1
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Effenberg C, Gaitzsch J. Stretched or wrinkled? Looking into the polymer conformation within polymersome membranes. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4127-4135. [PMID: 38726767 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00239c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic block-copolymers into polymersomes is a well-established concept. In this membrane, the hydrophilic part is considered to be loosely assembled towards the solvent, and the hydrophobic part on the inside of the membrane is considered to be more densely packed. Within the membrane, this hydrophobic part could now have a stretched conformation or be a random coil, depending on the available space and also on the chemical nature of the polymer. We now analysed the literature for works on polymersomes that determined the membrane thickness via cryo-TEM and analysed the hydrophobic part of their polymers for their conformation. Over all available block-copolymers, a variety of trends became obvious: the longer a hydrophobic block, the more coiled the conformation and the bulkier the side chains, the more stretched the polymer became. Polymers with less conformational freedom like semi-crystalline ones were present in a more stretched conformation. Both trends could be exemplified on various occasions in this cross-literature meta-study. This overview hence provides additional insight into the physical chemistry of block-copolymer membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Gaitzsch
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Germany.
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2
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Heuberger L, Messmer D, dos Santos EC, Scherrer D, Lörtscher E, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Microfluidic Giant Polymer Vesicles Equipped with Biopores for High-Throughput Screening of Bacteria. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307103. [PMID: 38158637 PMCID: PMC10953582 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307103] [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: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance is critical for the development of new therapeutics. Traditional methods for testing bacteria are often limited in their efficiency and reusability. Single bacterial cells can be studied at high throughput using double emulsions, although the lack of control over the oil shell permeability and limited access to the droplet interior present serious drawbacks. Here, a straightforward strategy for studying bacteria-encapsulating double emulsion-templated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) is introduced. This microfluidic approach serves to simultaneously load bacteria inside synthetic GUVs and to permeabilize their membrane with the pore-forming peptide melittin. This enables antibiotic delivery or the influx of fresh medium into the GUV lumen for highly parallel cultivation and antimicrobial efficacy testing. Polymer-based GUVs proved to be efficient culture and analysis microvessels, as microfluidics allow easy selection and encapsulation of bacteria and rapid modification of culture conditions for antibiotic development. Further, a method for in situ profiling of biofilms within GUVs for high-throughput screening is demonstrated. Conceivably, synthetic GUVs equipped with biopores can serve as a foundation for the high-throughput screening of bacterial colony interactions during biofilm formation and for investigating the effect of antibiotics on biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Daniel Messmer
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Elena C. dos Santos
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
| | - Dominik Scherrer
- IBM Research Europe–ZürichSäumerstrasse 4Rüschlikon8803Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Lörtscher
- IBM Research Europe–ZürichSäumerstrasse 4Rüschlikon8803Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095Basel4058Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22Basel4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringMattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1095Basel4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)University of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82Basel4056Switzerland
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3
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Otrin N, Otrin L, Bednarz C, Träger TK, Hamdi F, Kastritis PL, Ivanov I, Sundmacher K. Protein-Rich Rafts in Hybrid Polymer/Lipid Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:778-791. [PMID: 38190609 PMCID: PMC10865357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Considerable attention has been dedicated to lipid rafts due to their importance in numerous cell functions such as membrane trafficking, polarization, and signaling. Next to studies in living cells, artificial micrometer-sized vesicles with a minimal set of components are established as a major tool to understand the phase separation dynamics and their intimate interplay with membrane proteins. In parallel, mixtures of phospholipids and certain amphiphilic polymers simultaneously offer an interface for proteins and mimic this segregation behavior, presenting a tangible synthetic alternative for fundamental studies and bottom-up design of cellular mimics. However, the simultaneous insertion of complex and sensitive membrane proteins is experimentally challenging and thus far has been largely limited to natural lipids. Here, we present the co-reconstitution of the proton pump bo3 oxidase and the proton consumer ATP synthase in hybrid polymer/lipid giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) via fusion/electroformation. Variations of the current method allow for tailored reconstitution protocols and control of the vesicle size. In particular, mixing of protein-free and protein-functionalized nanosized vesicles in the electroformation film results in larger GUVs, while separate reconstitution of the respiratory enzymes enables higher ATP synthesis rates. Furthermore, protein labeling provides a synthetic mechanism for phase separation and protein sequestration, mimicking lipid- and protein-mediated domain formation in nature. The latter means opens further possibilities for re-enacting phenomena like supercomplex assembly or symmetry breaking and enriches the toolbox of bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Otrin
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lado Otrin
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Bednarz
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Toni K. Träger
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center HALOmem and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Farzad Hamdi
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center HALOmem and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Panagiotis L. Kastritis
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center HALOmem and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Biozentrum, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute
of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research
Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Grup
de Biotecnologia Molecular i Industrial, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 22, 08222 Terrassa, Spain
| | - Kai Sundmacher
- Process
Systems Engineering, Max Planck Institute
for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstrasse 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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4
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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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5
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Phase separation in polymer-based biomimetic structures containing planar membranes. Biointerphases 2022; 17:060802. [PMID: 36575113 DOI: 10.1116/6.0002078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase separation in biological membranes is crucial for proper cellular functions, such as signaling and trafficking, as it mediates the interactions of condensates on membrane-bound organelles and transmembrane transport to targeted destination compartments. The separation of a lipid bilayer into phases and the formation of lipid rafts involve the restructuring of molecular localization, their immobilization, and local accumulation. By understanding the processes underlying the formation of lipid rafts in a cellular membrane, it is possible to reconstitute this phenomenon in synthetic biomimetic membranes, such as hybrids of lipids and polymers or membranes composed solely of polymers, which offer an increased physicochemical stability and unlimited possibilities of chemical modification and functionalization. In this article, we relate the main lipid bilayer phase transition phenomenon with respect to hybrid biomimetic membranes, composed of lipids mixed with polymers, and fully synthetic membranes. Following, we review the occurrence of phase separation in biomimetic hybrid membranes based on lipids and/or direct lipid analogs, amphiphilic block copolymers. We further exemplify the phase separation and the resulting properties and applications in planar membranes, free-standing and solid-supported. We briefly list methods leading to the formation of such biomimetic membranes and reflect on their improved overall stability and influence on the separation into different phases within the membranes. Due to the importance of phase separation and compartmentalization in cellular membranes, we are convinced that this compiled overview of this phenomenon will be helpful for any researcher in the biomimicry area.
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6
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Assembly methods for asymmetric lipid and polymer-lipid vesicles. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:609-617. [PMID: 36533596 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetric unilamellar vesicles are aqueous bodies surrounded by two dissimilar leaflets made from lipids, polymers, or both. They are great models for cell membranes and attractive vehicles in potential biomedicine applications. Despite their promise, asymmetric unilamellar vesicles are not widely studied or adopted in applications. This is largely due to the complexity in generating asymmetric membranes. Recent technical advances in microfluidics have opened doors to high throughput fabrication of asymmetric unilamellar vesicles. In this review, we focus on microfluidic methods for generating asymmetric lipid vesicles, with two dissimilar lipid leaflets, and asymmetric lipid-polymer vesicles, with one lipid leaflet and one polymer leaflet. We also review a few standard non-microfluidic methods for generating asymmetric vesicles. We hope to highlight the improved capability in obtaining asymmetric vesicles through a variety of methods and encourage the wider scientific community to adopt some of these for their own work.
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7
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de Souza Melchiors M, Ivanov T, Harley I, Sayer C, Araújo PHH, Caire da Silva L, Ferguson CTJ, Landfester K. Membrane Manipulation of Giant Unilamellar Polymer Vesicles with a Temperature-Responsive Polymer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202207998. [PMID: 35929609 PMCID: PMC9804479 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202207998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the complex behavior and dynamics of cellular membranes is integral to gain insight into cellular division and fusion processes. Bottom-up synthetic cells are as a platform for replicating and probing cellular behavior. Giant polymer vesicles are more robust than liposomal counterparts, as well as having a broad range of chemical functionalities. However, the stability of the membrane can prohibit dynamic processes such as membrane phase separation and division. Here, we present a method for manipulating the membrane of giant polymersomes using a temperature responsive polymer. Upon elevation of temperature deformation and phase separation of the membrane was observed. Upon cooling, the membrane relaxed and became homogeneous again, with infrequent division of the synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina de Souza Melchiors
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany,Department of Chemical Engineering and Food EngineeringFederal University of Santa CatarinaP.O. Box 47688040-900Florianópolis-SCBrazil
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Iain Harley
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Claudia Sayer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food EngineeringFederal University of Santa CatarinaP.O. Box 47688040-900Florianópolis-SCBrazil
| | - Pedro H. H. Araújo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food EngineeringFederal University of Santa CatarinaP.O. Box 47688040-900Florianópolis-SCBrazil
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
| | - Calum T. J. Ferguson
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany,School of ChemistryUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry of PolymersMax Planck Institute for Polymer ResearchAckermannweg 1055128MainzGermany
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8
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de Souza Melchiors M, Ivanov T, Harley I, Sayer C, Henrique Hermes de Araújo P, Caire da Silva L, Ferguson C, Landfester K. Membrane manipulation of giant unilamellar polymer vesicles with a temperature‐responsive polymer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202207998] [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)
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung Physical Chemistry of Polymers GERMANY
| | - Iain Harley
- Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung Physical Chemistry of Polymers GERMANY
| | - Claudia Sayer
- Federal University of Santa Catarina: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering BRAZIL
| | | | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Physical Chemistry of Polymers Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz GERMANY
| | - Calum Ferguson
- Max-Planck-Institut fur Polymerforschung Physical Chemistry of Polymers GERMANY
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9
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Bina M, Krywko-Cendrowska A, Daubian D, Meier W, Palivan CG. Multicomponent Copolymer Planar Membranes with Nanoscale Domain Separation. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:5077-5085. [PMID: 35771654 PMCID: PMC9284607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Domain separation is crucial for proper cellular function and numerous biomedical technologies, especially artificial cells. While phase separation in hybrid membranes containing lipids and copolymers is well-known, the membranes' overall stability, limited by the lipid part, is hindering the technological applications. Here, we introduce a fully synthetic planar membrane undergoing phase separation into domains embedded within a continuous phase. The mono- and bilayer membranes are composed of two amphiphilic diblock copolymers (PEO45-b-PEHOx20 and PMOXA10-b-PDMS25) with distinct properties and mixed at various concentrations. The molar ratio of the copolymers in the mixture and the nature of the solid support were the key parameters inducing nanoscale phase separation of the planar membranes. The size of the domains and resulting morphology of the nanopatterned surfaces were tailored by adjusting the molar ratios of the copolymers and transfer conditions. Our approach opens new avenues for the development of biomimetic planar membranes with a nanoscale texture.
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10
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Bezlepkina KA, Milenin SA, Vasilenko NG, Muzafarov AM. Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) and Catalytic Rearrangement as a Way to Obtain Siloxane Mono- and Telechelics, as Well as Well-Organized Branching Centers: History and Prospects. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14122408. [PMID: 35745987 PMCID: PMC9229176 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PDMS telechelics are important both in industry and in academic research. They are used both in the free state and as part of copolymers and cross-linked materials. At present, the most important, practically used, and well-studied method for the preparation of such PDMS is diorganosiloxane ring-opening polymerization (ROP) in the presence of nucleophilic or electrophilic initiators. In our brief review, we reviewed the current advances in the field of obtaining polydiorganosiloxane telechelics and monofunctional PDMS, as well as well-organized branching centers by the ROP mechanism and catalytic rearrangement, one of the first and most important reactions in the polymer chemistry of silicones, which remains so at the present time.
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11
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Zenati A. Triblock Azo copolymers: RAFT synthesis, properties, thin film self-assembly and applications. POLYM-PLAST TECH MAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/25740881.2021.2015779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Athmen Zenati
- Refining and Petrochemistry, Division of Method and Operation, Sonatrach, Arzew, Algeria
- Central Directorate of Research and Development, Sonatrach, Boumerdes, Algeria
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12
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Fauquignon M, Ibarboure E, Le Meins JF. Hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles: Influence of polymer architecture and molar mass on line tension. Biophys J 2022; 121:61-67. [PMID: 34890579 PMCID: PMC8758416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles are self-assembled structures that have been the subject of an increasing number of studies in recent years. They are particularly promising tools in the development of cell membrane models because they offer the possibility to fine-tune their membrane structure by adjusting the distribution of components (presence or absence of "raft-like" lipid domains), which is of prime importance to control their membrane properties. Line tension in multiphase membranes is known to be a key parameter on membrane structuration, but remains unexplored, either experimentally or by computer modeling for hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles. In this study, we were able to measure the line tension on different budded hybrid vesicles, using a micropipette aspiration technique, and show the influence of the molar mass and the architecture of block copolymers on line tension and its consequences for membrane structuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fauquignon
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, France
| | - Emmanuel Ibarboure
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-François Le Meins
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac, France,Corresponding author
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13
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Abstract
Hierarchic self-assembly underpins much of the form and function seen in synthetic or biological soft materials. Lipids are paramount examples, building themselves in nature or synthetically in a variety of meso/nanostructures. Synthetic block copolymers capture many of lipid's structural and functional properties. Lipids are typically biocompatible and high molecular weight polymers are mechanically robust and chemically versatile. The development of new materials for applications like controlled drug/gene/protein delivery, biosensors, and artificial cells often requires the combination of lipids and polymers. The emergent composite material, a "polymer-lipid hybrid membrane", displays synergistic properties not seen in pure components. Specific examples include the observation that hybrid membranes undergo lateral phase separation that can correlate in registry across multiple layers into a three-dimensional phase-separated system with enhanced permeability of encapsulated drugs. It is timely to underpin these emergent properties in several categories of hybrid systems ranging from colloidal suspensions to supported hybrid films. In this review, we discuss the form and function of a vast number of polymer-lipid hybrid systems published to date. We rationalize the results to raise new fundamental understanding of hybrid self-assembling soft materials as well as to enable the design of new supramolecular systems and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Kyung Go
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Cecilia Leal
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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14
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Sato KI, Ito S, Higashihara T, Fuchise K. Precise synthesis of α,ω-chain-end functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) with azide groups based on metal-free ring-opening polymerization and a quantitative azidation reaction. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2021.105009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Rizvi A, Mulvey JT, Carpenter BP, Talosig R, Patterson JP. A Close Look at Molecular Self-Assembly with the Transmission Electron Microscope. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14232-14280. [PMID: 34329552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Molecular self-assembly is pervasive in the formation of living and synthetic materials. Knowledge gained from research into the principles of molecular self-assembly drives innovation in the biological, chemical, and materials sciences. Self-assembly processes span a wide range of temporal and spatial domains and are often unintuitive and complex. Studying such complex processes requires an arsenal of analytical and computational tools. Within this arsenal, the transmission electron microscope stands out for its unique ability to visualize and quantify self-assembly structures and processes. This review describes the contribution that the transmission electron microscope has made to the field of molecular self-assembly. An emphasis is placed on which TEM methods are applicable to different structures and processes and how TEM can be used in combination with other experimental or computational methods. Finally, we provide an outlook on the current challenges to, and opportunities for, increasing the impact that the transmission electron microscope can have on molecular self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoon Rizvi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Justin T Mulvey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Brooke P Carpenter
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Rain Talosig
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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16
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Trivedi S, Wadher K, Umekar M. Development of topical thymoquinone loaded polymer-lipid hybrid vesicular gel: in-vitro and ex-vivo evaluation. J Liposome Res 2021; 32:224-236. [PMID: 34003069 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2021.1929311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TH), a naturally occurring moiety shows excellent anticancer properties and in the present study, TH loaded polymer hybrid lipid vesicles (TH PLH) were formulated, and in-vitro cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MBD-MB 231 cells) was determined. TH PLH was primed by the ethanol spraying method and were characterized for various attributes like particle size, morphology, percentage drug entrapment, elasticity, rheological, zeta potential, etc. The prepared TH PLH Vesicles showed an average particle size from 344.7 ± 3.7 nm to 351.9 ± 2.3 nm and showed very narrow distribution with polydispersity index ranging from 0.245 ± 0.36 to 0.271 ± 0.66. The surface charge on the vesicles was confirmed by zeta potential (þ -21.3 ± 1.08 mV to þ -19.98 ± 3.4 mV). The globular moulded vesicles were in the nano-size range and had high flexibility and an approximately 10-fold increase in elasticity properties. TH PLH Vesicular gel was formulated by means of Carbopol 934 and was evaluated for physical appearance, pH, rheological behaviour, and skin irritation test. Cytotoxicity study reveals paramount inhibition on cells by TH vesicle-loaded gel. These results showed the high potential of TH PLH vesicles for topical anticancer application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, India
| | - Kamlesh Wadher
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, India
| | - Milind Umekar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Nagpur, India
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17
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Perera RM, Gupta S, Li T, Bleuel M, Hong K, Schneider GJ. Influence of NaCl on shape deformation of polymersomes. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:4452-4463. [PMID: 33908443 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02271c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes frequently appear in the literature as promising candidates for a wide range of applications from targeted drug delivery to nanoreactors. From a cell mimetic point of view, it is important to understand the size and shape changes of the vesicles in the physiological environment since that can influence the drug delivery mechanism. In this work we studied the structural features of polymersomes consisting of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-poly(ethylene glycol) at the nanoscopic length scale in the presence of NaCl, which is a very common molecule in the biotic aqueous environment. We used dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryo-TEM, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We observed transformation of polymersomes from spherical to elongated vesicles at low salt concentration and into multivesicular structures at high salt concentration. Model fitting analysis of SANS data indicated a reduction of vesicle radius up to 47% and from the SAXS data we observed an increase in membrane thickness up to 8% and an increase of the PDMS hydrophobic segment up to 11% indicating stretching of the membrane due to osmotic imbalance. Also, from the increase in the interlamellar repeat distance up to 98% under high salt concentrations, we concluded that the shape and structural changes observed in the polymersomes are a combined result of osmotic pressure change and ion-membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasangi M Perera
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Sudipta Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Markus Bleuel
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8562, USA and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-2115, USA
| | - Kunlun Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA and Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Gerald J Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. and Department of Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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Seo H, Lee H. Recent developments in microfluidic synthesis of artificial cell-like polymersomes and liposomes for functional bioreactors. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:021301. [PMID: 33833845 PMCID: PMC8012066 DOI: 10.1063/5.0048441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in droplet microfluidics have led to the fabrication of versatile vesicles with a structure that mimics the cellular membrane. These artificial cell-like vesicles including polymersomes and liposomes effectively enclose an aqueous core with well-defined size and composition from the surrounding environment to implement various biological reactions, serving as a diverse functional reactor. The advantage of realizing various biological phenomena within a compartment separated by a membrane that resembles a natural cell membrane is actively explored in the fields of synthetic biology as well as biomedical applications including drug delivery, biosensors, and bioreactors, to name a few. In this Perspective, we first summarize various methods utilized in producing these polymersomes and liposomes. Moreover, we will highlight some of the recent advances in the design of these artificial cell-like vesicles for functional bioreactors and discuss the current issues and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjin Seo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
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19
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Fauquignon M, Ibarboure E, Le Meins JF. Membrane reinforcement in giant hybrid polymer lipid vesicles achieved by controlling the polymer architecture. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:83-89. [PMID: 33150346 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01581d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The physical properties of membranes of hybrid polymer lipid vesicles are so far relatively unknown. Since their discovery a decade ago, many studies have aimed to show their great potential in many fields of application, but so far, few systematic studies have been carried out to decipher the relationship between the molecular characteristics of the components (molar mass, chemical nature, and architecture of the copolymer), the membrane structure and its properties. In this work, we study the association of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PDMS-b-PEO) diblock copolymers of different molar masses in giant hybrid vesicles and establish a complete phase diagram of the membrane structure. We also measured the mechanical properties of the giant hybrid unilamellar vesicle (GHUV) through micropipette aspiration at different lipid/polymer compositions. Thanks to a previous work using triblock PEO-b-PDMS-b-PEO copolymers, we were able to reveal the effect of the architecture of the block copolymer on membrane structure and properties. Besides, the association of diblock copolymers PDMS-b-PEO and POPC leads to the formation of hybrid vesicles with unprecedented membrane toughness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fauquignon
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600, Pessac, France.
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Abstract
In nature, various specific reactions only occur in spatially controlled environments. Cell compartment and subcompartments act as the support required to preserve the bio-specificity and functionality of the biological content, by affording absolute segregation. Inspired by this natural perfect behavior, bottom-up approaches are on focus to develop artificial cell-like structures, crucial for understanding relevant bioprocesses and interactions or to produce tailored solutions in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the benefits of constructing polymer-based single and multicompartments (capsules and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)), equipped with biomolecules as to mimic cells. In this respect, we outline key examples of how such structures have been designed from scratch, namely, starting from the application-oriented selection and synthesis of the amphiphilic block copolymer. We then present the state-of-the-art techniques for assembling the supramolecular structure while permitting the encapsulation of active compounds and the incorporation of peptides/membrane proteins, essential to support in situ reactions, e.g., to replicate intracellular signaling cascades. Finally, we briefly discuss important features that these compartments offer and how they could be applied to engineer the next generation of microreactors, therapeutic solutions, and cell models.
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21
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Passos Gibson V, Fauquignon M, Ibarboure E, Leblond Chain J, Le Meins JF. Switchable Lipid Provides pH-Sensitive Properties to Lipid and Hybrid Polymer/Lipid Membranes. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12030637. [PMID: 32168824 PMCID: PMC7183064 DOI: 10.3390/polym12030637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blending amphiphilic copolymers and lipids constitutes a novel approach to combine the advantages of polymersomes and liposomes into a new single hybrid membrane. Efforts have been made to design stimuli-responsive vesicles, in which the membrane's dynamic is modulated by specific triggers. In this investigation, we proposed the design of pH-responsive hybrid vesicles formulated with poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) backbone (PDMS36-b-PEO23) and cationic switchable lipid (CSL). The latter undergoes a pH-triggered conformational change and induces membrane destabilization. Using confocal imaging and DLS measurements, we interrogated the structural changes in CSL-doped lipid and hybrid polymer/lipid unilamellar vesicles at the micro- and nanometric scale, respectively. Both switchable giant unilamellar lipid vesicles (GUV) and hybrid polymer/lipid unilamellar vesicles (GHUV) presented dynamic morphological changes, including protrusions and fission upon acidification. At the submicron scale, scattered intensity decreased for both switchable large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) and hybrid vesicles (LHUV) under acidic pH. Finally, monitoring the fluorescence leakage of encapsulated calcein, we attested that CSL increased the permeability of GUV and GHUV in a pH-specific fashion. Altogether, these results show that switchable lipids provide a pH-sensitive behavior to hybrid polymer/lipid vesicles that could be exploited for the triggered release of drugs, cell biomimicry studies, or as bioinspired micro/nanoreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Passos Gibson
- Gene Delivery Laboratory, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
| | - Martin Fauquignon
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, LCPO, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629, Avenue Pey Berland, F-33600 Pessac, France; (M.F.); (E.I.)
| | - Emmanuel Ibarboure
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, LCPO, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629, Avenue Pey Berland, F-33600 Pessac, France; (M.F.); (E.I.)
| | - Jeanne Leblond Chain
- Gene Delivery Laboratory, Faculty of pharmacy, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, University of Bordeaux, Faculty of pharmacy, F-33016 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (J.L.C.); (J.-F.L.M.)
| | - Jean-François Le Meins
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, LCPO, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5629, Avenue Pey Berland, F-33600 Pessac, France; (M.F.); (E.I.)
- Correspondence: (J.L.C.); (J.-F.L.M.)
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Huang WM. Continuous Journey Toward Polymer Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12020312. [PMID: 32033009 PMCID: PMC7077439 DOI: 10.3390/polym12020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Min Huang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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Meyer CE, Abram SL, Craciun I, Palivan CG. Biomolecule–polymer hybrid compartments: combining the best of both worlds. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:11197-11218. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00693a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in bio/polymer hybrid compartments in the quest to obtain artificial cells, biosensors and catalytic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ioana Craciun
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Basel
- Basel
- Switzerland
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