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Voronkina A, Romanczuk-Ruszuk E, Przekop RE, Lipowicz P, Gabriel E, Heimler K, Rogoll A, Vogt C, Frydrych M, Wienclaw P, Stelling AL, Tabachnick K, Tsurkan D, Ehrlich H. Honeycomb Biosilica in Sponges: From Understanding Principles of Unique Hierarchical Organization to Assessing Biomimetic Potential. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:234. [PMID: 37366830 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural bioinspiration in modern material science and biomimetics represents an actual trend that was originally based on the bioarchitectural diversity of invertebrate skeletons, specifically, honeycomb constructs of natural origin, which have been in humanities focus since ancient times. We conducted a study on the principles of bioarchitecture regarding the unique biosilica-based honeycomb-like skeleton of the deep-sea glass sponge Aphrocallistes beatrix. Experimental data show, with compelling evidence, the location of actin filaments within honeycomb-formed hierarchical siliceous walls. Principles of the unique hierarchical organization of such formations are discussed. Inspired by poriferan honeycomb biosilica, we designed diverse models, including 3D printing, using PLA-, resin-, and synthetic-glass-prepared corresponding microtomography-based 3D reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alona Voronkina
- Pharmacy Department, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Pyrogov str. 56, 21018 Vinnytsia, Ukraine
- Institute of Electronics and Sensor Materials, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Gustav-Zeuner Str. 3, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Eliza Romanczuk-Ruszuk
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska Str. 45C, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert E Przekop
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Pawel Lipowicz
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska Str. 45C, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Gabriel
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 8 Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Korbinian Heimler
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Leipziger Str. 29, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Anika Rogoll
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Leipziger Str. 29, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Carla Vogt
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Leipziger Str. 29, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Milosz Frydrych
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 8 Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Pawel Wienclaw
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 7, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Allison L Stelling
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Konstantin Tabachnick
- International Institute of Biomineralogy GmbH, Am St.-Niclas Schacht 13, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Dmitry Tsurkan
- Institute of Electronics and Sensor Materials, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Gustav-Zeuner Str. 3, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Ehrlich
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
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Raja Somu D, Cracchiolo T, Longo E, Greving I, Merk V. On stars and spikes: Resolving the skeletal morphology of planktonic Acantharia using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography and deep learning image segmentation. Acta Biomater 2023; 159:74-82. [PMID: 36706850 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.037] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Acantharia (Acantharea) are wide-spread marine protozoa, presenting one of the rare examples of strontium sulfate mineralization in the biosphere. Their endoskeletons consist of 20 spicules arranged according to a unique geometric pattern named Müller's principle. Given the diverse mineral architecture of the Acantharia class, we set out to examine the complex three-dimensional skeletal morphology at the nanometer scale using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography, followed by image segmentation based on deep learning methods. The present study focuses on how the spicules emanate from the robust central junction in the orders Symphyacanthida and Arthracanthida, the geometry of lateral spicule wings as well as pockets of interspicular space, which may be involved in cell compartmentalization. Through these morphometric studies, we observed subtle deviations from the previously described spatial arrangement of the spicules. According to our data, spicule shapes are adjusted in opposite spicules as to accommodate the overall spicule arrangement. In all types examined, previously unknown interspicular interstices were found in areas where radial spicules meet, which could have implications for the crystal growth mechanism and overall endoskeletal integrity. A deeper understanding of the spiculogenesis in Acantharia can provide biomimetic routes towards complex inorganic shapes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Morphogenesis, the origin and control of shape, provides an avenue towards tailored inorganic materials. In this work, we explored the intricate skeletal organization of planktonic Acantharia, which are amongst the few strontium sulfate biomineralizing organisms in nature. By using nanoscale X-ray imaging and deep learning image segmentation, we found deviations from previously described geometric patterns and undiscovered skeletal features. The bio-inspired synthesis of inorganic materials with complex shape has important ramifications for solid-state chemistry and nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Raja Somu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Timothy Cracchiolo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Elena Longo
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Imke Greving
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Vivian Merk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States.
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Deng Z, Jia Z, Li L. Biomineralized Materials as Model Systems for Structural Composites: Intracrystalline Structural Features and Their Strengthening and Toughening Mechanisms. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103524. [PMID: 35315243 PMCID: PMC9108615 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Biomineralized composites, which are usually composed of microscopic mineral building blocks organized in 3D intercrystalline organic matrices, have evolved unique structural designs to fulfill mechanical and other biological functionalities. While it has been well recognized that the intricate architectural designs of biomineralized composites contribute to their remarkable mechanical performance, the structural features within and corresponding mechanical properties of individual mineral building blocks are often less appreciated in the context of bio-inspired structural composites. The mineral building blocks in biomineralized composites exhibit a variety of salient intracrystalline structural features, such as, organic inclusions, inorganic impurities (or trace elements), crystalline features (e.g., amorphous phases, single crystals, splitting crystals, polycrystals, and nanograins), residual stress/strain, and twinning, which significantly modify the mechanical properties of biogenic minerals. In this review, recent progress in elucidating the intracrystalline structural features of three most common biomineral systems (calcite, aragonite, and hydroxyapatite) and their corresponding mechanical significance are discussed. Future research directions and corresponding challenges are proposed and discussed, such as the advanced structural characterizations and formation mechanisms of intracrystalline structures in biominerals, amorphous biominerals, and bio-inspired synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Deng
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVirginia Polytechnic Institute of Technology and State UniversityBlacksburgVA24060USA
| | - Zian Jia
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVirginia Polytechnic Institute of Technology and State UniversityBlacksburgVA24060USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringVirginia Polytechnic Institute of Technology and State UniversityBlacksburgVA24060USA
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High-Mg calcite nanoparticles within a low-Mg calcite matrix: A widespread phenomenon in biomineralization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120177119. [PMID: 35412906 PMCID: PMC9169743 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120177119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biominerals are extraordinarily intricate and possess superior mechanical properties compared with their synthetic counterparts. In this study, we show that the presence of high-Mg calcite nanoparticles within a low-Mg calcite matrix is a widespread phenomenon among marine organisms whose skeletons are composed of high-Mg calcite. It seems most likely that formation of such a complex structure is possible because of the phase separation that occurs as a result of spinodal decomposition of an amorphous Mg–calcium carbonate precursor and is followed by crystallization. We demonstrate that the basis of such phase separation stems from chemical composition rather than from biological similarities. The presence of high-Mg calcite nanoparticles increases the skeletons’ toughness and hardness. During the process of biomineralization, organisms utilize various biostrategies to enhance the mechanical durability of their skeletons. In this work, we establish that the presence of high-Mg nanoparticles embedded within lower-Mg calcite matrices is a widespread strategy utilized by various organisms from different kingdoms and phyla to improve the mechanical properties of their high-Mg calcite skeletons. We show that such phase separation and the formation of high-Mg nanoparticles are most probably achieved through spinodal decomposition of an amorphous Mg-calcite precursor. Such decomposition is independent of the biological characteristics of the studied organisms belonging to different phyla and even kingdoms but rather, originates from their similar chemical composition and a specific Mg content within their skeletons, which generally ranges from 14 to 48 mol % of Mg. We show evidence of high-Mg calcite nanoparticles in the cases of six biologically different organisms all demonstrating more than 14 mol % Mg-calcite and consider it likely that this phenomenon is immeasurably more prevalent in nature. We also establish the absence of these high-Mg nanoparticles in organisms whose Mg content is lower than 14 mol %, providing further evidence that whether or not spinodal decomposition of an amorphous Mg-calcite precursor takes place is determined by the amount of Mg it contains. The valuable knowledge gained from this biostrategy significantly impacts the understanding of how biominerals, although composed of intrinsically brittle materials, can effectively resist fracture. Moreover, our theoretical calculations clearly suggest that formation of Mg-rich nanoprecipitates greatly enhances the hardness of the biomineralized tissue as well.
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Ehrlich H, Luczak M, Ziganshin R, Mikšík I, Wysokowski M, Simon P, Baranowska‐Bosiacka I, Kupnicka P, Ereskovsky A, Galli R, Dyshlovoy S, Fischer J, Tabachnick KR, Petrenko I, Jesionowski T, Lubkowska A, Figlerowicz M, Ivanenko VN, Summers AP. Arrested in Glass: Actin within Sophisticated Architectures of Biosilica in Sponges. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105059. [PMID: 35156333 PMCID: PMC9009123 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Actin is a fundamental member of an ancient superfamily of structural intracellular proteins and plays a crucial role in cytoskeleton dynamics, ciliogenesis, phagocytosis, and force generation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is shown that actin has another function in metazoans: patterning biosilica deposition, a role that has spanned over 500 million years. Species of glass sponges (Hexactinellida) and demosponges (Demospongiae), representatives of the first metazoans, with a broad diversity of skeletal structures with hierarchical architecture unchanged since the late Precambrian, are studied. By etching their skeletons, organic templates dominated by individual F-actin filaments, including branched fibers and the longest, thickest actin fiber bundles ever reported, are isolated. It is proposed that these actin-rich filaments are not the primary site of biosilicification, but this highly sophisticated and multi-scale form of biomineralization in metazoans is ptterned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Ehrlich
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor MaterialsTU Bergakademie FreibergFreiberg09599Germany
- Center for Advanced TechnologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznan61614Poland
| | - Magdalena Luczak
- Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryPolish Academy of SciencesPoznan61704Poland
| | - Rustam Ziganshin
- Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscow142290Russian Federation
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of PhysiologyThe Czech Academy of SciencesPrague142 20Czech Republic
| | - Marcin Wysokowski
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor MaterialsTU Bergakademie FreibergFreiberg09599Germany
- Faculty of Chemical TechnologyInstitute of Chemical Technology and EngineeringPoznan University of TechnologyPoznan60965Poland
| | - Paul Simon
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of SolidsDresden01187Germany
| | - Irena Baranowska‐Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical ChemistryPomeranian Medical University in SzczecinSzczecin70111Poland
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical ChemistryPomeranian Medical University in SzczecinSzczecin70111Poland
| | - Alexander Ereskovsky
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie (IMBE)CNRSIRDAix Marseille UniversitéMarseille13003France
- Biological FacultySt. Petersburg State UniversitySt. Petersburg199034Russian Federation
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow119334Russian Federation
| | - Roberta Galli
- Clinical Sensoring and MonitoringDepartment of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care MedicineTU DresdenDresden01307Germany
| | - Sergey Dyshlovoy
- Laboratory of Experimental OncologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburg20251Germany
- Laboratory of PharmacologyA.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine BiologyFar Eastern BranchRussian Academy of SciencesVladivostok690041Russian Federation
| | - Jonas Fischer
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor MaterialsTU Bergakademie FreibergFreiberg09599Germany
| | | | - Iaroslav Petrenko
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor MaterialsTU Bergakademie FreibergFreiberg09599Germany
| | - Teofil Jesionowski
- Faculty of Chemical TechnologyInstitute of Chemical Technology and EngineeringPoznan University of TechnologyPoznan60965Poland
| | - Anna Lubkowska
- Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesPomeranian Medical University in SzczecinSzczecin71210Poland
| | - Marek Figlerowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryPolish Academy of SciencesPoznan61704Poland
| | - Viatcheslav N. Ivanenko
- Department of Invertebrate ZoologyBiological FacultyLomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscow119991Russian Federation
| | - Adam P. Summers
- Department of BiologyFriday Harbor LabsUniversity of WashingtonFriday HarborWA98195USA
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Pisera A, Łukowiak M, Masse S, Tabachnick K, Fromont J, Ehrlich H, Bertolino M. Insights into the structure and morphogenesis of the giant basal spicule of the glass sponge Monorhaphis chuni. Front Zool 2021; 18:58. [PMID: 34749755 PMCID: PMC8576975 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00440-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A basal spicule of the hexactinellid sponge Monorhaphis chuni may reach up to 3 m in length and 10 mm in diameter, an extreme case of large spicule size. Generally, sponge spicules are of scales from micrometers to centimeters. Due to its large size many researchers have described its structure and properties and have proposed it as a model of hexactinellid spicule development. Thorough examination of new material of this basal spicule has revealed numerous inconsistencies between our observations and earlier descriptions. In this work, we present the results of detailed examinations with transmitted light and epifluorescence microscopy, SEM, solid state NMR analysis, FTIR and X-ray analysis and staining of Monorhaphis chuni basal spicules of different sizes, collected from a number of deep sea locations, to better understand its structure and function. RESULTS Three morphologically/structurally different silica layers i.e. plain glassy layer (PG), tuberculate layer (TL) and annular layer (AL), and an axial cylinder (AC) characterize adult spicules. Young, immature spicules display only plain glassy silica layers which dominate the spicule volume. All three layers i.e. PG, TL and AL can substitute for each other along the surface of the spicule, but equally they are superimposed in older parts of the spicules, with AL being the most external and occurring only in the lower part of the spicules and TL being intermediate between AL and PG. The TL, which is composed of several thinner layers, is formed by a progressive folding of its surface but its microstructure is the same as in the PG layer (glassy silica). The AL differs significantly from the PG and TL in being granular and porous in structure. The TL was found to display positive structures (tubercles), not depressions, as earlier suggested. The apparent perforated and non-perforated bands of the AL are an optical artefact. The new layer type that we called the Ripple Mark Layer (RML) was noted, as well as narrow spikes on the AL ridges, both structures not reported earlier. The interface of the TL and AL, where tubercles fit into depressions of the lower surface of the AL, represent tenon and mortise or dovetail joints, making the spicules more stiff/strong and thus less prone to breaking in the lower part. Early stages of the spicule growth are bidirectional, later growth is unidirectional toward the spicule apex. Growth in thickness proceeds by adding new layers. The spicules are composed of well condensed silica, but the outermost AL is characterized by slightly more condensed silica with less water than the rest. Organics permeating the silica are homogeneous and proteinaceous. The external organic net (most probably collagen) enveloping the basal spicule is a structural element that bounds the sponge body together with the spicule, rather than controlling tubercle formation. Growth of various layers may proceed simultaneously in different locations along the spicule and it is sclerosyncytium that controls formation of silica layers. The growth in spicule length is controlled by extension of the top of the axial filament that is not enclosed by silica and is not involved in further silica deposition. No structures that can be related to sclerocytes (as known in Demospongiae) in Monorhaphis were discovered during this study. CONCLUSIONS Our studies resulted in a new insight into the structure and growth of the basal Monorhaphis spicules that contradicts earlier results, and permitted us to propose a new model of this spicule's formation. Due to its unique structure, associated with its function, the basal spicule of Monorhaphis chuni cannot serve as a general model of growth for all hexactinellid spicules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Pisera
- Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Łukowiak
- Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylvie Masse
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris (LCMCP), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Konstantin Tabachnick
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 36, Nakhimovski prospect, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jane Fromont
- Western Australian Museum, Locked bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA, 6986, Australia
| | - Hermann Ehrlich
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor Materials TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Gustav-Zeuner Str. 309599, Freiberg, Germany.,Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61614, Poznan, Poland.,A.R. Environmental Solutions, ICUBE-University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Marco Bertolino
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Terra Dell'Ambiente E Della Vita (DISTAV), Università Degli Studi Di Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
Formation of highly symmetric skeletal elements in demosponges, called spicules, follows a unique biomineralization mechanism in which polycondensation of an inherently disordered amorphous silica is guided by a highly ordered proteinaceous scaffold, the axial filament. The enzymatically active proteins, silicateins, are assembled into a slender hybrid silica/protein crystalline superstructure that directs the morphogenesis of the spicules. Furthermore, silicateins are known to catalyze the formation of a large variety of other technologically relevant organic and inorganic materials. However, despite the biological and biotechnological importance of this macromolecule, its tertiary structure was never determined. Here we report the atomic structure of silicatein and the entire mineral/organic hybrid assembly with a resolution of 2.4 Å. In this work, the serial X-ray crystallography method was successfully adopted to probe the 2-µm-thick filaments in situ, being embedded inside the skeletal elements. In combination with imaging and chemical analysis using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, we provide detailed information on the enzymatic activity of silicatein, its crystallization, and the emergence of a functional three-dimensional silica/protein superstructure in vivo. Ultimately, we describe a naturally occurring mineral/protein crystalline assembly at atomic resolution.
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Ping H, Poudel L, Xie H, Fang W, Zou Z, Zhai P, Wagermaier W, Fratzl P, Wang W, Wang H, O'Reilly P, Ching WY, Fu Z. Synthesis of monodisperse rod-shaped silica particles through biotemplating of surface-functionalized bacteria. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:8732-8741. [PMID: 32307501 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr00669f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mesoporous silica particles of controlled size and shape are potentially beneficial for many applications, but their usage may be limited by the complex procedure of fabrication. Biotemplating provides a facile approach to synthesize materials with desired shapes. Herein, a bioinspired design principle is adopted through displaying silaffin-derived 5R5 proteins on the surface of Escherichia coli by genetic manipulations. The genetically modified Escherichia coli provides a three-dimensional template to regulate the synthesis of rod-shaped silica. The silicification is initiated on the cell surface under the functionality of 5R5 proteins and subsequentially the inner space is gradually filled. Density functional theory simulation reveals the interfacial interactions between silica precursors and R5 peptides at the atomic scale. There is a large conformation change of this protein during biosilicification. Electrostatic interactions contribute to the high affinity between positively charged residues (Lys4, Arg16, Arg17) and negatively charged tetraethyl orthosilicate. Hydrogen bonds develop between Arg16 (OH), Arg17 (OH and NH), Leu19 (OH) residues and the forming silica agglomerates. In addition, the resulting rod-shaped silica copy of the bacteria can transform into mesoporous SiOx nanorods composed of carbon-coated nanoparticles after carbonization, which is shown to allow superior lithium storage performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Ping
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Aguilar-Camacho JM, McCormack GP. Silicatein expression in Haliclona indistincta (Phylum Porifera, Order Haplosclerida) at different developmental stages. Dev Genes Evol 2019; 229:35-41. [PMID: 30756180 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-019-00627-7] [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: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Silicatein is the main protein responsible for the formation of spicules, tiny structures that constitute the silica skeleton of marine demosponges (Phylum Porifera). A unique innovation in Porifera that evolved from the cathepsin L family of proteins, it has been reported that two amino acids (S and H) are necessary to form the catalytic triad (SHN) to enable silica condensation. However, a diversity of silicatein sequence variants has since been reported with a variable pattern of presence/absence across sponge groups. Variants containing CHN or C/SQN at the active site appear more common in sponges from the Haplosclerida. Here, we report the expression levels of five silicatein variants through different developmental stages in the haplosclerid Haliclona indistincta. All five silicatein variants were expressed at low levels in the free-swimming larvae, which lack spicules and expression significantly increased at the two developmental phases in which spicules were visible. At these two phases, silicateins of CHN and C/SQN types were much more highly expressed than the SHN type indicating a possible ability of active sites with these alternative amino acids to condense silica and a more complex evolutionary story for spicule formation in marine demosponges than previously understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Maria Aguilar-Camacho
- Zoology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Grace P McCormack
- Zoology, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
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