1
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Teng T, Bernal‐Chanchavac J, Stephanopoulos N, Castro CE. Construction of Reconfigurable and Polymorphic DNA Origami Assemblies with Coiled-Coil Patches and Patterns. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307257. [PMID: 38459678 PMCID: PMC11132032 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
DNA origami nanodevices achieve programmable structure and tunable mechanical and dynamic properties by leveraging the sequence-specific interactions of nucleic acids. Previous advances have also established DNA origami as a useful building block to make well-defined micron-scale structures through hierarchical self-assembly, but these efforts have largely leveraged the structural features of DNA origami. The tunable dynamic and mechanical properties also provide an opportunity to make assemblies with adaptive structures and properties. Here the integration of DNA origami hinge nanodevices and coiled-coil peptides are reported into hybrid reconfigurable assemblies. With the same dynamic device and peptide interaction, it is made multiple higher-order assemblies (i.e., polymorphic assembly) by organizing clusters of peptides into patches or arranging single peptides into patterns on the surfaces of DNA origami to control the relative orientation of devices. The coiled-coil interactions are used to construct circular and linear assemblies whose structure and mechanical properties can be modulated with DNA-based reconfiguration. Reconfiguration of linear assemblies leads to micron scale motions and ≈2.5-10-fold increase in bending stiffness. The results provide a foundation for stimulus-responsive hybrid assemblies that can adapt their structure and properties in response to nucleic acid, peptide, protein, or other triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Teng
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOH43210USA
| | - Julio Bernal‐Chanchavac
- School of Molecular SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeAZ85287USA
- Center for Molecular Design and BiomimeticsThe Biodesign Institute, Arizona State UniversityTempeAZ85287USA
| | - Nicholas Stephanopoulos
- School of Molecular SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeAZ85287USA
- Center for Molecular Design and BiomimeticsThe Biodesign Institute, Arizona State UniversityTempeAZ85287USA
| | - Carlos E. Castro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOH43210USA
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2
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Candia Carnevali MD, Sugni M, Bonasoro F, Wilkie IC. Mutable Collagenous Tissue: A Concept Generator for Biomimetic Materials and Devices. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:37. [PMID: 38248662 PMCID: PMC10817530 DOI: 10.3390/md22010037] [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] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms (starfish, sea-urchins and their close relations) possess a unique type of collagenous tissue that is innervated by the motor nervous system and whose mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elastic stiffness, can be altered in a time frame of seconds. Intensive research on echinoderm 'mutable collagenous tissue' (MCT) began over 50 years ago, and over 20 years ago, MCT first inspired a biomimetic design. MCT, and sea-cucumber dermis in particular, is now a major source of ideas for the development of new mechanically adaptable materials and devices with applications in diverse areas including biomedical science, chemical engineering and robotics. In this review, after an up-to-date account of present knowledge of the structural, physiological and molecular adaptations of MCT and the mechanisms responsible for its variable tensile properties, we focus on MCT as a concept generator surveying biomimetic systems inspired by MCT biology, showing that these include both bio-derived developments (same function, analogous operating principles) and technology-derived developments (same function, different operating principles), and suggest a strategy for the further exploitation of this promising biological resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Daniela Candia Carnevali
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.C.); (M.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.C.); (M.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.C.); (M.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Iain C. Wilkie
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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3
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Barbieri E, Gupta HS. Is Stress Relaxation in Sea Cucumber Dermis Chemoelastic? Mar Drugs 2023; 21:610. [PMID: 38132931 PMCID: PMC10744711 DOI: 10.3390/md21120610] [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] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms, such as sea cucumbers, have the remarkable property of changing the stiffness of their dermis according to the surrounding chemical environments. When sea cucumber dermal specimens are constantly strained, stress decays exponentially with time. Such stress relaxation is a hallmark of visco-elastic mechanical behavior. In this paper, in contrast, we attempted to interpret stress relaxation from the chemoelasticity viewpoint. We used a finite element model for the microstructure of the sea cucumber dermis. We varied stiffness over time and framed such changes against the first-order reactions of the interfibrillar matrix. Within this hypothetical scenario, we found that stress relaxation would then occur primarily due to fast crosslink splitting between the chains and a much slower macro-chain scission, with characteristic reaction times compatible with relaxation times measured experimentally. A byproduct of the model is that the concentration of undamaged macro-chains in the softened state is low, less than 10%, which tallies with physical intuition. Although this study is far from being conclusive, we believe it opens an alternative route worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Barbieri
- Center for Mathematical Science and Advanced Technology (MAT), Research Institute for Value-Added-Information Generation (VAiG), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokohama 236-0001, Japan
| | - Himadri Shikhar Gupta
- School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS) & Institute of Bioengineering (IOB), Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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4
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Sisican KM, Torreno VPM, Yu ET, Conato MT. Physicochemical and Biochemical Characterization of Collagen from Stichopus cf. horrens Tissues for Use as Stimuli-Responsive Thin Films. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35791-35799. [PMID: 37810720 PMCID: PMC10551906 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of sea cucumber, with its ability to rapidly change its stiffness and extensibility in response to different environmental stress conditions, serves as inspiration for the design of new smart functional biomaterials. Collagen, extracted from the body wall of Stichopus cf. horrens, a species commonly found in the Philippines, was characterized for its suitability as stimuli-responsive films. Protein BLAST search showed the presence of sequences commonly found in type VII and IX collagen, suggesting that Stichopus horrens collagen is heterotypic. The maximum transition temperature recorded was 56.0 ± 2 °C, which is higher than those of other known sources of marine collagen. This suggests that S. horrens collagen has better thermal stability and durability. Collagen-based thin films were then prepared, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging showed the visible collagen network comprising the films. The thin films were subjected to thermomechanical analysis with degradation starting at >175 °C. At 100-150 °C, the collagen-based films apparently lose their translucency due to the removal of moisture. Upon exposure to ambient temperature, instead of degrading, the films were able to revert to the original state due to the readsorption of moisture. This study is a demonstration of a smart biomaterial developed from S. cf. horrens collagen with potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and other collagen-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Marie
D. Sisican
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
- The
Marine Science Institute, University of
the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon
City 1101, Philippines
| | - Vicenzo Paolo M. Torreno
- The
Marine Science Institute, University of
the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon
City 1101, Philippines
| | - Eizadora T. Yu
- The
Marine Science Institute, University of
the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon
City 1101, Philippines
| | - Marlon T. Conato
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
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5
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Teng T, Bernal-Chanchavac J, Stephanopoulos N, Castro CE. Construction and reconfiguration of dynamic DNA origami assemblies with coiled-coil patches and patterns. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.23.559112. [PMID: 37790447 PMCID: PMC10542533 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.23.559112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA origami nanodevices achieve programmable structure and tunable mechanical and dynamic properties by leveraging the sequence specific interactions of nucleic acids. Previous advances have also established DNA origami as a useful building block to make well-defined micron-scale structures through hierarchical self-assembly, but these efforts have largely leveraged the structural features of DNA origami. The tunable dynamic and mechanical properties also provide an opportunity to make assemblies with adaptive structure and properties. Here we report the integration of DNA origami hinge nanodevices and coiled-coil peptides into hybrid reconfigurable assemblies. With the same dynamic device and peptide interaction, we make multiple higher order assemblies by organizing clusters of peptides (i.e. patches) or arranging single peptides (i.e. patterns) on the surfaces of DNA origami to control the relative orientation of devices. We use coiled-coil interactions to construct circular and linear assemblies whose structure and mechanical properties can be modulated with DNA-based actuation. Actuation of linear assemblies leads to micron scale motions and ~2.5-10-fold increase in bending stiffness. Our results provide a foundation for stimulus responsive hybrid assemblies that can adapt their structure and properties in response to nucleic acid, peptide, protein, or other triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Teng
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - J Bernal-Chanchavac
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - N Stephanopoulos
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - C E Castro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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6
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Dolmatov IY, Nizhnichenko VA. Extracellular Matrix of Echinoderms. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:417. [PMID: 37504948 PMCID: PMC10381214 DOI: 10.3390/md21070417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review considers available data on the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in echinoderms. The connective tissue in these animals has a rather complex organization. It includes a wide range of structural ECM proteins, as well as various proteases and their inhibitors. Members of almost all major groups of collagens, various glycoproteins, and proteoglycans have been found in echinoderms. There are enzymes for the synthesis of structural proteins and their modification by polysaccharides. However, the ECM of echinoderms substantially differs from that of vertebrates by the lack of elastin, fibronectins, tenascins, and some other glycoproteins and proteoglycans. Echinoderms have a wide variety of proteinases, with serine, cysteine, aspartic, and metal peptidases identified among them. Their active centers have a typical structure and can break down various ECM molecules. Echinoderms are also distinguished by a wide range of proteinase inhibitors. The complex ECM structure and the variety of intermolecular interactions evidently explain the complexity of the mechanisms responsible for variations in the mechanical properties of connective tissue in echinoderms. These mechanisms probably depend not only on the number of cross-links between the molecules, but also on the composition of ECM and the properties of its proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Yu Dolmatov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Nizhnichenko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky 17, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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7
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OKAY O. Cryogelation reactions and cryogels: principles and challenges. Turk J Chem 2023; 47:910-926. [PMID: 38173748 PMCID: PMC10760876 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0527.3586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryogelation is a powerful technique for producing macroporous hydrogels called cryogels. Although cryogelation reactions and cryogels were discovered more than 70 years ago, they attracted significant interest only in the last 20 years mainly due to their extraordinary properties compared to the classical hydrogels such as a high toughness, almost complete squeezability, a mechanically stable porous structure with honeycomb arrangement, poroelasticity, and fast responsivity against external stimuli. In this mini review, general properties of cryogelation systems including the cryoconcentration phenomenon responsible for the unique properties of the cryogels are discussed. The squeezability and poroelasticity of cryogels comparable to those seen with articular cartilage are also discussed. Cryogelation reactions conducted within the pores of preformed cryogels and some novel cryogels with attractive properties are then discussed in the last section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oğuz OKAY
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
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8
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Popov A, Kozlovskaya E, Rutckova T, Styshova O, Vakhrushev A, Kupera E, Tekutyeva L. Antitumor Properties of Matrikines of Different Origins: Prospects and Problems of Their Application. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119502. [PMID: 37298452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrikines (MKs) can be a rich source of functional nutrition components and additional therapy, thereby contributing to human health care and reducing the risk of developing serious diseases, including cancer. Currently, functionally active MKs as products of enzymatic transformation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are used for various biomedical purposes. Due to the absence of toxic side effects, low species specificity, relatively small size, and presence of various targets at the cell membranes, MKs often exhibit antitumor properties and, therefore, are promising agents for antitumor combination therapy. This review summarizes and analyzes the current data on the antitumor activity of MKs of different origins, discusses the problems and prospects for their therapeutic use, and evaluates the experimental results of studying the antitumor properties of MKs from different echinoderm species generated with the help of a complex of proteolytic enzymes from red king crab Paralithodes camtschatica. Special attention is paid to the analysis of possible mechanisms of the antitumor action of various functionally active MKs, products of the enzymatic activity of various MMPs, and the existing problems for their use in antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Popov
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159 Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Emma Kozlovskaya
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159 Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Tatyana Rutckova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159 Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Olga Styshova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159 Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Aleksey Vakhrushev
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159 Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Elena Kupera
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159 Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Ludmila Tekutyeva
- Department of Bioeconomy and Food Security, School of Economics and Management, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok 690922, Russia
- ARNIKA, Territory of PDA Nadezhdinskaya, Volno-Nadezhdinskoye 692481, Russia
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9
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Lowes HM, Weinrauch AM, Bouyoucos IA, Griffin RA, Kononovs D, Alessi DS, Blewett TA. Copper exposure does not alter the ability of intertidal sea cucumber Cucumaria miniata to tolerate emersion during low tide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162085. [PMID: 36775175 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Intertidal animals experience cycles of tidal emersion from water and are vulnerable to copper (Cu) exposure due to anthropogenic toxicant input into marine waters. Both emersion and Cu toxicity can cause damage to physiological processes like aerobic metabolism, ammonia excretion, and osmoregulation, but the interactions of the combination of these two stressors on marine invertebrates are understudied. Mixed effects of 96 h of low and high Cu exposure (20 and 200 μg/L) followed by 6 h of tidal emersion were evaluated on the intertidal sea cucumber Cucumaria miniata. The respiratory tree accumulated the highest concentrations of Cu, followed by the introvert retractor muscle, body wall, and coelomic fluid. Emersion affected accumulation of Cu, perhaps by inhibiting excretion. 200 μg/L of Cu increased lactate production in the respiratory tree, indicative of damaged aerobic metabolism. Cu diminished ammonia excretion, but emersion increased oxygen uptake and ammonia excretion upon re-immersion. The combination of the two stressors did not have any interactive effects on metabolism or ammonia excretion. Neither Cu exposure nor emersion altered ion (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) content of the coelomic fluid. Overall, results of this study suggest that Cu exposure does not alter C. miniata's high tolerance to emersion, and some potential strategies that this species uses to overcome environmental stress are illuminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Lowes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada
| | - Alyssa M Weinrauch
- Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ian A Bouyoucos
- Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Robert A Griffin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada
| | - Daniels Kononovs
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC V0R 1B0, Canada.
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10
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Tampieri A, Kon E, Sandri M, Campodoni E, Dapporto M, Sprio S. Marine-Inspired Approaches as a Smart Tool to Face Osteochondral Regeneration. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040212. [PMID: 37103351 PMCID: PMC10145639 DOI: 10.3390/md21040212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of osteochondral tissue represents one of the major causes of disability in modern society and it is expected to fuel the demand for new solutions to repair and regenerate the damaged articular joints. In particular, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common complication in articular diseases and a leading cause of chronic disability affecting a steady increasing number of people. The regeneration of osteochondral (OC) defects is one of the most challenging tasks in orthopedics since this anatomical region is composed of different tissues, characterized by antithetic features and functionalities, in tight connection to work together as a joint. The altered structural and mechanical joint environment impairs the natural tissue metabolism, thus making OC regeneration even more challenging. In this scenario, marine-derived ingredients elicit ever-increased interest for biomedical applications as a result of their outstanding mechanical and multiple biologic properties. The review highlights the possibility to exploit such unique features using a combination of bio-inspired synthesis process and 3D manufacturing technologies, relevant to generate compositionally and structurally graded hybrid constructs reproducing the smart architecture and biomechanical functions of natural OC regions.
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11
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Oral CB, Yetiskin B, Cil C, Kok FN, Okay O. Silk Fibroin-Based Shape-Memory Organohydrogels with Semicrystalline Microinclusions. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:1594-1603. [PMID: 36922721 PMCID: PMC10114111 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by nature, we designed organohydrogels (OHGs) consisting of a silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel as the continuous phase and the hydrophobic microinclusions based on semicrystalline poly(n-octadecyl acrylate) (PC18A) as the dispersed phase. SF acts as a self-emulsifier to obtain oil-in-water emulsions, and hence, it is a versatile and green alternative to chemical emulsifiers. We first prepared a stable oil-in-water emulsion without an external emulsifier by dispersing the n-octadecyl acrylate (C18A) monomer in an aqueous SF solution. To stabilize the emulsions for longer times, gelation in the continuous SF phase was induced by the addition of ethanol, which is known to trigger the conformational transition in SF from random coil to β-sheet structures. In the second step, in situ polymerization of C18A droplets in the emulsion system was conducted under UV light in the presence of a photoinitiator to obtain high-strength OHGs with shape-memory function, and good cytocompatibility. The incorporation of hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide and noncrystallizable hydrophobic lauryl methacrylate units in the hydrogel and organogel phases of OHGs, respectively, further improved their mechanical and shape-memory properties. The shape-memory OHGs presented here exhibit switchable viscoelasticity and mechanics, a high Young's modulus (up to 4.3 ± 0.1 MPa), compressive strength (up to 2.5 ± 0.1 MPa), and toughness (up to 0.68 MPa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Buse Oral
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Berkant Yetiskin
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Canan Cil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Fatma Nese Kok
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Oguz Okay
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
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12
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Tamori M, Yamada A. Possible Mechanisms of Stiffness Changes Induced by Stiffeners and Softeners in Catch Connective Tissue of Echinoderms. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030140. [PMID: 36976189 PMCID: PMC10053443 DOI: 10.3390/md21030140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The catch connective, or mutable collagenous, tissue of echinoderms changes its mechanical properties in response to stimulation. The body wall dermis of sea cucumbers is a typical catch connective tissue. The dermis assumes three mechanical states: soft, standard, and stiff. Proteins that change the mechanical properties have been purified from the dermis. Tensilin and the novel stiffening factor are involved in the soft to standard and standard to stiff transitions, respectively. Softenin softens the dermis in the standard state. Tensilin and softenin work directly on the extracellular matrix (ECM). This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding such stiffeners and softeners. Attention is also given to the genes of tensilin and its related proteins in echinoderms. In addition, we provide information on the morphological changes of the ECM associated with the stiffness change of the dermis. Ultrastructural study suggests that tensilin induces an increase in the cohesive forces with the lateral fusion of collagen subfibrils in the soft to standard transition, that crossbridge formation between fibrils occurs in both the soft to standard and standard to stiff transitions, and that the bond which accompanies water exudation produces the stiff dermis from the standard state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Tamori
- School of Life Science and Technology, W3-42, Tokyo Institute of Technology, O-okayama 2-12-1, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Akira Yamada
- National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, 4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan
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13
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Lou J, Xia Y. Using Competitor Molecules to Reversibly Modulate the Mechanical Properties of Viscoelastic Hydrogels. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:1312-1316. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Lou
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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14
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Romano G, Almeida M, Varela Coelho A, Cutignano A, Gonçalves LG, Hansen E, Khnykin D, Mass T, Ramšak A, Rocha MS, Silva TH, Sugni M, Ballarin L, Genevière AM. Biomaterials and Bioactive Natural Products from Marine Invertebrates: From Basic Research to Innovative Applications. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20040219. [PMID: 35447892 PMCID: PMC9027906 DOI: 10.3390/md20040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquatic invertebrates are a major source of biomaterials and bioactive natural products that can find applications as pharmaceutics, nutraceutics, cosmetics, antibiotics, antifouling products and biomaterials. Symbiotic microorganisms are often the real producers of many secondary metabolites initially isolated from marine invertebrates; however, a certain number of them are actually synthesized by the macro-organisms. In this review, we analysed the literature of the years 2010–2019 on natural products (bioactive molecules and biomaterials) from the main phyla of marine invertebrates explored so far, including sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, echinoderms and ascidians, and present relevant examples of natural products of interest to public and private stakeholders. We also describe omics tools that have been more relevant in identifying and understanding mechanisms and processes underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in marine invertebrates. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable large-scale supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of aquatic invertebrate stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Romano
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Mariana Almeida
- 3B’s Research Group, I3B’s—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark—Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (M.A.); (M.S.R.); (T.H.S.)
- ICVS/3B´s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Varela Coelho
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.V.C.); (L.G.G.)
| | - Adele Cutignano
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy;
- CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luis G Gonçalves
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.V.C.); (L.G.G.)
| | - Espen Hansen
- Marbio, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromso, Norway;
| | - Denis Khnykin
- Laboratory for Immunohistochemistry and Immunopathology (LIIPAT), Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, 0450 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Tali Mass
- Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
| | - Andreja Ramšak
- National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station, Fornače 41, SI-6330 Piran, Slovenia;
| | - Miguel S. Rocha
- 3B’s Research Group, I3B’s—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark—Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (M.A.); (M.S.R.); (T.H.S.)
- ICVS/3B´s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Tiago H. Silva
- 3B’s Research Group, I3B’s—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark—Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (M.A.); (M.S.R.); (T.H.S.)
- ICVS/3B´s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 2, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Loriano Ballarin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35100 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Anne-Marie Genevière
- Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins (BIOM), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 1 Avenue Pierre Fabre, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France;
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15
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Zhang Y, Hollis D, Ross R, Snow T, Terrill NJ, Lu Y, Wang W, Connelly J, Tozzi G, Gupta HS. Investigating the Fibrillar Ultrastructure and Mechanics in Keloid Scars Using In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Nanomechanical Imaging. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15051836. [PMID: 35269067 PMCID: PMC8911729 DOI: 10.3390/ma15051836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic scarring is prevalent in a range of collagenous tissue disorders. Understanding the role of matrix biophysics in contributing to fibrotic progression is important to develop therapies, as well as to elucidate biological mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate how microfocus small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), with in situ mechanics and correlative imaging, can provide quantitative and position-resolved information on the fibrotic matrix nanostructure and its mechanical properties. We use as an example the case of keloid scarring in skin. SAXS mapping reveals heterogeneous gradients in collagen fibrillar concentration, fibril pre-strain (variations in D-period) and a new interfibrillar component likely linked to proteoglycans, indicating evidence of a complex 3D structure at the nanoscale. Furthermore, we demonstrate a proof-of-principle for a diffraction-contrast correlative imaging technique, incorporating, for the first time, DIC and SAXS, and providing an initial estimate for measuring spatially resolved fibrillar-level strain and reorientation in such heterogeneous tissues. By application of the method, we quantify (at the microscale) fibrillar reorientations, increases in fibrillar D-period variance, and increases in mean D-period under macroscopic tissue strains of ~20%. Our results open the opportunity of using synchrotron X-ray nanomechanical imaging as a quantitative tool to probe structure–function relations in keloid and other fibrotic disorders in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuezhou Zhang
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (Y.Z.); (W.W.)
| | - Dave Hollis
- LaVision UK, 2 Minton Place, Victoria Road, Bicester OX26 6QB, UK;
| | - Rosie Ross
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (R.R.); (J.C.)
| | - Tim Snow
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK; (T.S.); (N.J.T.)
| | - Nick J. Terrill
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK; (T.S.); (N.J.T.)
| | - Yongjie Lu
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 5PZ, UK;
| | - Wen Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (Y.Z.); (W.W.)
| | - John Connelly
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (R.R.); (J.C.)
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK;
| | - Himadri S. Gupta
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (Y.Z.); (W.W.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Zhao D, Pang B, Zhu Y, Cheng W, Cao K, Ye D, Si C, Xu G, Chen C, Yu H. A Stiffness-Switchable, Biomimetic Smart Material Enabled by Supramolecular Reconfiguration. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107857. [PMID: 34964189 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In nature, stiffness-changing behavior is essential for living organisms, which, however, is challenging to achieve in synthetic materials. Here, a stiffness-changing smart material, through developing interchangeable supramolecular configurations inspired from the dermis of the sea cucumber, which shows extreme, switchable mechanical properties, is reported. In the hydrated state, the material, possessing a stretched, double-stranded supramolecular network, showcases a soft-gel behavior with a low stiffness and high pliability. Upon the stimulation of ethanol to transform into the coiled supramolecular configuration, it self-adjusts to a hard state with nearly 500-times enhanced stiffness from 0.51 to 243.6 MPa, outstanding load-bearing capability (over 35 000 times its own weight), and excellent puncture/impact resistance with a specific impact strength of ≈116 kJ m-2 (g cm-3 )-1 (higher than some metals and alloys such as aluminum, and even comparable to the commercially available protective materials such as D3O and Kevlar). Moreover, this material demonstrates reconfiguration-dependent self-healing behavior and designable formability, holding great promise in advanced engineering fields that require both high-strength durability and good formability. This work may open up a new perspective for the development of self-regulating materials from supramolecular-scale configuration regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Zhao
- Key Laboratory on Resources Chemicals and Materials of Ministry of Education, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, P. R. China
| | - Bo Pang
- Key Laboratory on Resources Chemicals and Materials of Ministry of Education, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, P. R. China
| | - Wanke Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, P. R. China
| | - Kaiyue Cao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, P. R. China
| | - Dongdong Ye
- School of Textile Materials and Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, P. R. China
| | - Chuanling Si
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
| | - Guangwen Xu
- Key Laboratory on Resources Chemicals and Materials of Ministry of Education, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, P. R. China
| | - Chaoji Chen
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Haipeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, P. R. China
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17
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Bonneel M, Hennebert E, Aranko AS, Hwang DS, Lefevre M, Pommier V, Wattiez R, Delroisse J, Flammang P. Molecular mechanisms mediating stiffening in the mechanically adaptable connective tissues of sea cucumbers. Matrix Biol 2022; 108:39-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Disney C, Mo J, Eckersley A, Bodey A, Hoyland J, Sherratt M, Pitsillides A, Lee P, Bay B. Regional variations in discrete collagen fibre mechanics within intact intervertebral disc resolved using synchrotron computed tomography and digital volume correlation. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:361-374. [PMID: 34644611 PMCID: PMC8904373 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Many soft tissues, such as the intervertebral disc (IVD), have a hierarchical fibrous composite structure which suffers from regional damage. We hypothesise that these tissue regions have distinct, inherent fibre structure and structural response upon loading. Here we used synchrotron computed tomography (sCT) to resolve collagen fibre bundles (∼5μm width) in 3D throughout an intact native rat lumbar IVD under increasing compressive load. Using intact samples meant that tissue boundaries (such as endplate-disc or nucleus-annulus) and residual strain were preserved; this is vital for characterising both the inherent structure and structural changes upon loading in tissue regions functioning in a near-native environment. Nano-scale displacement measurements along >10,000 individual fibres were tracked, and fibre orientation, curvature and strain changes were compared between the posterior-lateral region and the anterior region. These methods can be widely applied to other soft tissues, to identify fibre structures which cause tissue regions to be more susceptible to injury and degeneration. Our results demonstrate for the first time that highly-localised changes in fibre orientation, curvature and strain indicate differences in regional strain transfer and mechanical function (e.g. tissue compliance). This included decreased fibre reorientation at higher loads, specific tissue morphology which reduced capacity for flexibility and high strain at the disc-endplate boundary. Statement of significance The analyses presented here are applicable to many collagenous soft tissues which suffer from regional damage. We aimed to investigate regional intervertebral disc (IVD) structural and functional differences by characterising collagen fibre architecture and linking specific fibre- and tissue-level deformation behaviours. Synchrotron CT provided the first demonstration of tracking discrete fibres in 3D within an intact IVD. Detailed analysis of regions was performed using over 200k points, spaced every 8 μm along 10k individual fibres. Such comprehensive structural characterisation is significant in informing future computational models. Morphological indicators of tissue compliance (change in fibre curvature and orientation) and fibre strain measurements revealed localised and regional differences in tissue behaviour.
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19
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Chemical syntheses of bioinspired and biomimetic polymers toward biobased materials. Nat Rev Chem 2021; 5:753-772. [DOI: 10.1038/s41570-021-00325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Li L, Lin Q, Tang M, Tsai EHR, Ke C. An Integrated Design of a Polypseudorotaxane-Based Sea Cucumber Mimic. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:10186-10193. [PMID: 33606898 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202017019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of integrated systems that mimic the multi-stage stiffness change of marine animals such as the sea cucumber requires the design of molecularly tailored structures. Herein, we used an integrated biomimicry design to fabricate a sea cucumber mimic using sidechain polypseudorotaxanes with tunable nano-to-macroscale properties. A series of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based sidechain copolymers were synthesized to form sidechain polypseudorotaxanes with α-cyclodextrins (α-CDs). By tailoring the copolymers' molecular weights and their PEG grafting densities, we rationally tuned the sizes of the formed polypseudorotaxanes crystalline domain and the physical crosslinking density of the hydrogels, which facilitated 3D printing and the mechanical adaptability to these hydrogels. After 3D printing and photo-crosslinking, the obtained hydrogels exhibited large tensile strain and broad elastic-to-plastic variations upon α-CD (de)threading. These discoveries enabled a successful fabrication of a sea cucumber mimic, demonstrating multi-stage stiffness changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyu Li
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Qianming Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Miao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Esther H R Tsai
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Chenfeng Ke
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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21
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Fassini D, Wilkie IC, Pozzolini M, Ferrario C, Sugni M, Rocha MS, Giovine M, Bonasoro F, Silva TH, Reis RL. Diverse and Productive Source of Biopolymer Inspiration: Marine Collagens. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1815-1834. [PMID: 33835787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine biodiversity is expressed through the huge variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species inhabiting intertidal to deep-sea environments. The extraordinary variety of "forms and functions" exhibited by marine animals suggests they are a promising source of bioactive molecules and provides potential inspiration for different biomimetic approaches. This diversity is familiar to biologists and has led to intensive investigation of metabolites, polysaccharides, and other compounds. However, marine collagens are less well-known. This review will provide detailed insight into the diversity of collagens present in marine species in terms of their genetics, structure, properties, and physiology. In the last part of the review the focus will be on the most common marine collagen sources and on the latest advances in the development of innovative materials exploiting, or inspired by, marine collagens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Fassini
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Iain C Wilkie
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland
| | - Marina Pozzolini
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Via Pastore 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ferrario
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy, Center for Complexity & Biosystems, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy, Center for Complexity & Biosystems, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Miguel S Rocha
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marco Giovine
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Via Pastore 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy, Center for Complexity & Biosystems, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Tiago H Silva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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22
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Li L, Lin Q, Tang M, Tsai EHR, Ke C. An Integrated Design of a Polypseudorotaxane‐Based Sea Cucumber Mimic. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202017019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Longyu Li
- Department of Chemistry Dartmouth College Hanover NH 03755 USA
| | - Qianming Lin
- Department of Chemistry Dartmouth College Hanover NH 03755 USA
| | - Miao Tang
- Department of Chemistry Dartmouth College Hanover NH 03755 USA
| | - Esther H. R. Tsai
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton NY 11973 USA
| | - Chenfeng Ke
- Department of Chemistry Dartmouth College Hanover NH 03755 USA
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23
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Xi L, Zhang Y, Gupta H, Terrill N, Wang P, Zhao T, Fang D. A multiscale study of structural and compositional changes in a natural nanocomposite: Osteoporotic bone with chronic endogenous steroid excess. Bone 2021; 143:115666. [PMID: 33007528 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (or steroid) induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is the leading form of secondary osteoporosis, affecting up to 50% of patients receiving chronic glucocorticoid therapy. Bone quantity (bone mass) changes in GIOP patients alone are inadequate to explain the increased fracture risk, and bone material changes (bone quality) at multiple levels have been implicated in the reduced mechanics. Quantitative analysis of specific material-level changes is limited. Here, we combined multiscale experimental techniques (scanning small/wide-angle X-ray scattering/diffraction, backscattered electron imaging, and X-ray radiography) to investigate these changes in a mouse model (Crh-120/+) with chronic endogenous steroid production. Nanoscale degree of orientation, the size distribution of mineral nanocrystals in the bone matrix, the spatial map of mineralization on the femoral cortex, and the microporosity showed significant changes between GIOP and the control, especially in the endosteal cortex. Our work can provide insight into the altered structure-property relationship leading to lowered mechanical properties in GIOP. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: As a natural nanocomposite with a hierarchical structure, bone undergoes a staggered load transfer mechanism at the nanoscale. Disease and age-related deterioration of bone mechanics are caused by changes in bone structure at multiple length scales. Although clinical tools such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can be used to assess the reduction of bone quantity in these cases, little is known about how altered bone quality in diseased bone can increase fracture risk. It is clear that high-resolution diagnostic techniques need to be developed to narrow the gap between the onset and diagnosis of fracture-related changes. Here, by combining several scanning probe methods on a mouse model (Crh-120/+) of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP), we developed quantitative and spatially resolved maps of ultrastructural changes in collagen fibrils and mineral nanocrystals, mineralization distribution (microscale), and morphology (macroscale) across femoral osteoporotic bone. Our results indicate that the altered bone remodelling in GIOP leads to 1) heterogeneous bone structure and mineralization, 2) reduced degree of orientation of collagen fibrils and mineral nanocrystals, and 3) reduced length and increased thickness of mineral nanocrystals, which contribute to mechanical abnormalities. The combined multiscale experimental approach presented here will be used to understand musculoskeletal degeneration in aging and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xi
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China; School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; Beamline I22, Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, UK.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Institution of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Himadri Gupta
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Nick Terrill
- Beamline I22, Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Pan Wang
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Tian Zhao
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Daining Fang
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory for Turbulence and Complex Systems, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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24
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Investigation of structural proteins in sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) body wall. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18744. [PMID: 33127976 PMCID: PMC7599334 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural proteins play critical roles in the food quality, especially texture properties, of sea cucumbers and their products. Most of the previous studies on sea cucumbers focused on few individual proteins, which limited our understanding of how structural proteins influenced the quality of sea cucumbers. Inspired by the clarification of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) genome, we established an integrated data of structural proteins in the sea cucumber body wall. A portfolio of 2018 structural proteins was screened out from the sea cucumber annotated proteome by bioinformatics analysis. The portfolio was divided into three divisions, including extracellular matrix proteins, muscle proteins, and proteases, and further classified into 18 categories. The presence of 472 proteins in the sea cucumber body wall was confirmed by using a proteomics approach. Moreover, comparative proteomics analysis revealed the spatial distribution heterogeneity of structural proteins in the sea cucumber body wall at a molecular scale. This study suggested that future researches on sea cucumbers could be performed from an integrated perspective, which would reshape the component map of sea cucumber and provide novel insights into the understanding of how the food quality of sea cucumber was determined on a molecular level.
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25
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Liu ZQ, Zhou DY, Liu YX, Yu MM, Liu B, Song L, Dong XP, Qi H, Shahidi F. Inhibitory effect of natural metal ion chelators on the autolysis of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) and its mechanism. Food Res Int 2020; 133:109205. [PMID: 32466945 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Live sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus) were stored in a solution containing oxalic acid and tea polyphenols as natural metal ion chelators. The inhibitory effects of these chelators on the autolysis phenomenon and the underlying mechanism of action were investigated for the first time by using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and confocal laser scanning microscopy. External stimuli cause autolysis through the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) from cells into the extracellular connective tissue, initiating activity of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP) in the sea cucumber body wall (SCBW). MMP subsequently degrades the microfibrillar networks, that support the interconnecting collagen fibres and the interfibrillar proteoglycan bridges linking the collagen fibrils, to release the water restricted within the interspaces between collagen fibres and collagen fibrils, ultimately causing mucoid degeneration of SCBW. The natural metal ion chelators significantly inhibited the activation of MMP by chelating Ca2+, consequently effectively preventing the autolysis of SCBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qiang Liu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Da-Yong Zhou
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Yu-Xin Liu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Man-Man Yu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Bing Liu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Liang Song
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Xiu-Ping Dong
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Hang Qi
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian 116034, PR China.
| | - Fereidoon Shahidi
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B3X9, Canada.
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Hossain A, Dave D, Shahidi F. Northern Sea Cucumber ( Cucumaria frondosa): A Potential Candidate for Functional Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Sector. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18050274. [PMID: 32455954 PMCID: PMC7281287 DOI: 10.3390/md18050274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) is the most abundant and widely distributed species in the cold waters of North Atlantic Ocean. C. frondosa contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, mainly collagen, cerebrosides, glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, saponins, phenols, and mucopolysaccharides, which demonstrate unique biological and pharmacological properties. In particular, the body wall of this marine invertebrate is the major edible part and contains most of the active constituents, mainly polysaccharides and collagen, which exhibit numerous biological activities, including anticancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-coagulation, antimicrobial, antioxidation, and anti- osteoclastogenic properties. In particular, triterpene glycosides (frondoside A and other) are the most researched group of compounds due to their potential anticancer activity. This review summarizes the latest information on C. frondosa, mainly geographical distribution, landings specific to Canadian coastlines, processing, commercial products, trade market, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits in the context of functional foods and nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada;
| | - Deepika Dave
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada;
- Marine Bioprocessing Facility, Centre of Aquaculture and Seafood Development, Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (F.S.)
| | - Fereidoon Shahidi
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada;
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (F.S.)
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27
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Narayanan T, Konovalov O. Synchrotron Scattering Methods for Nanomaterials and Soft Matter Research. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E752. [PMID: 32041363 PMCID: PMC7040635 DOI: 10.3390/ma13030752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This article aims to provide an overview of broad range of applications of synchrotron scattering methods in the investigation of nanoscale materials. These scattering techniques allow the elucidation of the structure and dynamics of nanomaterials from sub-nm to micron size scales and down to sub-millisecond time ranges both in bulk and at interfaces. A major advantage of scattering methods is that they provide the ensemble averaged information under in situ and operando conditions. As a result, they are complementary to various imaging techniques which reveal more local information. Scattering methods are particularly suitable for probing buried structures that are difficult to image. Although, many qualitative features can be directly extracted from scattering data, derivation of detailed structural and dynamical information requires quantitative modeling. The fourth-generation synchrotron sources open new possibilities for investigating these complex systems by exploiting the enhanced brightness and coherence properties of X-rays.
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Abstract
Inspired by the patterns of multicellularity in choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, we quantify the biophysical processes underlying the morphogenesis of rosette colonies in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta We find that rosettes reproducibly transition from an early stage of 2-dimensional (2D) growth to a later stage of 3D growth, despite the underlying variability of the cell lineages. Our perturbative experiments demonstrate the fundamental importance of a basally secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) for rosette morphogenesis and show that the interaction of the ECM with cells in the colony physically constrains the packing of proliferating cells and, thus, controls colony shape. Simulations of a biophysically inspired model that accounts for the size and shape of the individual cells, the fraction of ECM, and its stiffness relative to that of the cells suffices to explain our observations and yields a morphospace consistent with observations across a range of multicellular choanoflagellate colonies. Overall, our biophysical perspective on rosette development complements previous genetic perspectives and, thus, helps illuminate the interplay between cell biology and physics in regulating morphogenesis.
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29
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Matrix-induced pre-strain and mineralization-dependent interfibrillar shear transfer enable 3D fibrillar deformation in a biogenic armour. Acta Biomater 2019; 100:18-28. [PMID: 31563691 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cuticle of stomatopod is an example of a natural mineralized biomaterial, consisting of chitin, amorphous calcium carbonate and protein components with a multiscale hierarchical structure, and forms a protective shell with high impact resistance. At the ultrastructural level, cuticle mechanical functionality is enabled by the nanoscale architecture, wherein chitin fibrils are in intimate association with enveloping mineral and proteins. However, the interactions between these ultrastructural building blocks, and their coupled response to applied load, remain unclear. Here, we elucidate these interactions via synchrotron microbeam wide-angle X-ray diffraction combined with in situ tensile loading, to quantify the chitin crystallite structure of native cuticle - and after demineralization and deproteinization - as well as time-resolved changes in chitin fibril strain on macroscopic loading. We demonstrate chitin crystallite stabilization by mineral, seen via a compressive pre-strain of approximately 0.10% (chitin/protein fibre pre-stress of ∼20 MPa), which is lost on demineralization. Clear reductions of stiffness at the fibrillar-level following matrix digestion are linked to the change in the protein/matrix mechanical properties. Furthermore, both demineralization and deproteinization alter the 3D-pattern of deformation of the fibrillar network, with a non-symmetrical angular fibril strain induced by the chemical modifications, associated with loss of the load-transferring interfibrillar matrix. Our results demonstrate and quantify the critical role of interactions at the nanoscale (between chitin-protein and chitin-mineral) in enabling the molecular conformation and outstanding mechanical properties of cuticle, which will inform future design of hierarchical bioinspired composites. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Chitinous biomaterials (e.g. arthropod cuticle) are widespread in nature and attracting attention for bioinspired design due to high impact resistance coupled with light weight. However, how the nanoscale interactions of the molecular building blocks - alpha-chitin, protein and calcium carbonate mineral - lead to these material properties is not clear. Here we used X-ray scattering to determine the cooperative interactions between chitin fibrils, protein matrix and biominerals, during tissue loading. We find that the chitin crystallite structure is stabilized by mineral nanoparticles, the protein phase prestresses chitin fibrils, and that chemical modification of the interfibrillar matrix significantly disrupts 2D mechanics of the microfibrillar chitin plywood network. These results will aid rational design of advanced chitin-based biomaterials with high impact resistance.
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Lancia F, Ryabchun A, Nguindjel AD, Kwangmettatam S, Katsonis N. Mechanical adaptability of artificial muscles from nanoscale molecular action. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4819. [PMID: 31645565 PMCID: PMC6811622 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12786-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The motion of artificial molecular machines has been amplified into the shape transformation of polymer materials that have been compared to muscles, where mechanically active molecules work together to produce a contraction. In spite of this progress, harnessing cooperative molecular motion remains a challenge in this field. Here, we show how the light-induced action of artificial molecular switches modifies not only the shape but also, simultaneously, the stiffness of soft materials. The heterogeneous design of these materials features inclusions of free liquid crystal in a liquid crystal polymer network. When the magnitude of the intrinsic interfacial tension is modified by the action of the switches, photo-stiffening is observed, in analogy with the mechanical response of activated muscle fibers, and in contrast to melting mechanisms reported so far. Mechanoadaptive materials that are capable of active tuning of rigidity will likely contribute to a bottom-up approach towards human-friendly and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lancia
- Bio-inspired and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Ryabchun
- Bio-inspired and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Déborah Nguindjel
- Bio-inspired and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Supaporn Kwangmettatam
- Bio-inspired and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Katsonis
- Bio-inspired and Smart Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 207, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
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31
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Inamdar SR, Barbieri E, Terrill NJ, Knight MM, Gupta HS. Proteoglycan degradation mimics static compression by altering the natural gradients in fibrillar organisation in cartilage. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:437-450. [PMID: 31374336 PMCID: PMC6838783 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Structural and associated biomechanical gradients within biological tissues are important for tissue functionality and preventing damaging interfacial stress concentrations. Articular cartilage possesses an inhomogeneous structure throughout its thickness, driving the associated variation in the biomechanical strain profile within the tissue under physiological compressive loading. However, little is known experimentally about the nanostructural mechanical role of the collagen fibrils and how this varies with depth. Utilising a high-brilliance synchrotron X-ray source, we have measured the depth-wise nanostructural parameters of the collagen network in terms of the periodic fibrillar banding (D-period) and associated parameters. We show that there is a depth dependent variation in D-period reflecting the pre-strain and concurrent with changes in the level of intrafibrillar order. Further, prolonged static compression leads to fibrillar changes mirroring those caused by removal of extrafibrillar proteoglycans (as may occur in aging or disease). We suggest that fibrillar D-period is a sensitive indicator of localised changes to the mechanical environment at the nanoscale in soft connective tissues. Statement of Significance Collagen plays a significant role in both the structural and mechanical integrity of articular cartilage, allowing the tissue to withstand highly repetitive loading. However, the fibrillar mechanics of the collagen network in cartilage are not clear. Here we find that cartilage has a spatial gradient in the nanostructural collagen fibril pre-strain, with an increase in the fibrillar pre-strain with depth. Further, the fibrillar gradient changes similarly under compression when compared to an enzymatically degraded tissue which mimics age-related changes. Given that the fibrils potentially have a finite capacity to mechanically respond and alter their configuration, these findings are significant in understanding how collagen may alter in structure and gradient in diseased cartilage, and in informing the design of cartilage replacements.
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32
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Andriotis OG, Desissaire S, Thurner PJ. Collagen Fibrils: Nature's Highly Tunable Nonlinear Springs. ACS NANO 2018; 12:3671-3680. [PMID: 29529373 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b00837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Tissue hydration is well known to influence tissue mechanics and can be tuned via osmotic pressure. Collagen fibrils are nature's nanoscale building blocks to achieve biomechanical function in a broad range of biological tissues and across many species. Intrafibrillar covalent cross-links have long been thought to play a pivotal role in collagen fibril elasticity, but predominantly at large, far from physiological, strains. Performing nanotensile experiments of collagen fibrils at varying hydration levels by adjusting osmotic pressure in situ during atomic force microscopy experiments, we show the power the intrafibrillar noncovalent interactions have for defining collagen fibril tensile elasticity at low fibril strains. Nanomechanical tensile tests reveal that osmotic pressure increases collagen fibril stiffness up to 24-fold in transverse (nanoindentation) and up to 6-fold in the longitudinal direction (tension), compared to physiological saline in a reversible fashion. We attribute the stiffening to the density and strength of weak intermolecular forces tuned by hydration and hence collagen packing density. This reversible mechanism may be employed by cells to alter their mechanical microenvironment in a reversible manner. The mechanism could also be translated to tissue engineering approaches for customizing scaffold mechanics in spatially resolved fashion, and it may help explain local mechanical changes during development of diseases and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orestis G Andriotis
- Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics , Vienna University of Technology , Getreidemarkt 9 , 1060 Vienna , Austria
| | - Sylvia Desissaire
- Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics , Vienna University of Technology , Getreidemarkt 9 , 1060 Vienna , Austria
| | - Philipp J Thurner
- Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics , Vienna University of Technology , Getreidemarkt 9 , 1060 Vienna , Austria
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33
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Dolmatov IY, Afanasyev SV, Boyko AV. Molecular mechanisms of fission in echinoderms: Transcriptome analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195836. [PMID: 29649336 PMCID: PMC5897022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms are capable of asexual reproduction by fission. An individual divides into parts due to changes in the strength of connective tissue of the body wall. The structure of connective tissue and the mechanisms of variations in its strength in echinoderms remain poorly studied. An analysis of transcriptomes of individuals during the process of fission provides a new opportunity to understand the mechanisms of connective tissue mutability. In the holothurian Cladolabes schmeltzii, we have found a rather complex organization of connective tissue. Transcripts of genes encoding a wide range of structural proteins of extracellular matrix, as well as various proteases and their inhibitors, have been discovered. All these molecules may constitute a part of the mechanism of connective tissue mutability. According to our data, the extracellular matrix of echinoderms is substantially distinguished from that of vertebrates by the lack of elastin, fibronectins, and tenascins. In case of fission, a large number of genes of transcription factors and components of different signaling pathways are expressed. Products of these genes are probably involved in regulation of asexual reproduction, connective tissue mutability, and preparation of tissues for subsequent regeneration. It has been shown that holothurian tensilins are a special group of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, which has formed within the class Holothuroidea and is absent from other echinoderms. Our data can serve a basis for the further study of the mechanisms of extracellular matrix mutability, as well as the mechanisms responsible for asexual reproduction in echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Yu. Dolmatov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
- Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergey V. Afanasyev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Boyko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
- Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
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34
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Zhao ZG, Xu YC, Fang RC, Liu MJ. Bioinspired Adaptive Gel Materials with Synergistic Heterostructures. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-018-2105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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35
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Wells HC, Sizeland KH, Kelly SJ, Kirby N, Hawley A, Mudie S, Haverkamp RG. Collagen Fibril Intermolecular Spacing Changes with 2-Propanol: A Mechanism for Tissue Stiffness. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 3:2524-2532. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.7b00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Wells
- School
of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Private Bag
11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Katie H. Sizeland
- School
of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Private Bag
11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn
Road, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Susyn J.R. Kelly
- School
of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Private Bag
11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Nigel Kirby
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn
Road, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Adrian Hawley
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn
Road, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Stephen Mudie
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn
Road, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Richard G. Haverkamp
- School
of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Private Bag
11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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36
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Blowes LM, Egertová M, Liu Y, Davis GR, Terrill NJ, Gupta HS, Elphick MR. Body wall structure in the starfish Asterias rubens. J Anat 2017; 231:325-341. [PMID: 28714118 PMCID: PMC5554833 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The body wall of starfish is composed of magnesium calcite ossicles connected by collagenous tissue and muscles and it exhibits remarkable variability in stiffness, which is attributed to the mechanical mutability of the collagenous component. Using the common European starfish Asterias rubens as an experimental animal, here we have employed a variety of techniques to gain new insights into the structure of the starfish body wall. The structure and organisation of muscular and collagenous components of the body wall were analysed using trichrome staining. The muscle system comprises interossicular muscles as well as muscle strands that connect ossicles with the circular muscle layer of the coelomic lining. The collagenous tissue surrounding the ossicle network contains collagen fibres that form loop-shaped straps that wrap around calcite struts near to the surface of ossicles. The 3D architecture of the calcareous endoskeleton was visualised for the first time using X-ray microtomography, revealing the shapes and interactions of different ossicle types. Furthermore, analysis of the anatomical organisation of the ossicles indicates how changes in body shape may be achieved by local contraction/relaxation of interossicular muscles. Scanning synchrotron small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD) scans of the starfish aboral body wall and ambulacrum were used to study the collagenous tissue component at the fibrillar level. Collagen fibrils in aboral body wall were found to exhibit variable degrees of alignment, with high levels of alignment probably corresponding to regions where collagenous tissue is under tension. Collagen fibrils in the ambulacrum had a uniformly low degree of orientation, attributed to macrocrimp of the fibrils and the presence of slanted as well as horizontal fibrils connecting antimeric ambulacral ossicles. Body wall collagen fibril D-period lengths were similar to previously reported mammalian D-periods, but were significantly different between the aboral and ambulacral samples. The overlap/D-period length ratio within fibrils was higher than reported for mammalian tissues. Collectively, the data reported here provide new insights into the anatomy of the body wall in A. rubens and a foundation for further studies investigating the structural basis of the mechanical properties of echinoderm body wall tissue composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa M Blowes
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yankai Liu
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Graham R Davis
- Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Himadri S Gupta
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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37
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Goh KL, Holmes DF. Collagenous Extracellular Matrix Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering: Lessons from the Common Sea Urchin Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050901. [PMID: 28441344 PMCID: PMC5454814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffolds for tissue engineering application may be made from a collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues because the ECM can mimic the functions of the target tissue. The primary sources of collagenous ECM material are calf skin and bone. However, these sources are associated with the risk of having bovine spongiform encephalopathy or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Alternative sources for collagenous ECM materials may be derived from livestock, e.g., pigs, and from marine animals, e.g., sea urchins. Collagenous ECM of the sea urchin possesses structural features and mechanical properties that are similar to those of mammalian ones. However, even more intriguing is that some tissues such as the ligamentous catch apparatus can exhibit mutability, namely rapid reversible changes in the tissue mechanical properties. These tissues are known as mutable collagenous tissues (MCTs). The mutability of these tissues has been the subject of on-going investigations, covering the biochemistry, structural biology and mechanical properties of the collagenous components. Recent studies point to a nerve-control system for regulating the ECM macromolecules that are involved in the sliding action of collagen fibrils in the MCT. This review discusses the key attributes of the structure and function of the ECM of the sea urchin ligaments that are related to the fibril-fibril sliding action-the focus is on the respective components within the hierarchical architecture of the tissue. In this context, structure refers to size, shape and separation distance of the ECM components while function is associated with mechanical properties e.g., strength and stiffness. For simplicity, the components that address the different length scale from the largest to the smallest are as follows: collagen fibres, collagen fibrils, interfibrillar matrix and collagen molecules. Application of recent theories of stress transfer and fracture mechanisms in fibre reinforced composites to a wide variety of collagen reinforcing (non-mutable) connective tissue, has allowed us to draw general conclusions concerning the mechanical response of the MCT at specific mechanical states, namely the stiff and complaint states. The intent of this review is to provide the latest insights, as well as identify technical challenges and opportunities, that may be useful for developing methods for effective mechanical support when adapting decellularised connective tissues from the sea urchin for tissue engineering or for the design of a synthetic analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheng Lim Goh
- Newcastle University Singapore, SIT Building at Nanyang Polytechnic, 172A Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #05-01, Singapore 567739, Singapore.
- Newcastle University, School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Stephenson Building, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - David F Holmes
- Manchester University, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, B.3016 Michael Smith Building, Faculty of Life Sciences, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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38
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Demeuldre M, Hennebert E, Bonneel M, Lengerer B, Van Dyck S, Wattiez R, Ladurner P, Flammang P. Mechanical adaptability of sea cucumber Cuvierian tubules involves a mutable collagenous tissue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:2108-2119. [PMID: 28373597 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.145706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite their soft body and slow motion, sea cucumbers present a low predation rate, reflecting the presence of efficient defence systems. For instance, members of the family Holothuriidae rely on Cuvierian tubules for their defence. These tubules are normally stored in the posterior coelomic cavity of the animal, but when the sea cucumber is threatened by a potential predator, they are expelled through the cloacal aperture, elongate, become sticky and entangle and immobilise the predator in a matter of seconds. The mechanical properties (extensibility, tensile strength, stiffness and toughness) of quiescent (i.e. in the body cavity) and elongated (i.e. after expulsion) Cuvierian tubules were investigated in the species Holothuria forskali using traction tests. Important mechanical differences were measured between the two types of tubules, reflecting adaptability to their operating mode: to ease elongation, quiescent tubules present a low resistance to extension, while elongated tubules present a high toughness to resist tractions generated by the predator. We demonstrate that a mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) is involved in the functioning of these organs: (1) some mechanical properties of Cuvierian tubules are modified by incubation in a cell-disrupting solution; (2) the connective tissue layer encloses juxtaligamental-like cells, a cell type present in all MCTs; and (3) tensilin, a MCT stiffening protein, was localised inside these cells. Cuvierian tubules thus appear to enclose a new type of MCT which shows irreversible stiffening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Demeuldre
- University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Mons 7000, Belgium
| | - Elise Hennebert
- University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Mons 7000, Belgium.,University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Mons 7000, Belgium
| | - Marie Bonneel
- University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Mons 7000, Belgium
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Séverine Van Dyck
- University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Mons 7000, Belgium
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, Mons 7000, Belgium
| | - Peter Ladurner
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and Center for Molecular Biosciences, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Patrick Flammang
- University of Mons, Research Institute for Biosciences, Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Mons 7000, Belgium
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