1
|
Jambon-Puillet E, Testa A, Lorenz C, Style RW, Rebane AA, Dufresne ER. Phase-separated droplets swim to their dissolution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3919. [PMID: 38724503 PMCID: PMC11082165 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47889-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological macromolecules can condense into liquid domains. In cells, these condensates form membraneless organelles that can organize chemical reactions. However, little is known about the physical consequences of chemical activity in and around condensates. Working with model bovine serum albumin (BSA) condensates, we show that droplets swim along chemical gradients. Active BSA droplets loaded with urease swim toward each other. Passive BSA droplets show diverse responses to externally applied gradients of the enzyme's substrate and products. In all these cases, droplets swim toward solvent conditions that favor their dissolution. We call this behavior "dialytaxis", and expect it to be generic, as conditions which favor dissolution typically reduce interfacial tension, whose gradients are well-known to drive droplet motion through the Marangoni effect. These results could potentially suggest alternative physical mechanisms for active transport in living cells, and may enable the design of fluid micro-robots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Jambon-Puillet
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Andrea Testa
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Charlotta Lorenz
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Robert W Style
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Aleksander A Rebane
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Life Molecules and Materials Lab, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eric R Dufresne
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Patra S, Chandrabhas S, Dhiman S, George SJ. Controlled Supramolecular Polymerization via Bioinspired, Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Monomers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12577-12586. [PMID: 38683934 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic supramolecular assemblies, driven by noncovalent interactions, pervade the biological realm. In the synthetic domain, their counterparts, supramolecular polymers, endowed with remarkable self-repair and adaptive traits, are often realized through bioinspired designs. Recently, controlled supramolecular polymerization strategies have emerged, drawing inspiration from protein self-assembly. A burgeoning area of research involves mimicking the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) observed in proteins to create coacervate droplets and recognizing their significance in cellular organization and diverse functions. Herein, we introduce a novel perspective on synthetic coacervates, extending beyond their established role in synthetic biology as dynamic, membraneless phases to enable structural control in synthetic supramolecular polymers. Drawing parallels with the cooperative growth of amyloid fibrils through LLPS, we present metastable coacervate droplets as dormant monomer phases for controlled supramolecular polymerization. This is achieved via a π-conjugated monomer design that combines structural characteristics for both coacervation through its terminal ionic groups and one-dimensional growth via a π-conjugated core. This design leads to a unique temporal LLPS, resulting in a metastable coacervate phase, which subsequently undergoes one-dimensional growth via nucleation within the droplets. In-depth spectroscopic and microscopic characterization provides insights into the temporal evolution of disordered and ordered phases. Furthermore, to modulate the kinetics of liquid-to-solid transformation and to achieve precise control over the structural characteristics of the resulting supramolecular polymers, we invoke seeding in the droplets, showcasing living growth characteristics. Our work thus opens up new avenues in the exciting field of supramolecular polymerization, offering general design principles and controlled synthesis of precision self-assembled structures in confined environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satyajit Patra
- New Chemistry Unit and School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Sushmitha Chandrabhas
- New Chemistry Unit and School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Shikha Dhiman
- New Chemistry Unit and School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Subi J George
- New Chemistry Unit and School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bagchi D, Maity A, Chakraborty A. Metal Ion-Induced Unusual Stability of the Metastable Vesicle-like Intermediates Evolving during the Self-Assembly of Phenylalanine: Prominent Role of Surface Charge Inversion. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:4468-4476. [PMID: 38631022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The underlying mechanism and intermediate formation in the self-assembly of aromatic amino acids, peptides, and proteins remain elusive despite numerous reports. We, for the first time, report that one can stabilize the intermediates by tuning the metal ion-amino acid interaction. Microscopic and spectroscopic investigations of the self-assembly of carboxybenzyl (Z)-protected phenylalanine (ZF) reveal that the bivalent metal ions eventually lead to the formation of fibrillar networks similar to blank ZF whereas the trivalent ions develop vesicle-like intermediates that do not undergo fibrillation for a prolonged time. The time-lapse measurement of surface charge reveals that the surface charge of blank ZF and in the presence of bivalent metal ions changes from a negative value to zero, implying unstable intermediates leading to the fibril network. Strikingly, a prominent charge inversion from an initial negative value to a positive value in the presence of trivalent metal ions imparts unusual stability to the metastable intermediates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Bagchi
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Avijit Maity
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anjan Chakraborty
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zacco E, Broglia L, Kurihara M, Monti M, Gustincich S, Pastore A, Plath K, Nagakawa S, Cerase A, Sanchez de Groot N, Tartaglia GG. RNA: The Unsuspected Conductor in the Orchestra of Macromolecular Crowding. Chem Rev 2024; 124:4734-4777. [PMID: 38579177 PMCID: PMC11046439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive Review delves into the chemical principles governing RNA-mediated crowding events, commonly referred to as granules or biological condensates. We explore the pivotal role played by RNA sequence, structure, and chemical modifications in these processes, uncovering their correlation with crowding phenomena under physiological conditions. Additionally, we investigate instances where crowding deviates from its intended function, leading to pathological consequences. By deepening our understanding of the delicate balance that governs molecular crowding driven by RNA and its implications for cellular homeostasis, we aim to shed light on this intriguing area of research. Our exploration extends to the methodologies employed to decipher the composition and structural intricacies of RNA granules, offering a comprehensive overview of the techniques used to characterize them, including relevant computational approaches. Through two detailed examples highlighting the significance of noncoding RNAs, NEAT1 and XIST, in the formation of phase-separated assemblies and their influence on the cellular landscape, we emphasize their crucial role in cellular organization and function. By elucidating the chemical underpinnings of RNA-mediated molecular crowding, investigating the role of modifications, structures, and composition of RNA granules, and exploring both physiological and aberrant phase separation phenomena, this Review provides a multifaceted understanding of the intriguing world of RNA-mediated biological condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Zacco
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Broglia
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Misuzu Kurihara
- RNA
Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Michele Monti
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central
RNA Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- UK
Dementia Research Institute at the Maurice Wohl Institute of King’s
College London, London SE5 9RT, U.K.
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department
of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School
of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Shinichi Nagakawa
- RNA
Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Blizard
Institute,
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- Unit
of Cell and developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Natalia Sanchez de Groot
- Unitat
de Bioquímica, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia
Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Naz M, Zhang L, Chen C, Yang S, Dou H, Mann S, Li J. Self-assembly of stabilized droplets from liquid-liquid phase separation for higher-order structures and functions. Commun Chem 2024; 7:79. [PMID: 38594355 PMCID: PMC11004187 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic microscale droplets produced by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) have emerged as appealing biomaterials due to their remarkable features. However, the instability of droplets limits the construction of population-level structures with collective behaviors. Here we first provide a brief background of droplets in the context of materials properties. Subsequently, we discuss current strategies for stabilizing droplets including physical separation and chemical modulation. We also discuss the recent development of LLPS droplets for various applications such as synthetic cells and biomedical materials. Finally, we give insights on how stabilized droplets can self-assemble into higher-order structures displaying coordinated functions to fully exploit their potentials in bottom-up synthetic biology and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Naz
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chong Chen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Stephen Mann
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Jianwei Li
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, Turku, 20520, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Komáromy D, Monzón DM, Marić I, Monreal Santiago G, Ottelé J, Altay M, Schaeffer G, Otto S. Generalist versus Specialist Self-Replicators. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303837. [PMID: 38294075 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Darwinian evolution, including the selection of the fittest species under given environmental conditions, is a major milestone in the development of synthetic living systems. In this regard, generalist or specialist behavior (the ability to replicate in a broader or narrower, more specific food environment) are of importance. Here we demonstrate generalist and specialist behavior in dynamic combinatorial libraries composed of a peptide-based and an oligo(ethylene glycol) based building block. Three different sets of macrocyclic replicators could be distinguished based on their supramolecular organization: two prepared from a single building block as well as one prepared from an equimolar mixture of them. Peptide-containing hexamer replicators were found to be generalists, i. e. they could replicate in a broad range of food niches, whereas the octamer peptide-based replicator and hexameric ethyleneoxide-based replicator were proven to be specialists, i. e. they only replicate in very specific food niches that correspond to their composition. However, sequence specificity cannot be demonstrated for either of the generalist replicators. The generalist versus specialist nature of these replicators was linked to their supramolecular organization. Assembly modes that accommodate structurally different building blocks lead to generalist replicators, while assembly modes that are more restrictive yield specialist replicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Komáromy
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diego M Monzón
- Instituto de Bio-Orgánica "Antonio González" (IUBO-AG), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ivana Marić
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillermo Monreal Santiago
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Ottelé
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Meniz Altay
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gaël Schaeffer
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sijbren Otto
- University of Groningen, Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Torigoe S, Nagao K, Kubota R, Hamachi I. Emergence of Dynamic Instability by Hybridizing Synthetic Self-Assembled Dipeptide Fibers with Surfactant Micelles. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5799-5805. [PMID: 38407066 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Supramolecular chemistry currently faces the challenge of controlling nonequilibrium dynamics such as the dynamic instability of microtubules. In this study, we explored the emergence of dynamic instability through the hybridization of peptide-type supramolecular nanofibers with surfactant micelles. Using real-time confocal imaging, we discovered that the addition of micelles to nanofibers induced the simultaneous but asynchronous growth and shrinkage of nanofibers during which the total number of fibers decreased monotonically. This dynamic phenomenon unexpectedly persisted for 6 days and was driven not by chemical reactions but by noncovalent supramolecular interactions between peptide-type nanofibers and surfactant micelles. This study demonstrates a strategy for inducing autonomous supramolecular dynamics, which will open up possibilities for developing soft materials applicable to biomedicine and soft robotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Torigoe
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Nagao
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nguindjel AD, Franssen SCM, Korevaar PA. Reconfigurable Droplet-Droplet Communication Mediated by Photochemical Marangoni Flows. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6006-6015. [PMID: 38391388 PMCID: PMC10921405 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Droplets are attractive building blocks for dynamic matter that organizes into adaptive structures. Communication among collectively operating droplets opens untapped potential in settings that vary from sensing, optics, protocells, computing, or adaptive matter. Inspired by the transmission of signals among decentralized units in slime mold Physarum polycephalum, we introduce a combination of surfactants, self-assembly, and photochemistry to establish chemical signal transfer among droplets. To connect droplets that float at an air-water interface, surfactant triethylene glycol monododecylether (C12E3) is used for its ability to self-assemble into wires called myelins. We show how the trajectory of these myelins can be directed toward selected photoactive droplets upon UV exposure. To this end, we developed a strategy for photocontrolled Marangoni flow, which comprises (1) the liquid crystalline coating formed at the surface of an oleic acid/sodium oleate (OA/NaO) droplet when in contact with water, (2) a photoacid generator that protonates sodium oleate upon UV exposure and therefore disintegrates the coating, and (3) the surface tension gradient that is generated upon depletion of the surfactant from the air-water interface by the uncoated droplet. Therefore, localized UV exposure of selected OA/NaO droplets results in attraction of the myelins such that they establish reconfigurable connections that self-organize among the C12E3 and OA/NaO droplets. As an example of communication, we demonstrate how the myelins transfer fluorescent dyes, which are selectively delivered in the droplet interior upon photochemical regulation of the liquid crystalline coating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Déborah
C. Nguindjel
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Stan C. M. Franssen
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A. Korevaar
- Institute for Molecules and
Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Green CM, Sementa D, Mathur D, Melinger JS, Deshpande P, Elbaum-Garfinkle S, Medintz IL, Ulijn RV, Díaz SA. Sequestration within peptide coacervates improves the fluorescence intensity, kinetics, and limits of detection of dye-based DNA biosensors. Commun Chem 2024; 7:49. [PMID: 38424154 PMCID: PMC10904739 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01124-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based liquid-liquid phase separated domains, or coacervates, are a biomaterial gaining new interest due to their exciting potential in fields ranging from biosensing to drug delivery. In this study, we demonstrate that coacervates provide a simple and biocompatible medium to improve nucleic acid biosensors through the sequestration of both the biosensor and target strands within the coacervate, thereby increasing their local concentration. Using the well-established polyarginine (R9) - ATP coacervate system and an energy transfer-based DNA molecular beacon we observed three key improvements: i) a greater than 20-fold reduction of the limit of detection within coacervates when compared to control buffer solutions; ii) an increase in the kinetics, equilibrium was reached more than 4-times faster in coacervates; and iii) enhancement in the dye fluorescent quantum yields within the coacervates, resulting in greater signal-to-noise. The observed benefits translate into coacervates greatly improving bioassay functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Green
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Deborah Sementa
- Nanoscience Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Divita Mathur
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Joseph S Melinger
- Electronics Sciences and Technology Division Code 6816, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Priyasha Deshpande
- Structural Biology Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle
- Structural Biology Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Igor L Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Rein V Ulijn
- Nanoscience Initiative at Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sebastián A Díaz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Robinson AO, Lee J, Cameron A, Keating CD, Adamala KP. Cell-Free Expressed Membraneless Organelles Inhibit Translation in Synthetic Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:773-781. [PMID: 38226971 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Compartments within living cells create specialized microenvironments, allowing multiple reactions to be carried out simultaneously and efficiently. While some organelles are bound by a lipid bilayer, others are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation such as P-granules and nucleoli. Synthetic minimal cells are widely used to study many natural processes, including organelle formation. In this work, synthetic cells expressing artificial membrane-less organelles that inhibit translation are described. RGG-GFP-RGG, a phase-separating protein derived from Caenorhabditis elegans P-granules, is expressed by cell-free transcription and translation, forming artificial membraneless organelles that can sequester RNA and reduce protein expression in synthetic cells. The introduction of artificial membrane-less organelles creates complex microenvironments within the synthetic cell cytoplasm and functions as a tool to inhibit protein expression in synthetic cells. The engineering of compartments within synthetic cells furthers the understanding of the evolution and function of natural organelles and facilitates the creation of more complex and multifaceted synthetic lifelike systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbey O Robinson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 420 SE Washington Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jessica Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, 104 Chemistry Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Anders Cameron
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 420 SE Washington Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, 104 Chemistry Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 420 SE Washington Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kubota R, Hamachi I. Cell-Like Synthetic Supramolecular Soft Materials Realized in Multicomponent, Non-/Out-of-Equilibrium Dynamic Systems. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2306830. [PMID: 38018341 PMCID: PMC10885657 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Living cells are complex, nonequilibrium supramolecular systems capable of independently and/or cooperatively integrating multiple bio-supramolecules to execute intricate physiological functions that cannot be accomplished by individual biomolecules. These biological design strategies offer valuable insights for the development of synthetic supramolecular systems with spatially controlled hierarchical structures, which, importantly, exhibit cell-like responses and functions. The next grand challenge in supramolecular chemistry is to control the organization of multiple types of supramolecules in a single system, thus integrating the functions of these supramolecules in an orthogonal and/or cooperative manner. In this perspective, the recent progress in constructing multicomponent supramolecular soft materials through the hybridization of supramolecules, such as self-assembled nanofibers/gels and coacervates, with other functional molecules, including polymer gels and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, results show that these materials exhibit bioinspired responses to stimuli, such as bidirectional rheological responses of supramolecular double-network hydrogels, temporal stimulus pattern-dependent responses of synthetic coacervates, and 3D hydrogel patterning in response to reaction-diffusion processes are presented. Autonomous active soft materials with cell-like responses and spatially controlled structures hold promise for diverse applications, including soft robotics with directional motion, point-of-care disease diagnosis, and tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological ChemistryGraduate School of EngineeringKyoto UniversityKatsuraNishikyo‐kuKyoto615‐8510Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological ChemistryGraduate School of EngineeringKyoto UniversityKatsuraNishikyo‐kuKyoto615‐8510Japan
- JST‐ERATOHamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for NeuroscienceKyoto UniversityNishikyo‐kuKatsura615‐8530Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mu W, Jia L, Zhou M, Wu J, Lin Y, Mann S, Qiao Y. Superstructural ordering in self-sorting coacervate-based protocell networks. Nat Chem 2024; 16:158-167. [PMID: 37932411 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Bottom-up assembly of higher-order cytomimetic systems capable of coordinated physical behaviours, collective chemical signalling and spatially integrated processing is a key challenge in the study of artificial multicellularity. Here we develop an interactive binary population of coacervate microdroplets that spontaneously self-sort into chain-like protocell networks with an alternating sequence of structurally and compositionally dissimilar microdomains with hemispherical contact points. The protocell superstructures exhibit macromolecular self-sorting, spatially localized enzyme/ribozyme biocatalysis and interdroplet molecular translocation. They are capable of topographical reconfiguration using chemical or light-mediated stimuli and can be used as a micro-extraction system for macroscale biomolecular sorting. Our methodology opens a pathway towards the self-assembly of multicomponent protocell networks based on selective processes of coacervate droplet-droplet adhesion and fusion, and provides a step towards the spontaneous orchestration of protocell models into artificial tissues and colonies with ordered architectures and collective functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Mu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liyan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Musen Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jianzhong Wu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Yiyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cao S, Ivanov T, Heuer J, Ferguson CTJ, Landfester K, Caire da Silva L. Dipeptide coacervates as artificial membraneless organelles for bioorthogonal catalysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:39. [PMID: 38169470 PMCID: PMC10761997 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial organelles can manipulate cellular functions and introduce non-biological processes into cells. Coacervate droplets have emerged as a close analog of membraneless cellular organelles. Their biomimetic properties, such as molecular crowding and selective partitioning, make them promising components for designing cell-like materials. However, their use as artificial organelles has been limited by their complex molecular structure, limited control over internal microenvironment properties, and inherent colloidal instability. Here we report the design of dipeptide coacervates that exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and a hydrophobic microenvironment. The hydrophobic character facilitates the encapsulation of hydrophobic species, including transition metal-based catalysts, enhancing their efficiency in aqueous environments. Dipeptide coacervates carrying a metal-based catalyst are incorporated as active artificial organelles in cells and trigger an internal non-biological chemical reaction. The development of coacervates with a hydrophobic microenvironment opens an alternative avenue in the field of biomimetic materials with applications in catalysis and synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julian Heuer
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Calum T J Ferguson
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0B8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumar A, Safran SA. Fluctuations and Shape Dependence of Microphase Separation in Systems with Long-Range Interactions. Phys Rev Lett 2023; 131:258401. [PMID: 38181373 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.258401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The combination of phase separation and long-ranged, effective, Coulomb interactions results in microphase separation. We predict the sizes and shapes of such microdomains and uniquely their dependence on the macroscopic sample shape which also affects the effective interfacial tension of fluctuations of the lamellar phase. These are applied to equilibrium salt solutions and block copolymers. Nonequilibrium phase separation in the presence of chemical reactions (e.g., cellular condensates) is mapped to the Coulomb theory to which our predictions apply. In some cases, the effective interfacial tension can be ultralow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Samuel A Safran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang J, Abbas M, Wang J, Spruijt E. Selective amide bond formation in redox-active coacervate protocells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8492. [PMID: 38129391 PMCID: PMC10739716 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44284-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Coacervate droplets are promising protocell models because they sequester a wide range of guest molecules and may catalyze their conversion. However, it remains unclear how life's building blocks, including peptides, could be synthesized from primitive precursor molecules inside such protocells. Here, we develop a redox-active protocell model formed by phase separation of prebiotically relevant ferricyanide (Fe(CN)63-) molecules and cationic peptides. Their assembly into coacervates can be regulated by redox chemistry and the coacervates act as oxidizing hubs for sequestered metabolites, like NAD(P)H and gluthathione. Interestingly, the oxidizing potential of Fe(CN)63- inside coacervates can be harnessed to drive the formation of new amide bonds between prebiotically relevant amino acids and α-amidothioacids. Aminoacylation is enhanced in Fe(CN)63-/peptide coacervates and selective for amino acids that interact less strongly with the coacervates. We finally use Fe(CN)63--containing coacervates to spatially control assembly of fibrous networks inside and at the surface of coacervate protocells. These results provide an important step towards the prebiotically relevant integration of redox chemistry in primitive cell-like compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Wang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Manzar Abbas
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Junyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kaufmann A, Vigogne M, Neuendorf TA, Reverte-López M, Rivas G, Thiele J. Studying Nucleoid-Associated Protein-DNA Interactions Using Polymer Microgels as Synthetic Mimics. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3695-3703. [PMID: 37965889 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidically fabricated polymer microgels are used as an experimental platform to analyze protein-DNA interactions regulating bacterial cell division. In particular, we focused on the nucleoid-associated protein SlmA, which forms a nucleoprotein complex with short DNA binding sequences (SBS) that acts as a negative regulator of the division ring stability in Escherichia coli. To mimic the bacterial nucleoid as a dense DNA region of a bacterial cell and investigate the influence of charge and permeability on protein binding and diffusion in there, we have chosen nonionic polyethylene glycol and anionic hyaluronic acid as precursor materials for hydrogel formation, previously functionalized with SBS. SlmA binds specifically to the coupled SBS for both types of microgels while preferentially accumulating at the microgels' surface. We could control the binding specificity by adjusting the buffer composition of the DNA-functionalized microgels. The microgel charge did not impact protein binding; however, hyaluronic acid-based microgels exhibit a higher permeability, promoting protein diffusion; thus, they were the preferred choice for preparing nucleoid mimics. The approaches described here provide attractive tools for bottom-up reconstitution of essential cellular processes in media that more faithfully reproduce intracellular environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Kaufmann
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michelle Vigogne
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Talika A Neuendorf
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - María Reverte-López
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Germán Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Thiele
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xu X, Moreno S, Gentzel M, Zhang K, Wang D, Voit B, Appelhans D. Biomimetic Protocells Featuring Macrophage-Like Capture and Digestion of Protein Pathogens. Small Methods 2023; 7:e2300257. [PMID: 37599260 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Modern medical research develops interest in sophisticated artificial nano- and microdevices for future treatment of human diseases related to biological dysfunctions. This covers the design of protocells capable of mimicking the structure and functionality of eukaryotic cells. The authors use artificial organelles based on trypsin-loaded pH-sensitive polymeric vesicles to provide macrophage-like digestive functions under physiological conditions. Herein, an artificial cell is established where digestive artificial organelles (nanosize) are integrated into a protocell (microsize). With this method, mimicking crossing of different biological barriers, capture of model protein pathogens, and compartmentalized digestive function are possible. This allows the integration of different components (e.g., dextran as stabilizing block) and the diffusion of pathogens in simulated cytosolic environment under physiological conditions. An integrated characterization approach is carried out, with identifying electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as an excellent detection method for the degradation of a small peptide such as β-amyloid. The degradation of model enzymes is measured by enzyme activity assays. This work is an important contribution to effective biomimicry with the design of cell-like functions having potential for therapeutic action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Xu
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Silvia Moreno
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc Gentzel
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Core Facility Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kehu Zhang
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dishi Wang
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Brigitte Voit
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., D-01069, Dresden, Germany
- Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang Z, Zhang M, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Wang K, Liu J. Coacervate Microdroplets as Synthetic Protocells for Cell Mimicking and Signaling Communications. Small Methods 2023; 7:e2300042. [PMID: 36908048 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic protocells are minimal systems that mimic certain properties of natural cells and are used to research the emergence of life from a nonliving chemical network. Currently, coacervate microdroplets, which are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, are receiving wide attention in the context of cell biology and protocell research; these microdroplets are notable because they can provide liquid-like compartment structures for biochemical reactions by creating highly macromolecular crowded local environments. In this review, an overview of recent research on the formation of coacervate microdroplets through phase separation; the design of coacervate-based stimuli-responsive protocells, multichamber protocells, and membranized protocells; and their cell mimic behaviors, is provided. The simplified protocell models with precisely defined and tunable compositions advance the understanding of the requirements for cellular structure and function. Efforts are then discussed to establish signal communication systems in protocell and protocell consortia, as communication is a fundamental feature of life that coordinates matter exchanges and energy fluxes dynamically in space and time. Finally, some perspectives on the challenges and future developments of synthetic protocell research in biomimetic science and biomedical applications are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The design and construction of synthetic cells - human-made microcompartments that mimic features of living cells - have experienced a real boom in the past decade. While many efforts have been geared toward assembling membrane-bounded compartments, coacervate droplets produced by liquid-liquid phase separation have emerged as an alternative membrane-free compartmentalization paradigm. Here, the dual role of coacervate droplets in synthetic cell research is discussed: encapsulated within membrane-enclosed compartments, coacervates act as surrogates of membraneless organelles ubiquitously found in living cells; alternatively, they can be viewed as crowded cytosol-like chassis for constructing integrated synthetic cells. After introducing key concepts of coacervation and illustrating the chemical diversity of coacervate systems, their physicochemical properties and resulting bioinspired functions are emphasized. Moving from suspensions of free floating coacervates, the two nascent roles of these droplets in synthetic cell research are highlighted: organelle-like modules and cytosol-like templates. Building the discussion on recent studies from the literature, the potential of coacervate droplets to assemble integrated synthetic cells capable of multiple life-inspired functions is showcased. Future challenges that are still to be tackled in the field are finally discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi Lin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Thomas Beneyton
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Baret
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Nicolas Martin
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen X, Soria-Carrera H, Zozulia O, Boekhoven J. Suppressing catalyst poisoning in the carbodiimide-fueled reaction cycle. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12653-12660. [PMID: 38020366 PMCID: PMC10646924 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04281b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In biology, cells regulate the function of molecules using catalytic reaction cycles that convert reagents with high chemical potential (fuel) to waste molecules. Inspired by biology, synthetic analogs of such chemical reaction cycles have been devised, and a widely used catalytic reaction cycle uses carboxylates as catalysts to accelerate the hydration of carbodiimides. The cycle is versatile and easy to use, so it is widely applied to regulate motors, pumps, self-assembly, and phase separation. However, the cycle suffers from side reactions, especially the formation of N-acylurea. In catalytic reaction cycles, side reactions are disastrous as they decrease the fuel's efficiency and, more importantly, destroy the molecular machinery or assembling molecules. Therefore, this work tested how to suppress N-acylurea by screening precursor concentration, its structure, carbodiimide structure, additives, temperature, and pH. It turned out that the combination of low temperature, low pH, and 10% pyridine as a fraction of the fuel could significantly suppress the N-acylurea side product and keep the reaction cycle highly effective to regulate successful assembly. We anticipate that our work will provide guidelines for using carbodiimide-fueled reaction cycles to regulate molecular function and how to choose optimal conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Héctor Soria-Carrera
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Oleksii Zozulia
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Biswas S, Hecht AL, Noble SA, Huang Q, Gillilan RE, Xu AY. Understanding the Impacts of Molecular and Macromolecular Crowding Agents on Protein-Polymer Complex Coacervates. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4771-4782. [PMID: 37815312 PMCID: PMC10646951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervation refers to the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) process occurring between charged macromolecules. The study of complex coacervation is of great interest due to its implications in the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs) in living cells. However, the impacts of the crowded intracellular environment on the behavior and interactions of biomolecules involved in MLO formation are not fully understood. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of crowding on a model protein-polymer complex coacervate system. Specifically, we examined the influence of sucrose as a molecular crowder and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a macromolecular crowder. Our results reveal that the presence of crowders led to the formation of larger coacervate droplets that remained stable over a 25-day period. While sucrose had a minimal effect on the physical properties of the coacervates, PEG led to the formation of coacervates with distinct characteristics, including higher density, increased protein and polymer content, and a more compact internal structure. These differences in coacervate properties can be attributed to the effects of crowders on individual macromolecules, such as the conformation of model polymers, and nonspecific interactions among model protein molecules. Moreover, our results show that sucrose and PEG have different partition behaviors: sucrose was present in both the coacervate and dilute phases, while PEG was observed to be excluded from the coacervate phase. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the understanding of crowding effects on complex coacervation, shedding light on the formation and properties of coacervates in the context of MLOs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanta Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Alison L Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Sadie A Noble
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Qingqiu Huang
- Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Richard E Gillilan
- Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Amy Y Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang J, Abbas M, Huang Y, Wang J, Li Y. Redox-responsive peptide-based complex coacervates as delivery vehicles with controlled release of proteinous drugs. Commun Chem 2023; 6:243. [PMID: 37935871 PMCID: PMC10630460 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-01044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinous drugs are highly promising therapeutics to treat various diseases. However, they suffer from limited circulation times and severe off-target side effects. Inspired by active membraneless organelles capable of dynamic recruitment and releasing of specific proteins, here, we present the design of coacervates as therapeutic protocells, made from small metabolites (anionic molecules) and simple arginine-rich peptides (cationic motif) through liquid-liquid phase separation. These complex coacervates demonstrate that their assembly and disassembly can be regulated by redox chemistry, which helps to control the release of the therapeutic protein. A model proteinous drugs, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), can rapidly compartmentalize inside the complex coacervates, and the coacervates formed from peptides conjugated with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif (a fibrinogen-derived peptide sequence), show selective binding to the thrombus site and thus enhance on-target efficacy of tPA. Furthermore, the burst release of tPA can be controlled by the redox-induced dissolution of the coacervates. Our proof-of-principle complex coacervate system provides insights into the sequestration and release of proteinous drugs from advanced drug delivery systems and represents a step toward the construction of synthetic therapeutic protocells for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Manzar Abbas
- Department of Chemistry, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Center (AMCC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Junyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multiphase Materials Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Netzer A, Katzir I, Baruch Leshem A, Weitman M, Lampel A. Emergent properties of melanin-inspired peptide/RNA condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310569120. [PMID: 37871222 PMCID: PMC10622964 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310569120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Most biocatalytic processes in eukaryotic cells are regulated by subcellular microenvironments such as membrane-bound or membraneless organelles. These natural compartmentalization systems have inspired the design of synthetic compartments composed of a variety of building blocks. Recently, the emerging field of liquid-liquid phase separation has facilitated the design of biomolecular condensates composed of proteins and nucleic acids, with controllable properties including polarity, diffusivity, surface tension, and encapsulation efficiency. However, utilizing phase-separated condensates as optical sensors has not yet been attempted. Here, we were inspired by the biosynthesis of melanin pigments, a key biocatalytic process that is regulated by compartmentalization in organelles, to design minimalistic biomolecular condensates with emergent optical properties. Melanins are ubiquitous pigment materials with a range of functionalities including photoprotection, coloration, and free radical scavenging activity. Their biosynthesis in the confined melanosomes involves oxidation-polymerization of tyrosine (Tyr), catalyzed by the enzyme tyrosinase. We have now developed condensates that are formed by an interaction between a Tyr-containing peptide and RNA and can serve as both microreactors and substrates for tyrosinase. Importantly, partitioning of Tyr into the condensates and subsequent oxidation-polymerization gives rise to unique optical properties including far-red fluorescence. We now demonstrate that individual condensates can serve as sensors to detect tyrosinase activity, with a limit of detection similar to that of synthetic fluorescent probes. This approach opens opportunities to utilize designer biomolecular condensates as diagnostic tools for various disorders involving abnormal enzymatic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Netzer
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Itai Katzir
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Avigail Baruch Leshem
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Michal Weitman
- Department of Chemistry Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan5290002, Israel
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nogal N, Sanz-Sánchez M, Vela-Gallego S, Ruiz-Mirazo K, de la Escosura A. The protometabolic nature of prebiotic chemistry. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:7359-7388. [PMID: 37855729 PMCID: PMC10614573 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00594a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The field of prebiotic chemistry has been dedicated over decades to finding abiotic routes towards the molecular components of life. There is nowadays a handful of prebiotically plausible scenarios that enable the laboratory synthesis of most amino acids, fatty acids, simple sugars, nucleotides and core metabolites of extant living organisms. The major bottleneck then seems to be the self-organization of those building blocks into systems that can self-sustain. The purpose of this tutorial review is having a close look, guided by experimental research, into the main synthetic pathways of prebiotic chemistry, suggesting how they could be wired through common intermediates and catalytic cycles, as well as how recursively changing conditions could help them engage in self-organized and dissipative networks/assemblies (i.e., systems that consume chemical or physical energy from their environment to maintain their internal organization in a dynamic steady state out of equilibrium). In the article we also pay attention to the implications of this view for the emergence of homochirality. The revealed connectivity between those prebiotic routes should constitute the basis for a robust research program towards the bottom-up implementation of protometabolic systems, taken as a central part of the origins-of-life problem. In addition, this approach should foster further exploration of control mechanisms to tame the combinatorial explosion that typically occurs in mixtures of various reactive precursors, thus regulating the functional integration of their respective chemistries into self-sustaining protocellular assemblies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Nogal
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marcos Sanz-Sánchez
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sonia Vela-Gallego
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Kepa Ruiz-Mirazo
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
- Department of Philosophy, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Andrés de la Escosura
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- Institute for Advanced Research in Chemistry (IAdChem), Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ivanov T, Cao S, Bohra N, de Souza Melchiors M, Caire da Silva L, Landfester K. Polymeric Microreactors with pH-Controlled Spatial Localization of Cascade Reactions. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:50755-50764. [PMID: 37903081 PMCID: PMC10636718 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Lipid and polymer vesicles provide versatile means of creating systems that mimic the architecture of cells. However, these constructs cannot mimic the adaptive compartmentalization observed in cells, where the assembly and disassembly of subcompartments are dynamically modulated by environmental cues. Here, we describe a fully polymeric microreactor with a coacervate-in-vesicle architecture that exhibits an adaptive response to pH. The system was fabricated by microfluidic generation of semipermeable biomimetic polymer vesicles within 1 min using oleyl alcohol as the oil phase. The polymersomes allowed for the diffusion of protons and substrates acting as external signals. Using this method, we were able to construct adaptive microreactors containing internal polyelectrolyte-based catalytic organelles capable of sequestering and localizing enzymes and reaction products in a dynamic process driven by an external stimulus. This approach provides a platform for the rapid and efficient construction of robust adaptive microreactors that can be used in catalysis, biosensing, and cell mimicry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nitin Bohra
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marina de Souza Melchiors
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lucas Caire da Silva
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Landfester
- Department of Physical Chemistry
of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer
Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bergmann AM, Bauermann J, Bartolucci G, Donau C, Stasi M, Holtmannspötter AL, Jülicher F, Weber CA, Boekhoven J. Liquid spherical shells are a non-equilibrium steady state of active droplets. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6552. [PMID: 37848445 PMCID: PMC10582082 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42344-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation yields spherical droplets that eventually coarsen to one large, stable droplet governed by the principle of minimal free energy. In chemically fueled phase separation, the formation of phase-separating molecules is coupled to a fuel-driven, non-equilibrium reaction cycle. It thus yields dissipative structures sustained by a continuous fuel conversion. Such dissipative structures are ubiquitous in biology but are poorly understood as they are governed by non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Here, we bridge the gap between passive, close-to-equilibrium, and active, dissipative structures with chemically fueled phase separation. We observe that spherical, active droplets can undergo a morphological transition into a liquid, spherical shell. We demonstrate that the mechanism is related to gradients of short-lived droplet material. We characterize how far out of equilibrium the spherical shell state is and the chemical power necessary to sustain it. Our work suggests alternative avenues for assembling complex stable morphologies, which might already be exploited to form membraneless organelles by cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Bergmann
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Jonathan Bauermann
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giacomo Bartolucci
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Donau
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Michele Stasi
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Holtmannspötter
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Frank Jülicher
- Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technical University of Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph A Weber
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Materials Engineering: Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstrasse 1, 86159, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Job Boekhoven
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gaash D, Dewan S, Leshem AB, Jaiswal KS, Jelinek R, Lampel A. Modulating the optical properties of carbon dots by peptide condensates. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12298-12301. [PMID: 37752864 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03945e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Here, we utilized designed condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of cationic and aromatic peptide to sequester tyrosine-based carbon dots (C-dots). The C-dots fluorescence is quenched and retrieved upon partitioning and release from condensates, allowing a spatial regulation of C-dots fluorescence which can be utilized for biosensing applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dor Gaash
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Simran Dewan
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Avigail Baruch Leshem
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Kumar Sagar Jaiswal
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (IKI), Ben Gurion University of the Negen, Israel
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (IKI), Ben Gurion University of the Negen, Israel
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Späth F, Maier AS, Stasi M, Bergmann AM, Halama K, Wenisch M, Rieger B, Boekhoven J. The Role of Chemically Innocent Polyanions in Active, Chemically Fueled Complex Coacervate Droplets. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309318. [PMID: 37549224 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervation describes the liquid-liquid phase separation of oppositely charged polymers. Active coacervates are droplets in which one of the electrolyte's affinity is regulated by chemical reactions. These droplets are particularly interesting because they are tightly regulated by reaction kinetics. For example, they serve as a model for membraneless organelles that are also often regulated by biochemical transformations such as post-translational modifications. They are also a great protocell model or could be used to synthesize life-they spontaneously emerge in response to reagents, compete, and decay when all nutrients have been consumed. However, the role of the unreactive building blocks, e.g., the polymeric compounds, is poorly understood. Here, we show the important role of the chemically innocent, unreactive polyanion of our chemically fueled coacervation droplets. We show that the polyanion drastically influences the resulting droplets' life cycle without influencing the chemical reaction cycle-either they are very dynamic or have a delayed dissolution. Additionally, we derive a mechanistic understanding of our observations and show how additives and rational polymer design help to create the desired coacervate emulsion life cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Späth
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Anton S Maier
- WACKER-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Michele Stasi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Alexander M Bergmann
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Kerstin Halama
- WACKER-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Monika Wenisch
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Bernhard Rieger
- WACKER-Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Häfner G, Müller M. Reaction-driven assembly: controlling changes in membrane topology by reaction cycles. Soft Matter 2023; 19:7281-7292. [PMID: 37605887 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00876b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Chemical reaction cycles are prototypical examples how to drive systems out of equilibrium and introduce novel, life-like properties into soft-matter systems. We report simulations of amphiphilic molecules in aqueous solution. The molecule's head group is permanently hydrophilic, whereas the reaction cycle switches the molecule's tail from hydrophilic (precursor) to hydrophobic (amphiphile) and vice versa. The reaction cycle leads to an arrest in coalescence and results in uniform vesicle sizes that can be controlled by the reaction rate. Using a continuum description and particle-based simulation, we study the scaling of the vesicle size with the reaction rate. The chemically active vesicles are inflated by precursor, imparting tension onto the membrane and, for specific parameters, stabilize pores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Häfner
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Howlett MG, Fletcher SP. From autocatalysis to survival of the fittest in self-reproducing lipid systems. Nat Rev Chem 2023; 7:673-691. [PMID: 37612460 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Studying autocatalysis - in which molecules catalyse their own formation - might help to explain the emergence of chemical systems that exhibit traits normally associated with biology. When coupled to other processes, autocatalysis can lead to complex systems-level behaviour in apparently simple mixtures. Lipids are an important class of chemicals that appear simple in isolation, but collectively show complex supramolecular and mesoscale dynamics. Here we discuss autocatalytic lipids as a source of extraordinary behaviour such as primitive chemical evolution, chemotaxis, temporally controllable materials and even as supramolecular catalysts for continuous synthesis. We survey the literature since the first examples of lipid autocatalysis and highlight state-of-the-art synthetic systems that emulate life, displaying behaviour such as metabolism and homeostasis, with special consideration for generating structural complexity and out-of-equilibrium models of life. Autocatalytic lipid systems have enormous potential for building complexity from simple components, and connections between physical effects and molecular reactivity are only just beginning to be discovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Howlett
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen P Fletcher
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lauber N, Tichacek O, Narayanankutty K, De Martino D, Ruiz-Mirazo K. Collective catalysis under spatial constraints: Phase separation and size-scaling effects on mass action kinetics. Phys Rev E 2023; 108:044410. [PMID: 37978605 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.108.044410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemical reactions are usually studied under the assumption that both substrates and catalysts are well-mixed (WM) throughout the system. Although this is often applicable to test-tube experimental conditions, it is not realistic in cellular environments, where biomolecules can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and form condensates, leading to important functional outcomes, including the modulation of catalytic action. Similar processes may also play a role in protocellular systems, like primitive coacervates, or in membrane-assisted prebiotic pathways. Here we explore whether the demixing of catalysts could lead to the formation of microenvironments that influence the kinetics of a linear (multistep) reaction pathway, as compared to a WM system. We implemented a general lattice model to simulate LLPS of a collection of different catalysts and extended it to include diffusion and a sequence of reactions of small substrates. We carried out a quantitative analysis of how the phase separation of the catalysts affects reaction times depending on the affinity between substrates and catalysts, the length of the reaction pathway, the system size, and the degree of homogeneity of the condensate. A key aspect underlying the differences reported between the two scenarios is that the scale invariance observed in the WM system is broken by condensation processes. The main theoretical implications of our results for mean-field chemistry are drawn, extending the mass action kinetics scheme to include substrate initial "hitting times" to reach the catalysts condensate. We finally test this approach by considering open nonlinear conditions, where we successfully predict, through microscopic simulations, that phase separation inhibits chemical oscillatory behavior, providing a possible explanation for the marginal role that this complex dynamic behavior plays in real metabolisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nino Lauber
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Department of Philosophy, University of the Basque Country, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ondrej Tichacek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Krishnadev Narayanankutty
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Daniele De Martino
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Ikerbasque Foundation, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Kepa Ruiz-Mirazo
- Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Department of Philosophy, University of the Basque Country, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen X, Kriebisch BAK, Bergmann AM, Boekhoven J. Design rules for reciprocal coupling in chemically fueled assembly. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10176-10183. [PMID: 37772095 PMCID: PMC10530897 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02062b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biology regulates the function and assembly of proteins through non-equilibrium reaction cycles. Reciprocally, the assembly of proteins can influence the reaction rates of these cycles. Such reciprocal coupling between assembly and reaction cycle is a prerequisite for behavior like dynamic instabilities, treadmilling, pattern formation, and oscillations between morphologies. While assemblies regulated by chemical reaction cycles gained traction, the concept of reciprocal coupling is under-explored. In this work, we provide two molecular design strategies to tweak the degree of reciprocal coupling between the assembly and reaction cycle. The strategies involve spacing the chemically active site away from the assembly or burying it into the assembly. We envision that design strategies facilitate the creation of reciprocally coupled and, by extension, dynamic supramolecular materials in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Brigitte A K Kriebisch
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Alexander M Bergmann
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Spitzbarth B, Eelkema R. Chemical reaction networks based on conjugate additions on β'-substituted Michael acceptors. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:11174-11187. [PMID: 37529876 PMCID: PMC10508045 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02126b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the study of more complex, chemical systems closer to those found in nature, and the interactions within those systems, has grown immensely. Despite great efforts, the need for new, versatile, and robust chemistry to apply in CRNs remains. In this Feature Article, we give a brief overview over previous developments in the field of systems chemistry and how β'-substituted Michael acceptors (MAs) can be a great addition to the systems chemist's toolbox. We illustrate their versatility by showcasing a range of examples of applying β'-substituted MAs in CRNs, both as chemical signals and as substrates, to open up the path to many applications ranging from responsive materials, to pathway control in CRNs, drug delivery, analyte detection, and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Spitzbarth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Rienk Eelkema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li M, Mirshafian R, Wang J, Mohanram H, Ahn KA, Hosseinzadeh S, Pervushin KV, Waite JH, Yu J. Compliant Clients: Catechols Exhibit Enhanced Solubility and Stability in Diverse Complex Coacervates. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4190-4198. [PMID: 37603820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte coacervates, with their greater-than-water density, low interfacial energy, shear thinning viscosity, and ability to undergo structural arrest, mediate the formation of diverse load-bearing macromolecular materials in living organisms as well as in industrial material fabrication. Coacervates, however, have other useful attributes that are challenging to study given the metastability of coacervate colloidal droplets and a lack of suitable analytical methods. We adopt solution electrochemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements to obtain remarkable insights about coacervates as solvent media for low-molecular-weight catechols. When catechols are added to dispersions of coacervated polyelectrolytes, there are two significant consequences: (1) catechols preferentially partition up to 260-fold into the coacervate phase, and (2) coacervates stabilize catechol redox potentials by up to +200 mV relative to the equilibrium solution. The results suggest that the relationship between phase-separated polyelectrolytes and their client molecules is distinct from that existing in aqueous solution and has the potential for insulating many redox-unstable chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Razieh Mirshafian
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jining Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Harini Mohanram
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Kollbe Ando Ahn
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Shayan Hosseinzadeh
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Konstantin V Pervushin
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - J Herbert Waite
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kubota R, Hiroi T, Ikuta Y, Liu Y, Hamachi I. Visualizing Formation and Dynamics of a Three-Dimensional Sponge-like Network of a Coacervate in Real Time. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18316-18328. [PMID: 37562059 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Coacervates, which are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, have been extensively explored as models for synthetic cells and membraneless organelles, so their in-depth structural analysis is crucial. However, both the inner structure dynamics and formation mechanism of coacervates remain elusive. Herein, we demonstrate real-time confocal observation of a three-dimensional sponge-like network in a dipeptide-based coacervate. In situ generation of the dipeptide allowed us to capture the emergence of the sponge-like network via unprecedented membrane folding of vesicle-shaped intermediates. We also visualized dynamic fluctuation of the network, including reversible engagement/disengagement of cross-links and a stochastic network kissing event. Photoinduced transient formation of a multiphase coacervate was achieved with a thermally responsive phase transition. Our findings expand the fundamental understanding of synthetic coacervates and provide opportunities to manipulate their physicochemical properties by engineering the inner network for potential applications in development of artificial cells and life-like material fabrication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Taro Hiroi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yuriki Ikuta
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yuchong Liu
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura 615-8530, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sinha NJ, Cunha KC, Murphy R, Hawker CJ, Shea JE, Helgeson ME. Competition between β-Sheet and Coacervate Domains Yields Diverse Morphologies in Mixtures of Oppositely Charged Homochiral Polypeptides. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:3580-3588. [PMID: 37486022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular assembly processes involving competition between specific intermolecular interactions and thermodynamic phase instability have been implicated in a number of pathological states and technological applications of biomaterials. As a model for such processes, aqueous mixtures of oppositely charged homochiral polypeptides such as poly-l-lysine and poly-l-glutamic acid have been reported to form either β-sheet-rich solid-like precipitates or liquid-like coacervate droplets depending on competing hydrogen bonding interactions. Herein, we report studies of polypeptide mixtures that reveal unexpectedly diverse morphologies ranging from partially coalescing and aggregated droplets to bulk precipitates, as well as a previously unreported re-entrant liquid-liquid phase separation at high polypeptide concentration and ionic strength. Combining our experimental results with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of folded polypeptide complexes reveals a concentration dependence of β-sheet-rich secondary structure, whose relative composition correlates with the observed macroscale morphologies of the mixtures. These results elucidate a crucial balance of interactions that are important for controlling morphology during coacervation in these and potentially similar biologically relevant systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nairiti J Sinha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials Department and Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Keila Cristina Cunha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Robert Murphy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Craig J Hawker
- Materials Department and Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Joan-Emma Shea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Matthew E Helgeson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
The design of compartmentalized colloids that exhibit biomimetic properties is providing model systems for developing synthetic cell-like entities (protocells). Inspired by the cell walls in plant cells, we developed a method to prepare membranized coacervates as protocell models by coating membraneless liquid-like microdroplets with a protective layer of rigid polysaccharides. Membranization not only endowed colloidal stability and prevented aggregation and coalescence but also facilitated selective biomolecule sequestration and chemical exchange across the membrane. The polysaccharide wall surrounding coacervate protocells acted as a stimuli-responsive structural barrier that enabled enzyme-triggered membrane lysis to initiate internalization and killing of Escherichia coli. The membranized coacervates were capable of spatial organization into structured tissue-like protocell assemblages, offering a means to mimic metabolism and cell-to-cell communication. We envision that surface engineering of protocells as developed in this work generates a platform for constructing advanced synthetic cell mimetics and sophisticated cell-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanglimin Ji
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
In biology, the function of many molecules is regulated through nonequilibrium chemical reaction cycles. The prototypical example is the phosphorylation of an amino acid in an enzyme which induces a functional change, e.g., it folds or unfolds, assembles or disassembles, or binds a substrate. Such phosphorylation does not occur spontaneously but requires a phosphorylating agent with high chemical potential (for example, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) to be converted into a molecule with lower chemical potential (adenosine diphosphate (ADP)). When this energy is used to regulate an assembly, we speak of chemically fueled assemblies; i.e., the molecule with high potential, the fuel, is used to regulate a self-assembly process. For example, the binding of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to tubulin induces self-assembly. The bound GTP is hydrolyzed to guanosine diphosphate (GDP) upon assembly, which induces tubulin disassembly. The result is a dynamic assembly endowed with unique characteristics, such as time-dependent behavior and the ability to self-heal. These intriguing, unique properties have inspired supramolecular chemists to create similar chemically fueled molecular assemblies from the bottom up. While examples have been designed, they remain scarce partly because chemically fueled reaction cycles are rare and often complex. Thus, we recently developed a carbodiimide-driven reaction cycle that is versatile and easy to use, quantitatively understood, and does not suffer from side reactions. In the reaction cycle, a carboxylate precursor reacts with a carbodiimide to form an activated species like an anhydride or ester. The activated state reacts with water and thereby reverts to its precursor state; i.e., the activated state is deactivated. Effectively, the precursor catalyzes carbodiimides' conversion into waste and forms a transient activated state. We designed building blocks to regulate a range of assemblies and supramolecular materials at the expense of carbodiimide fuel. The simplicity and versatility of the reaction cycles have democratized and popularized the field of chemically fueled assemblies. In this Account, we describe what we have "learned" on our way. We introduce the field exemplified by biological nonequilibrium self-assembly. We describe the design of the carbodiimide-driven reaction cycle. Using examples from our group and others, we offer design rules for the building block's structure and strategies to create the desired morphology or supramolecular materials. The discussed morphologies include fibers, colloids, crystals, and oil- and coacervate-based droplets. We then demonstrate how these assemblies form supramolecular materials with unique material properties like the ability to self-heal. Besides, we discuss the concept of reciprocal coupling in which the assembly exerts feedback on its reaction cycle and we also offer examples of such feedback mechanisms. Finally, we close the Account with a discussion and an outlook on this field. This Account aims to provide our fundamental understanding and facilitate further progress toward conceptually new supramolecular materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Chen
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Michaela A. Würbser
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang L, Parvin R, Chen M, Hu D, Fan Q, Ye F. High-throughput microfluidic droplets in biomolecular analytical system: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 228:115213. [PMID: 36906989 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidic technology has revolutionized biomolecular analytical research, as it has the capability to reserve the genotype-to-phenotype linkage and assist for revealing the heterogeneity. Massive and uniform picolitre droplets feature dividing solution to the level that single cell and single molecule in each droplet can be visualized, barcoded, and analyzed. Then, the droplet assays can unfold intensive genomic data, offer high sensitivity, and screen and sort from a large number of combinations or phenotypes. Based on these unique advantages, this review focuses on up-to-date research concerning diverse screening applications utilizing droplet microfluidic technology. The emerging progress of droplet microfluidic technology is first introduced, including efficient and scaling-up in droplets encapsulation, and prevalent batch operations. Then the new implementations of droplet-based digital detection assays and single-cell muti-omics sequencing are briefly examined, along with related applications such as drug susceptibility testing, multiplexing for cancer subtype identification, interactions of virus-to-host, and multimodal and spatiotemporal analysis. Meanwhile, we specialize in droplet-based large-scale combinational screening regarding desired phenotypes, with an emphasis on sorting for immune cells, antibodies, enzymatic properties, and proteins produced by directed evolution methods. Finally, some challenges, deployment and future perspective of droplet microfluidics technology in practice are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lexiang Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Rokshana Parvin
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Mingshuo Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Dingmeng Hu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Qihui Fan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Tissue Repair Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Modi N, Chen S, Adjei INA, Franco BL, Bishop KJM, Obermeyer AC. Designing negative feedback loops in enzymatic coacervate droplets. Chem Sci 2023; 14:4735-4744. [PMID: 37181760 PMCID: PMC10171067 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc03838b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Membraneless organelles within the living cell use phase separation of biomolecules coupled with enzymatic reactions to regulate cellular processes. The diverse functions of these biomolecular condensates motivate the pursuit of simpler in vitro models that exhibit primitive forms of self-regulation based on internal feedback mechanisms. Here, we investigate one such model based on complex coacervation of the enzyme catalase with an oppositely charge polyelectrolyte DEAE-dextran to form pH-responsive catalytic droplets. Upon addition of hydrogen peroxide "fuel", enzyme activity localized within the droplets causes a rapid increase in the pH. Under appropriate conditions, this reaction-induced pH change triggers coacervate dissolution owing to its pH-responsive phase behavior. Notably, this destabilizing effect of the enzymatic reaction on phase separation depends on droplet size owing to the diffusive delivery and removal of reaction components. Reaction-diffusion models informed by the experimental data show that larger drops support larger changes in the local pH thereby enhancing their dissolution relative to smaller droplets. Together, these results provide a basis for achieving droplet size control based on negative feedback between pH-dependent phase separation and pH-changing enzymatic reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Modi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University New York USA
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University New York USA
| | - Imelda N A Adjei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University New York USA
| | - Briana L Franco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University New York USA
| | - Kyle J M Bishop
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University New York USA
| | - Allie C Obermeyer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University New York USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Fraccia TP, Martin N. Non-enzymatic oligonucleotide ligation in coacervate protocells sustains compartment-content coupling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2606. [PMID: 37160869 PMCID: PMC10169843 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern cells are complex chemical compartments tightly regulated by an underlying DNA-encoded program. Achieving a form of coupling between molecular content, chemical reactions, and chassis in synthetic compartments represents a key step to the assembly of evolvable protocells but remains challenging. Here, we design coacervate droplets that promote non-enzymatic oligonucleotide polymerization and that restructure as a result of the reaction dynamics. More specifically, we rationally exploit complexation between end-reactive oligonucleotides able to stack into long physical polymers and a cationic azobenzene photoswitch to produce three different phases-soft solids, liquid crystalline or isotropic coacervates droplets-each of them having a different impact on the reaction efficiency. Dynamical modulation of coacervate assembly and dissolution via trans-cis azobenzene photo-isomerization is used to demonstrate cycles of light-actuated oligonucleotide ligation. Remarkably, changes in the population of polynucleotides during polymerization induce phase transitions due to length-based DNA self-sorting to produce multiphase coacervates. Overall, by combining a tight reaction-structure coupling and environmental responsiveness, our reactive coacervates provide a general route to the non-enzymatic synthesis of polynucleotides and pave the way to the emergence of a primitive compartment-content coupling in membrane-free protocells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso P Fraccia
- Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Chimie Biologie et Innovation, UMR 8231, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, 6 rue Jean Calvin, 75005, Paris, France.
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Nicolas Martin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR 5031, 115 avenue du Dr. Schweitzer, 33600, Pessac, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhu G, Azharuddin M, Pramanik B, Roberg K, Biswas SK, D’arcy P, Lu M, Kaur A, Chen A, Dhara AK, Chivu A, Zhuang Y, Baker A, Liu X, Fairen-Jimenez D, Mazumder B, Chen R, Kaminski CF, Kaminski Schierle GS, Hinkula J, Slater NKH, Patra HK. Feasibility of Coacervate-Like Nanostructure for Instant Drug Nanoformulation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:17485-17494. [PMID: 36976817 PMCID: PMC10103128 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite the enormous advancements in nanomedicine research, a limited number of nanoformulations are available on the market, and few have been translated to clinics. An easily scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective manufacturing strategy and long-term stability for storage are crucial for successful translation. Here, we report a system and method to instantly formulate NF achieved with a nanoscale polyelectrolyte coacervate-like system, consisting of anionic pseudopeptide poly(l-lysine isophthalamide) derivatives, polyethylenimine, and doxorubicin (Dox) via simple "mix-and-go" addition of precursor solutions in seconds. The coacervate-like nanosystem shows enhanced intracellular delivery of Dox to patient-derived multidrug-resistant (MDR) cells in 3D tumor spheroids. The results demonstrate the feasibility of an instant drug formulation using a coacervate-like nanosystem. We envisage that this technique can be widely utilized in the nanomedicine field to bypass the special requirement of large-scale production and elongated shelf life of nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geyunjian
H. Zhu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Azharuddin
- Department
of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linkoping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden
| | - Bapan Pramanik
- Department
of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the
Negev, Be’er
Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Karin Roberg
- Department
of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linkoping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden
- Department
of Otorhinolaryngology in Linköping, Anaesthetics, Operations
and Specialty Surgery Center, Linköping
University Hospital, Region Östergötland, Linköping 58185, Sweden
| | - Sujoy Kumar Biswas
- AIMP
Laboratories, C86 Baishnabghata,
Patuli Township, Kolkata 700094, India
| | - Padraig D’arcy
- Department
of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linkoping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden
| | - Meng Lu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Apanpreet Kaur
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington
Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Chen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Ashis Kumar Dhara
- Department
of Electrical Engineering, National Institute
of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India
| | - Alexandru Chivu
- Department
of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional
Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Yunhui Zhuang
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Baker
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Xiewen Liu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - David Fairen-Jimenez
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Bismoy Mazumder
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Rongjun Chen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington
Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Clemens F. Kaminski
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | | | - Jorma Hinkula
- Department
of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linkoping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden
| | - Nigel K. H. Slater
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United
Kingdom
| | - Hirak K. Patra
- Department
of Surgical Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional
Science, University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen X, Stasi M, Rodon-Fores J, Großmann PF, Bergmann AM, Dai K, Tena-Solsona M, Rieger B, Boekhoven J. A Carbodiimide-Fueled Reaction Cycle That Forms Transient 5(4 H)-Oxazolones. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6880-6887. [PMID: 36931284 PMCID: PMC10064336 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
In life, molecular architectures, like the cytoskeletal proteins or the nucleolus, catalyze the conversion of chemical fuels to perform their functions. For example, tubulin catalyzes the hydrolysis of GTP to form a dynamic cytoskeletal network. In contrast, myosin uses the energy obtained by catalyzing the hydrolysis of ATP to exert forces. Artificial examples of such beautiful architectures are scarce partly because synthetic chemically fueled reaction cycles are relatively rare. Here, we introduce a new chemical reaction cycle driven by the hydration of a carbodiimide. Unlike other carbodiimide-fueled reaction cycles, the proposed cycle forms a transient 5(4H)-oxazolone. The reaction cycle is efficient in forming the transient product and is robust to operate under a wide range of fuel inputs, pH, and temperatures. The versatility of the precursors is vast, and we demonstrate several molecular designs that yield chemically fueled droplets, fibers, and crystals. We anticipate that the reaction cycle can offer a range of other assemblies and, due to its versatility, can also be incorporated into molecular motors and machines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Michele Stasi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Jennifer Rodon-Fores
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Paula F Großmann
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Alexander M Bergmann
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kun Dai
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Marta Tena-Solsona
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Bernhard Rieger
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748 Garching, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chowdhuri S, Das S, Kushwaha R, Das T, Das BK, Das D. Cumulative Effect of pH and Redox Triggers on Highly Adaptive Transient Coacervates. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203820. [PMID: 36786201 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
An intricate synergism between multiple biochemical processes and physical conditions determines the formation and function of various biological self-assemblies. Thus, a complex set of variables dictate the far-from-equilibrium nature of these biological assemblies. Mimicking such systems synthetically is a challenging task. We report multi-stimuli responsive transient coacervation of an aldehyde-appended polymer and a short peptide. The coacervates are formed by the disulphide linkages between the peptide molecules and the imine bond between the polymer and the peptide. Imines are susceptible to pH changes and the disulphide bonds can be tuned by oxidation/reduction processes. Thus, the coacervation is operational only under the combined effect of appropriate pH and oxidative conditions. Taking advantage of these facts, the coacervates are transiently formed under a pH cycle (urea-urease/gluconolactone) and a non-equilibrium redox cycle (TCEP/H2 O2 ). Importantly, the system showed high adaptability toward environmental changes. The transient existence of the coacervates can be generated without any apparent change in size and shape within the same system through the sequential application of the above-mentioned nonequilibrium reaction cycles. Additionally, the coacervation allows for efficient encapsulation/stabilisation of proteins. Thus, the system has the potential to be used for protein/drug delivery purposes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Chowdhuri
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Saurav Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Ritvika Kushwaha
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Tanushree Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Basab Kanti Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Debapratim Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Venugopal A, Ruiz-Perez L, Swamynathan K, Kulkarni C, Calò A, Kumar M. Caught in Action: Visualizing Dynamic Nanostructures Within Supramolecular Systems Chemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202208681. [PMID: 36469792 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular systems chemistry has been an area of active research to develop nanomaterials with life-like functions. Progress in systems chemistry relies on our ability to probe the nanostructure formation in solution. Often visualizing the dynamics of nanostructures which transform over time is a formidable challenge. This necessitates a paradigm shift from dry sample imaging towards solution-based techniques. We review the application of state-of-the-art techniques for real-time, in situ visualization of dynamic self-assembly processes. We present how solution-based techniques namely optical super-resolution microscopy, solution-state atomic force microscopy, liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and other emerging techniques are revolutionizing our understanding of active and adaptive nanomaterials with life-like functions. This Review provides the visualization toolbox and futuristic vision to tap the potential of dynamic nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Venugopal
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Ruiz-Perez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Swamynathan
- Soft Condensed Matter, Raman Research Institute, C. V. Raman Avenue, Sadashivanagar, Bangalore-560080, India.,Department of Chemistry, NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560064, India
| | - Chidambar Kulkarni
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Annalisa Calò
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Calle Marti i Fraquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Calle Marti i Fraquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wu B, Lewis RW, Li G, Gao Y, Fan B, Klemm B, Huang J, Wang J, Cohen Stuart MA, Eelkema R. Chemical signal regulated injectable coacervate hydrogels. Chem Sci 2023; 14:1512-1523. [PMID: 36794201 PMCID: PMC9906648 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc06935k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the quest for stimuli-responsive materials with specific, controllable functions, coacervate hydrogels have become a promising candidate, featuring sensitive responsiveness to environmental signals enabling control over sol-gel transitions. However, conventional coacervation-based materials are regulated by relatively non-specific signals, such as temperature, pH or salt concentration, which limits their possible applications. In this work, we constructed a coacervate hydrogel with a Michael addition-based chemical reaction network (CRN) as a platform, where the state of coacervate materials can be easily tuned by specific chemical signals. We designed a pyridine-based ABA triblock copolymer, whose quaternization can be regulated by an allyl acetate electrophile and an amine nucleophile, leading to gel construction and collapse in the presence of polyanions. Our coacervate gels showed not only highly tunable stiffness and gelation times, but excellent self-healing ability and injectability with different sized needles, and accelerated degradation resulting from chemical signal-induced coacervation disruption. This work is expected to be a first step in the realization of a new class of signal-responsive injectable materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohang Wu
- East China University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Meilong Road 130 200237 Shanghai China.,Delft University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Reece W. Lewis
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Chemical EngineeringVan der Maasweg 92629 HZ DelftThe Netherlands
| | - Guotai Li
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Yifan Gao
- East China University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical EngineeringMeilong Road 130200237 ShanghaiChina
| | - Bowen Fan
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Klemm
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Jianan Huang
- East China University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical EngineeringMeilong Road 130200237 ShanghaiChina
| | - Junyou Wang
- East China University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical EngineeringMeilong Road 130200237 ShanghaiChina
| | - Martien A. Cohen Stuart
- East China University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical EngineeringMeilong Road 130200237 ShanghaiChina
| | - Rienk Eelkema
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhang Y, Wang S, Yan Y, He X, Wang Z, Zhou S, Yang X, Wang K, Liu J. Phase-separated bienzyme compartmentalization as artificial intracellular membraneless organelles for cell repair. Sci China Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-022-1491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
|
48
|
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) underlies the formation of intracellular membraneless compartments in biology and may have played a role in the formation of protocells that concentrate key chemicals during the origins of life. While LLPS of simple systems, such as oil and water, is well understood, many aspects of LLPS in complex, out-of-equilibrium molecular systems remain elusive. Here, the author discusses open questions and recent insights related to the formation, function and fate of such condensates both in cell biology and protocell research.
Collapse
|
49
|
Baruch Leshem A, Sloan-Dennison S, Massarano T, Ben-David S, Graham D, Faulds K, Gottlieb HE, Chill JH, Lampel A. Biomolecular condensates formed by designer minimalistic peptides. Nat Commun 2023; 14:421. [PMID: 36702825 PMCID: PMC9879991 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the role of intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in formation of membraneless organelles, there is great interest in developing dynamic compartments formed by LLPS of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or short peptides. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of biomolecular condensates have not been fully elucidated, rendering on-demand design of synthetic condensates with tailored physico-chemical functionalities a significant challenge. To address this need, here we design a library of LLPS-promoting peptide building blocks composed of various assembly domains. We show that the LLPS propensity, dynamics, and encapsulation efficiency of compartments can be tuned by changes to the peptide composition. Specifically, with the aid of Raman and NMR spectroscopy, we show that interactions between arginine and aromatic amino acids underlie droplet formation, and that both intra- and intermolecular interactions dictate droplet dynamics. The resulting sequence-structure-function correlation could support the future development of compartments for a variety of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avigail Baruch Leshem
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Sian Sloan-Dennison
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK
| | - Tlalit Massarano
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Shavit Ben-David
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Duncan Graham
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK
| | - Karen Faulds
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK
| | - Hugo E Gottlieb
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Jordan H Chill
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel.
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel. .,Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel. .,Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel. .,Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bayón-Fernández A, Méndez-Ardoy A, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Granja JR, Montenegro J. Self-healing cyclic peptide hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:606-617. [PMID: 36533555 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01721k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are soft materials of great interest in different areas such as chemistry, biology, and therapy. Gels made by the self-assembly of small molecules are known as supramolecular gels. The modulation of their properties by monomer molecular design is still difficult to predict due to the potential impact of subtle structural modifications in the self-assembly process. Herein, we introduce the design principles of a new family of self-assembling cyclic octapeptides of alternating chirality that can be used as scaffolds for the development of self-healing hydrogelator libraries with tunable properties. The strategy was used in the preparation of an amphiphilic cyclic peptide monomer bearing an alkoxyamine connector, which allowed the insertion of different aromatic aldehyde pendants to modulate the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and fine-tune the properties of the resulting gel. The resulting amphiphiles were able to form self-healable hydrogels with viscoelastic properties (loss tangent, storage modulus), which were strongly dependent on the nature and number of aromatic moieties anchored to the hydrophilic peptide. Structural studies by SEM, STEM and AFM indicated that the structure of the hydrogels was based on a dense network of peptide nanotubes. Excellent agreement was established between the peptide primary structure, nanotube length distributions and viscoelastic behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Bayón-Fernández
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Alejandro Méndez-Ardoy
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan R Granja
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Javier Montenegro
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|