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Madariaga-Marcos J, Corti R, Hormeño S, Moreno-Herrero F. Characterizing microfluidic approaches for a fast and efficient reagent exchange in single-molecule studies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18069. [PMID: 33093484 PMCID: PMC7581773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-molecule experiments usually take place in flow cells. This experimental approach is essential for experiments requiring a liquid environment, but is also useful to allow the exchange of reagents before or during measurements. This is crucial in experiments that need to be triggered by ligands or require a sequential addition of proteins. Home-fabricated flow cells using two glass coverslips and a gasket made of paraffin wax are a widespread approach. The volume of the flow cell can be controlled by modifying the dimensions of the channel while the reagents are introduced using a syringe pump. In this system, high flow rates disturb the biological system, whereas lower flow rates lead to the generation of a reagent gradient in the flow cell. For very precise measurements it is thus desirable to have a very fast exchange of reagents with minimal diffusion. We propose the implementation of multistream laminar microfluidic cells with two inlets and one outlet, which achieve a minimum fluid switching time of 0.25 s. We additionally define a phenomenological expression to predict the boundary switching time for a particular flow cell cross section. Finally, we study the potential applicability of the platform to study kinetics at the single molecule level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julene Madariaga-Marcos
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberta Corti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Hormeño
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Moreno-Herrero
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
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Linke H, Höcker B, Furuta K, Forde NR, Curmi PMG. Synthetic biology approaches to dissecting linear motor protein function: towards the design and synthesis of artificial autonomous protein walkers. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:1041-1054. [PMID: 32651904 PMCID: PMC7429643 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular motors and machines are essential for all cellular processes that together enable life. Built from proteins with a wide range of properties, functionalities and performance characteristics, biological motors perform complex tasks and can transduce chemical energy into mechanical work more efficiently than human-made combustion engines. Sophisticated studies of biological protein motors have provided many structural and biophysical insights and enabled the development of models for motor function. However, from the study of highly evolved, biological motors, it remains difficult to discern detailed mechanisms, for example, about the relative role of different force generation mechanisms, or how information is communicated across a protein to achieve the necessary coordination. A promising, complementary approach to answering these questions is to build synthetic protein motors from the bottom up. Indeed, much effort has been invested in functional protein design, but so far, the "holy grail" of designing and building a functional synthetic protein motor has not been realized. Here, we review the progress made to date, and we put forward a roadmap for achieving the aim of constructing the first artificial, autonomously running protein motor. Specifically, we propose to break down the task into (i) enzymatic control of track binding, (ii) the engineering of asymmetry and (iii) the engineering of allosteric control for internal communication. We also propose specific approaches for solving each of these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Linke
- NanoLund and Solid State Physics, Lund University, Box 118, SE 22100, Lund, Sweden
| | - Birte Höcker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ken'ya Furuta
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2492, Japan
| | - Nancy R Forde
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Paul M G Curmi
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Richard C, Neild A, Cadarso VJ. The emerging role of microfluidics in multi-material 3D bioprinting. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:2044-2056. [PMID: 32459222 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01184f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To assist the transition of 3D bioprinting technology from simple lab-based tissue fabrication, to fully functional and implantable organs, the technology must not only provide shape control, but also functional control. This can be accomplished by replicating the cellular composition of the native tissue at the microscale, such that cell types interact to provide the desired function. There is therefore a need for precise, controllable, multi-material printing that could allow for high, possibly even single cell, resolution. This paper aims to draw attention to technological advancements made in 3D bioprinting that target the lack of multi-material, and/or multi cell-type, printing capabilities of most current devices. Unlike other reviews in the field, which largely focus on variations in single-material 3D bioprinting involving the standard methods of extrusion-based, droplet-based, laser-based, or stereolithographic methods; this review concentrates on sophisticated multi-material 3D bioprinting using multi-cartridge printheads, co-axial nozzles and microfluidic-enhanced printing nozzles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Richard
- Laboratory for Micro Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Madariaga-Marcos J, Pastrana CL, Fisher GL, Dillingham MS, Moreno-Herrero F. ParB dynamics and the critical role of the CTD in DNA condensation unveiled by combined force-fluorescence measurements. eLife 2019; 8:43812. [PMID: 30907359 PMCID: PMC6433461 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis ParB forms multimeric networks involving non-specific DNA binding leading to DNA condensation. Previously, we found that an excess of the free C-terminal domain (CTD) of ParB impeded DNA condensation or promoted decondensation of pre-assembled networks (Fisher et al., 2017). However, interpretation of the molecular basis for this phenomenon was complicated by our inability to uncouple protein binding from DNA condensation. Here, we have combined lateral magnetic tweezers with TIRF microscopy to simultaneously control the restrictive force against condensation and to visualise ParB protein binding by fluorescence. At non-permissive forces for condensation, ParB binds non-specifically and highly dynamically to DNA. Our new approach concluded that the free CTD blocks the formation of ParB networks by heterodimerisation with full length DNA-bound ParB. This strongly supports a model in which the CTD acts as a key bridging interface between distal DNA binding loci within ParB networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julene Madariaga-Marcos
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesar L Pastrana
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Lm Fisher
- DNA:Protein Interactions Unit, School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Simon Dillingham
- DNA:Protein Interactions Unit, School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando Moreno-Herrero
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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Huang PH, Chan CY, Li P, Wang Y, Nama N, Bachman H, Huang TJ. A sharp-edge-based acoustofluidic chemical signal generator. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1411-1421. [PMID: 29668002 PMCID: PMC6064650 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00193f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Resolving the temporal dynamics of cell signaling pathways is essential for regulating numerous downstream functions, from gene expression to cellular responses. Mapping these signaling pathways requires the exposure of cells to time-varying chemical signals; these are difficult to generate and control over a wide temporal range. Herein, we present an acoustofluidic chemical signal generator based on a sharp-edge-based micromixing strategy. The device, simply by modulating the driving signals of an acoustic transducer including the ON/OFF switching frequency, actuation time and duty cycle, is capable of generating both single-pulse and periodic chemical signals that are temporally controllable in terms of stimulation period, stimulation duration and duty cycle. We also demonstrate the device's applicability and versatility for cell signaling studies by probing the calcium (Ca2+) release dynamics of three different types of cells stimulated by ionomycin signals of different shapes. Upon short single-pulse ionomycin stimulation (∼100 ms) generated by our device, we discover that cells tend to dynamically adjust the intracellular level of Ca2+ through constantly releasing and accepting Ca2+ to the cytoplasm and from the extracellular environment, respectively. With advantages such as simple fabrication and operation, compact device design, and reliability and versatility, our device will enable decoding of the temporal characteristics of signaling dynamics for various physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsun Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Small LSR, Bruning M, Thomson AR, Boyle AL, Davies RB, Curmi PMG, Forde NR, Linke H, Woolfson DN, Bromley EHC. Construction of a Chassis for a Tripartite Protein-Based Molecular Motor. ACS Synth Biol 2017; 6:1096-1102. [PMID: 28221767 PMCID: PMC5477008 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Improving our understanding of biological
motors, both to fully
comprehend their activities in vital processes, and to exploit their
impressive abilities for use in bionanotechnology, is highly desirable.
One means of understanding these systems is through the production
of synthetic molecular motors. We demonstrate the use of orthogonal
coiled-coil dimers (including both parallel and antiparallel coiled
coils) as a hub for linking other components of a previously described
synthetic molecular motor, the Tumbleweed. We use circular dichroism,
analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic light scattering, and disulfide
rearrangement studies to demonstrate the ability of this six-peptide
set to form the structure designed for the Tumbleweed motor. The successful
formation of a suitable hub structure is both a test of the transferability
of design rules for protein folding as well as an important step in
the production of a synthetic protein-based molecular motor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara S. R. Small
- Department
of Physics, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Bruning
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, BS8 1TS, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Thomson
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Aimee L. Boyle
- Faculty
of Science, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden, 2333 CC, Netherlands
| | - Roberta B. Davies
- Structural
Biology Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Paul M. G. Curmi
- School of
Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Nancy R. Forde
- Department
of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Heiner Linke
- NanoLund
and Solid State Physics, Lund University, Box 118, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Derek N. Woolfson
- School
of Chemistry, University of Bristol, BS8 1TS, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School
of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, Bristol, United Kingdom
- BrisSynBio,
Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1TQ, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Niman CS, Zuckermann MJ, Balaz M, Tegenfeldt JO, Curmi PMG, Forde NR, Linke H. Fluidic switching in nanochannels for the control of Inchworm: a synthetic biomolecular motor with a power stroke. NANOSCALE 2014; 6:15008-15019. [PMID: 25367216 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr04701j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic molecular motors typically take nanometer-scale steps through rectification of thermal motion. Here we propose Inchworm, a DNA-based motor that employs a pronounced power stroke to take micrometer-scale steps on a time scale of seconds, and we design, fabricate, and analyze the nanofluidic device needed to operate the motor. Inchworm is a kbp-long, double-stranded DNA confined inside a nanochannel in a stretched configuration. Motor stepping is achieved through externally controlled changes in salt concentration (changing the DNA's extension), coordinated with ligand-gated binding of the DNA's ends to the functionalized nanochannel surface. Brownian dynamics simulations predict that Inchworm's stall force is determined by its entropic spring constant and is ∼ 0.1 pN. Operation of the motor requires periodic cycling of four different buffers surrounding the DNA inside a nanochannel, while keeping constant the hydrodynamic load force on the DNA. We present a two-layer fluidic device incorporating 100 nm-radius nanochannels that are connected through a few-nm-wide slit to a microfluidic system used for in situ buffer exchanges, either diffusionally (zero flow) or with controlled hydrodynamic flow. Combining experiment with finite-element modeling, we demonstrate the device's key performance features and experimentally establish achievable Inchworm stepping times of the order of seconds or faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra S Niman
- Division of Solid State Physics, Lund University, Box 118, 22100 Lund, Sweden.
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