed. The review focuses on sequence-structure-function relationships, stimuli-responsive features and current and potential drug delivery applications. EXPERT OPINION The tunable material properties allow SELPs to be pursued as promising biomaterials for nanocarriers and injectable drug release systems. Current applications of SELPs have focused on thermally-triggered biomaterial formats for the delivery of therapeutics, based on local hyperthermia in tumors or infections. Other prominent controlled release applications of SELPs as injectable hydrogels for gene release have also been pursued. Further biomedical applications that utilize other stimuli to trigger the reversible material responses of SELPs for targeted delivery, including pH, ionic strength, redox, enzymatic stimuli and electric field, are in progress. Exploiting these additional stimuli-responsive features will provide a broader range of functional biomaterials for controlled therapeutics release and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Huang
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering , 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155 , USA
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Varongchayakul N, Johnson S, Quabili T, Cappello J, Ghandehari H, Solares SDJ, Hwang W, Seog J. Direct observation of amyloid nucleation under nanomechanical stretching. ACS NANO 2013; 7:7734-7743. [PMID: 23987654 DOI: 10.1021/nn402322k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amyloid nanofiber is associated with both functional biological and pathological processes such as those in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite intensive studies, the stochastic nature of the process has made it difficult to elucidate a molecular mechanism for the key amyloid nucleation event. Here we investigated nucleation of the silk-elastin-like peptide (SELP) amyloid using time-lapse lateral force microscopy (LFM). By repeated scanning of a single line on a SELP-coated mica surface, we observed a sudden stepwise height increase. This corresponds to nucleation of an amyloid fiber, which subsequently grew perpendicular to the scanning direction. The lateral force profiles followed either a worm-like chain model or an exponential function, suggesting that the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip stretches a single or multiple SELP molecules along the scanning direction. The probability of nucleation correlated with the maximum stretching force and extension, implying that stretching of SELP molecules is a key molecular event for amyloid nucleation. The mechanically induced nucleation allows for positional and directional control of amyloid assembly in vitro, which we demonstrate by generating single nanofibers at predetermined nucleation sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitinun Varongchayakul
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, ‡Fischell Department of Bioengineering, ¶Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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