1
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Zakaria FR, Chen CY, Li J, Wang S, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Redox active plant phenolic, acetosyringone, for electrogenetic signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9666. [PMID: 38671069 PMCID: PMC11053109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60191-7] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Redox is a unique, programmable modality capable of bridging communication between biology and electronics. Previous studies have shown that the E. coli redox-responsive OxyRS regulon can be re-wired to accept electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an inducer of gene expression. Here we report that the redox-active phenolic plant signaling molecule acetosyringone (AS) can also induce gene expression from the OxyRS regulon. AS must be oxidized, however, as the reduced state present under normal conditions cannot induce gene expression. Thus, AS serves as a "pro-signaling molecule" that can be activated by its oxidation-in our case by application of oxidizing potential to an electrode. We show that the OxyRS regulon is not induced electrochemically if the imposed electrode potential is in the mid-physiological range. Electronically sliding the applied potential to either oxidative or reductive extremes induces this regulon but through different mechanisms: reduction of O2 to form H2O2 or oxidation of AS. Fundamentally, this work reinforces the emerging concept that redox signaling depends more on molecular activities than molecular structure. From an applications perspective, the creation of an electronically programmed "pro-signal" dramatically expands the toolbox for electronic control of biological responses in microbes, including in complex environments, cell-based materials, and biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziah Rahma Zakaria
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Chen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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2
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Wang S, Aljirafi FO, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Excite the unexcitable: engineering cells and redox signaling for targeted bioelectronic control. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103052. [PMID: 38150921 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103052] [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] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing influence of technology in our lives has led to an increasing interest in the development of smart electronic devices to interrogate and control biological systems. Recently, redox-mediated electrogenetics introduced a novel avenue that enables direct bioelectronic control at the genetic level. In this review, we discuss recent advances in methodologies for bioelectronic control, ranging from electrical stimulation to engineering efforts that allow traditionally unexcitable cells to be electrically 'programmable.' Alongside ion-transport signaling, we suggest redox as a route for rational engineering because it is a native form of electronic communication in biology. Using redox as a common language allows the interfacing of electronics and biology. This newfound connection opens a gateway of possibilities for next-generation bioelectronic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Futoon O Aljirafi
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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3
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Wang S, Chen CY, Rzasa JR, Tsao CY, Li J, VanArsdale E, Kim E, Zakaria FR, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Redox-enabled electronic interrogation and feedback control of hierarchical and networked biological systems. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8514. [PMID: 38129428 PMCID: PMC10739708 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44223-w] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microelectronic devices can directly communicate with biology, as electronic information can be transmitted via redox reactions within biological systems. By engineering biology's native redox networks, we enable electronic interrogation and control of biological systems at several hierarchical levels: proteins, cells, and cell consortia. First, electro-biofabrication facilitates on-device biological component assembly. Then, electrode-actuated redox data transmission and redox-linked synthetic biology allows programming of enzyme activity and closed-loop electrogenetic control of cellular function. Specifically, horseradish peroxidase is assembled onto interdigitated electrodes where electrode-generated hydrogen peroxide controls its activity. E. coli's stress response regulon, oxyRS, is rewired to enable algorithm-based feedback control of gene expression, including an eCRISPR module that switches cell-cell quorum sensing communication from one autoinducer to another-creating an electronically controlled 'bilingual' cell. Then, these disparate redox-guided devices are wirelessly connected, enabling real-time communication and user-based control. We suggest these methodologies will help us to better understand and develop sophisticated control for biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Chen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John R Rzasa
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Fauziah Rahma Zakaria
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
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4
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Pirolli NH, Reus LSC, Mamczarz Z, Khan S, Bentley WE, Jay SM. High performance anion exchange chromatography purification of probiotic bacterial extracellular vesicles enhances purity and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3368-3380. [PMID: 37555379 PMCID: PMC10592193 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28522] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), including outer membrane vesicles, have emerged as a promising new class of vaccines and therapeutics to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases, among other applications. However, clinical translation of BEVs is hindered by a current lack of scalable and efficient purification methods. Here, we address downstream BEV biomanufacturing limitations by developing a method for orthogonal size- and charge-based BEV enrichment using tangential flow filtration (TFF) in tandem with high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC). The data show that size-based separation coisolated protein contaminants, whereas size-based TFF with charged-based HPAEC dramatically improved purity of BEVs produced by probiotic Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Escherichia coli BEV purity was quantified using established biochemical markers while improved LAB BEV purity was assessed via observed potentiation of anti-inflammatory bioactivity. Overall, this work establishes orthogonal TFF + HPAEC as a scalable and efficient method for BEV purification that holds promise for future large-scale biomanufacturing of therapeutic BEV products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas H. Pirolli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Laura Samantha C. Reus
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Zuzanna Mamczarz
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sulayman Khan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Steven M. Jay
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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5
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Ahn SH, Borden LK, Bentley WE, Raghavan SR. Cell-Like Capsules with "Smart" Compartments. Small 2023; 19:e2206693. [PMID: 36895073 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206693] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells have inner compartments (organelles), each with distinct properties and functions. One mimic of this architecture, based on biopolymers, is the multicompartment capsule (MCC). Here, MCCs in which the inner compartments are chemically unique and "smart," i.e., responsive to distinct stimuli in an orthogonal manner are created. Specifically, one compartment alone is induced to degrade when the MCC is contacted with an enzyme while other compartments remain unaffected. Similarly, just one compartment gets degraded upon contact with reactive oxygen species generated from hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). And thirdly, one compartment alone is degraded by an external, physical stimulus, namely, by irradiating the MCC with ultraviolet (UV) light. All these specific responses are achieved without resorting to complicated chemistry to create the compartments: the multivalent cation used to crosslink the biopolymer alginate (Alg) is simply altered. Compartments of Alg crosslinked by Ca2+ are shown to be sensitive to enzymes (alginate lyases) but not to H2 O2 or UV, whereas the reverse is the case with Alg/Fe3+ compartments. These results imply the ability to selectively burst open a compartment in an MCC "on-demand" (i.e., as and when needed) and using biologically relevant stimuli. The results are then extended to a sequential degradation, where compartments in an MCC are degraded one after another, leaving behind an empty MCC lumen. Collectively, this work advances the MCC as a platform that not only emulates key features of cellular architecture, but can also begin to capture rudimentary cell-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Leah K Borden
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Srinivasa R Raghavan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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6
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Liu Y, Kim E, Lei M, Wu S, Yan K, Shen J, Bentley WE, Shi X, Qu X, Payne GF. Electro-Biofabrication. Coupling Electrochemical and Biomolecular Methods to Create Functional Bio-Based Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2023. [PMID: 37155361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00132] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Twenty years ago, this journal published a review entitled "Biofabrication with Chitosan" based on the observations that (i) chitosan could be electrodeposited using low voltage electrical inputs (typically less than 5 V) and (ii) the enzyme tyrosinase could be used to graft proteins (via accessible tyrosine residues) to chitosan. Here, we provide a progress report on the coupling of electronic inputs with advanced biological methods for the fabrication of biopolymer-based hydrogel films. In many cases, the initial observations of chitosan's electrodeposition have been extended and generalized: mechanisms have been established for the electrodeposition of various other biological polymers (proteins and polysaccharides), and electrodeposition has been shown to allow the precise control of the hydrogel's emergent microstructure. In addition, the use of biotechnological methods to confer function has been extended from tyrosinase conjugation to the use of protein engineering to create genetically fused assembly tags (short sequences of accessible amino acid residues) that facilitate the attachment of function-conferring proteins to electrodeposited films using alternative enzymes (e.g., transglutaminase), metal chelation, and electrochemically induced oxidative mechanisms. Over these 20 years, the contributions from numerous groups have also identified exciting opportunities. First, electrochemistry provides unique capabilities to impose chemical and electrical cues that can induce assembly while controlling the emergent microstructure. Second, it is clear that the detailed mechanisms of biopolymer self-assembly (i.e., chitosan gel formation) are far more complex than anticipated, and this provides a rich opportunity both for fundamental inquiry and for the creation of high performance and sustainable material systems. Third, the mild conditions used for electrodeposition allow cells to be co-deposited for the fabrication of living materials. Finally, the applications have been expanded from biosensing and lab-on-a-chip systems to bioelectronic and medical materials. We suggest that electro-biofabrication is poised to emerge as an enabling additive manufacturing method especially suited for life science applications and to bridge communication between our biological and technological worlds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research and Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research and Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Miao Lei
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Si Wu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hubei Key Laboratory for Efficient Utilization and Agglomeration of Metallurgic Mineral Resources, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
| | - Kun Yan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials & Application, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
| | - Jana Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research and Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Xiaowen Shi
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research and Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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7
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Piroli NH, Reus LSC, Mamczarz Z, Khan S, Bentley WE, Jay SM. High performance anion exchange chromatography purification of probiotic bacterial extracellular vesicles enhances purity and anti-inflammatory efficacy. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.01.538917. [PMID: 37205369 PMCID: PMC10187247 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.01.538917] [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] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), including outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), have emerged as a promising new class of vaccines and therapeutics to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases, among other applications. However, clinical translation of BEVs is hindered by a current lack of scalable and efficient purification methods. Here, we address downstream BEV biomanufacturing limitations by developing a method for orthogonal size- and charge-based BEV enrichment using tangential flow filtration (TFF) in tandem with high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC). The data show that size-based separation co-isolated protein contaminants, whereas size-based TFF with charged-based HPAEC dramatically improved purity of BEVs produced by probiotic Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria (LAB). E. coli BEV purity was quantified using established biochemical markers while improved LAB BEV purity was assessed via observed potentiation of anti-inflammatory bioactivity. Overall, this work establishes orthogonal TFF + HPAEC as a scalable and efficient method for BEV purification that holds promise for future large-scale biomanufacturing of therapeutic BEV products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas H. Piroli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Laura Samantha C. Reus
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Zuzanna Mamczarz
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sulayman Khan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Steven M. Jay
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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8
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Qian J, Dong Q, Chun K, Zhu D, Zhang X, Mao Y, Culver JN, Tai S, German JR, Dean DP, Miller JT, Wang L, Wu T, Li T, Brozena AH, Briber RM, Milton DK, Bentley WE, Hu L. Highly stable, antiviral, antibacterial cotton textiles via molecular engineering. Nat Nanotechnol 2023; 18:168-176. [PMID: 36585515 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01278-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Cotton textiles are ubiquitous in daily life and are also one of the primary mediums for transmitting viruses and bacteria. Conventional approaches to fabricating antiviral and antibacterial textiles generally load functional additives onto the surface of the fabric and/or their microfibres. However, such modifications are susceptible to deterioration after long-term use due to leaching of the additives. Here we show a different method to impregnate copper ions into the cellulose matrix to form a copper ion-textile (Cu-IT), in which the copper ions strongly coordinate with the oxygen-containing polar functional groups (for example, hydroxyl) of the cellulose chains. The Cu-IT displays high antiviral and antibacterial performance against tobacco mosaic virus and influenza A virus, and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis bacteria due to the antimicrobial properties of copper. Furthermore, the strong coordination bonding of copper ions with the hydroxyl functionalities endows the Cu-IT with excellent air/water retainability and superior mechanical stability, which can meet daily use and resist repeated washing. This method to fabricate Cu-IT is cost-effective, ecofriendly and highly scalable, and this textile appears very promising for use in household products, public facilities and medical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Qian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Qi Dong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kayla Chun
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Dongyang Zhu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Yimin Mao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - James N Culver
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sheldon Tai
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer R German
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - David P Dean
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Miller
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Liguang Wang
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Tianpin Wu
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Alexandra H Brozena
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Robert M Briber
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Donald K Milton
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Liangbing Hu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Center for Materials Innovation, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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9
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VanArsdale E, Navid A, Chu MJ, Halvorsen TM, Payne GF, Jiao Y, Bentley WE, Yung MC. Electrogenetic signaling and information propagation for controlling microbial consortia via programmed lysis. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1366-1381. [PMID: 36710487 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28337] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To probe signal propagation and genetic actuation in microbial consortia, we have coopted the components of both redox and quorum sensing (QS) signaling into a communication network for guiding composition by "programming" cell lysis. Here, we use an electrode to generate hydrogen peroxide as a redox cue that determines consortia composition. The oxidative stress regulon of Escherichia coli, OxyR, is employed to receive and transform this signal into a QS signal that coordinates the lysis of a subpopulation of cells. We examine a suite of information transfer modalities including "monoculture" and "transmitter-receiver" models, as well as a series of genetic circuits that introduce time-delays for altering information relay, thereby expanding design space. A simple mathematical model aids in developing communication schemes that accommodate the transient nature of redox signals and the "collective" attributes of QS signals. We suggest this platform methodology will be useful in understanding and controlling synthetic microbial consortia for a variety of applications, including biomanufacturing and biocontainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Navid
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Monica J Chu
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Tiffany M Halvorsen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Yongqin Jiao
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Livermore, California, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Mimi C Yung
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Livermore, California, USA
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10
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Stephens K, Bentley WE. Quorum Sensing from Two Engineers’ Perspectives. Isr J Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Stephens
- Thayer School of Engineering Dartmouth College Hanover NH USA
- Center for Bioenergy Innovation Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering University of Maryland College Park MD USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research University of Maryland College Park MD USA [e]Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices University of Maryland College Park MD USA
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11
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Ahn SH, Karlsson AJ, Bentley WE, Raghavan SR. Capsules with bacteria and fungi in distinct compartments: A platform for studying microbes from different kingdoms and their cross-communication. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277132. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have created ‘artificial cells’ with an architecture mimicking that of typical eukaryotic cells. Our design uses common biopolymers like alginate and chitosan to create multi-compartment capsules (MCCs) via oil-free microfluidics. MCCs (~ 500 μm in diameter) can be engineered with multiple inner compartments, each with a distinct payload. This mimics the distinct organelles in eukaryotic cells, each of which has unique properties. In this study, we encapsulate microbial cells from two distinct kingdoms — Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacteria) and Candida albicans (fungi) — in the inner compartments of MCCs. The two microbes are commonly found in biofilms at sites of infection in humans. We first demonstrate that the MCC can serve as a simple platform to observe the comparative growth of the cells in real time. Unlike typical co-culture in solution or on agar plates, the cells can grow in their own compartments without direct physical contact. Moreover, the hydrogel matrix in the compartments mimics the three-dimensional (3-D) environment that cells naturally encounter during their growth. Small molecules added to the solution are shown to permeate through the capsule walls and affect cell growth: for example, cationic surfactants inhibit the fungi but not the bacteria. Conversely, low pH and kanamycin inhibit the bacteria but not the fungi. Also, when the bacteria are present in adjacent compartments, the fungal cells mostly stay in a yeast morphology, meaning as spheroidal cells. In contrast, in the absence of the bacteria, the fungi transition into hyphae, i.e., long multicellular filaments. The inhibition of this morphological switch in fungal cells is shown to be induced by signaling molecules (specifically, the quorum sensing autoinducer-1 or AI-1) secreted by the bacteria. Thus, the MCC platform can also be used to detect cross-kingdom signaling between the compartmentalized microbes.
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12
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VanArsdale E, Pitzer J, Wang S, Stephens K, Chen CY, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Enhanced electrochemical measurement of β-galactosidase activity in whole cells by coexpression of lactose permease, LacY. Biotechniques 2022; 73:233-237. [DOI: 10.2144/btn-2022-0090] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-cell biosensing links the sensing and computing capabilities of microbes to the generation of a detectable reporter. Whole cells enable dynamic biological computation (filtered noise, amplified signals, logic gating etc.). Enzymatic reporters enable in situ signal amplification. Electrochemical measurements are easily quantified and work in turbid environments. In this work we show how the coexpression of the lactose permease, LacY, dramatically improves electrochemical sensing of β-galactosidase (LacZ) expressed as a reporter in whole cells. The permease facilitates transport of the LacZ substrate, 4-aminophenyl β-d-galactopyranoside, which is converted to redox active p-aminophenol, which, in turn, is detected via cyclic voltammetry or chronocoulometry. We show a greater than fourfold improvement enabled by lacY coexpression in cells engineered to respond to bacterial signal molecules, pyocyanin and quorum-sensing autoinducer-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Juliana Pitzer
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Chen-yu Chen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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13
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Abstract
Autoinducer-2 is a key molecule for bacterial quorum sensing. New exporter structures may now help narrow the gap between biology and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of BioengineeringUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical DevicesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology ResearchUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Department of BioengineeringUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical DevicesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology ResearchUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of BioengineeringUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical DevicesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology ResearchUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
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14
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Hu P, Ly KL, Pham LPH, Pottash AE, Sheridan K, Wu HC, Tsao CY, Quan D, Bentley WE, Rubloff GW, Sintim HO, Luo X. Bacterial chemotaxis in static gradients quantified in a biopolymer membrane-integrated microfluidic platform. Lab Chip 2022; 22:3203-3216. [PMID: 35856590 PMCID: PMC9756273 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00481j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chemotaxis is a fundamental bacterial response mechanism to changes in chemical gradients of specific molecules known as chemoattractant or chemorepellent. The advancement of biological platforms for bacterial chemotaxis research is of significant interest for a wide range of biological and environmental studies. Many microfluidic devices have been developed for its study, but challenges still remain that can obscure analysis. For example, cell migration can be compromised by flow-induced shear stress, and bacterial motility can be impaired by nonspecific cell adhesion to microchannels. Also, devices can be complicated, expensive, and hard to assemble. We address these issues with a three-channel microfluidic platform integrated with natural biopolymer membranes that are assembled in situ. This provides several unique attributes. First, a static, steady and robust chemoattractant gradient was generated and maintained. Second, because the assembly incorporates assembly pillars, the assembled membrane arrays connecting nearby pillars can be created longer than the viewing window, enabling a wide 2D area for study. Third, the in situ assembled biopolymer membranes minimize pressure and/or chemiosmotic gradients that could induce flow and obscure chemotaxis study. Finally, nonspecific cell adhesion is avoided by priming the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel surfaces with Pluronic F-127. We demonstrated chemotactic migration of Escherichia coli as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa under well-controlled easy-to-assemble glucose gradients. We characterized motility using the chemotaxis partition coefficient (CPC) and chemotaxis migration coefficient (CMC) and found our results consistent with other reports. Further, random walk trajectories of individual cells in simple bright field images were conveniently tracked and presented in rose plots. Velocities were calculated, again in agreement with previous literature. We believe the biopolymer membrane-integrated platform represents a facile and convenient system for robust quantitative assessment of cellular motility in response to various chemical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia 20064, USA.
| | - Khanh L Ly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia 20064, USA
| | - Le P H Pham
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia 20064, USA.
| | - Alex E Pottash
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Kathleen Sheridan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia 20064, USA
| | - Hsuan-Chen Wu
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - David Quan
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gary W Rubloff
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Herman O Sintim
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Xiaolong Luo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia 20064, USA.
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15
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Motabar D, Wang S, Tsao CY, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Protein G: β-galactosidase fusion protein for multi-modal bioanalytical applications. Biotechnol Prog 2022; 38:e3297. [PMID: 35976745 PMCID: PMC10078426 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3297] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
β-galactosidase (β-gal) is one of the most prevalent markers of gene expression. Its activity can be monitored via optical and fluorescence microscopy, electrochemistry, and many other ways after slight modification using protein engineering. Here, we have constructed a chimeric version that incorporates a streptococcal protein G domain at the N-terminus of β-gal that binds immunoglobins, namely IgG. This protein G:β-galactosidase fusion enables β-gal-based spectrophotometric and electrochemical measurements of IgG. Moreover, our results show linearity over an industrially relevant range. We demonstrate applicability with rapid spectroelectrochemical detection of IgG in several formats including using an electrochemical sensing interface that is rapidly assembled directly onto electrodes for incorporation into biohybrid devices. The fusion protein enables sensitive, linear, and rapid responses, and in our case, makes IgG measurements quite robust and simple, expanding the molecular diagnostics toolkit for biological measurement. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Motabar
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
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16
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VanArsdale E, Pitzer J, Wang S, Stephens K, Chen CY, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Electrogenetic Signal Transmission and Propagation in Coculture to Guide Production of a Small Molecule, Tyrosine. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:877-887. [PMID: 35113532 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are many strategies to actuate and control genetic circuits, including providing stimuli like exogenous chemical inducers, light, magnetic fields, and even applied voltage, that are orthogonal to metabolic activity. Their use enables actuation of gene expression for the production of small molecules and proteins in many contexts. Additionally, there are a growing number of reports wherein cocultures, consortia, or even complex microbiomes are employed for the production of biologics, taking advantage of an expanded array of biological function. Combining stimuli-responsive engineered cell populations enhances design space but increases complexity. In this work, we co-opt nature's redox networks and electrogenetically route control signals into a consortium of microbial cells engineered to produce a model small molecule, tyrosine. In particular, we show how electronically programmed short-lived signals (i.e., hydrogen peroxide) can be transformed by one population and propagated into sustained longer-distance signals that, in turn, guide tyrosine production in a second population building on bacterial quorum sensing that coordinates their collective behavior. Two design methodologies are demonstrated. First, we use electrogenetics to transform redox signals into the quorum sensing autoinducer, AI-1, that, in turn, induces a tyrosine biosynthesis pathway transformed into a second population. Second, we use the electrogenetically stimulated AI-1 to actuate expression of ptsH, boosting the growth rate of tyrosine-producing cells, augmenting both their number and metabolic activity. In both cases, we show how signal propagation within the coculture helps to ensure tyrosine production. We suggest that this work lays a foundation for employing electrochemical stimuli and engineered cocultures for production of molecular products in biomanufacturing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Juliana Pitzer
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Chen-yu Chen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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17
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Kim E, Zhao Z, Rzasa JR, Glassman M, Bentley WE, Chen S, Kelly DL, Payne GF. Association of acute psychosocial stress with oxidative stress: Evidence from serum analysis. Redox Biol 2021; 47:102138. [PMID: 34555595 PMCID: PMC8458980 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence implicates an association between psychosocial stress and oxidative stress (OxSt) although there are not yet reliable biomarkers to study this association. We used a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and compared the response of a healthy control group (HC; N=10) against the response of a schizophrenia group (SCZ; N=10) that is expected to have higher levels of OxSt. Because our previous study showed inconsistent changes in conventional molecular markers for stress responses in the neuroendocrine and immune systems, we analyzed the same serum samples using a separate reducing capacity assay that provides a more global measurement of OxSt. This assay uses the moderately strong oxidizing agent iridium (Ir) to probe a sample's reducing capacity. Specifically, we characterized OxSt by this Ir-reducing capacity assay (Ir-RCA) using two measurement modalities (optical and electrochemical) and we tuned this assay by imposing an input voltage sequence that generates multiple output metrics for data-driven analysis. We defined five OxSt metrics (one optical and four electrochemical metrics) and showed: (i) internal consistency among each metric in the measurements of all 40 samples (baseline and post TSST for N=20); (ii) all five metrics were consistent with expectations of higher levels of OxSt for the SCZ group (three individual metrics showed statistically significant differences); and (iii) all five metrics showed higher levels of OxSt Post-TSST (one metric showed statistically significant difference). Using multivariant analysis, we showed that combinations of OxSt metrics could discern statistically significant increases in OxSt for both the SCZ and HC groups 90 min after the imposed acute psychosocial stress. Ir-reducing capacity assay (Ir-RCA) provides a robust global measure of oxidative stress in serum. The multiple oxidative stress (OxSt) output metrics of this Ir-RCA are useful for data-driven analysis. The combination of OxSt metrics can discern significant increases in OxStwithin 90 mins of an imposed psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Zhiling Zhao
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - John Robertson Rzasa
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Matthew Glassman
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA
| | - Deanna L Kelly
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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18
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Motabar D, Li J, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Mediated electrochemistry for redox-based biological targeting: entangling sensing and actuation for maximizing information transfer. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 71:137-144. [PMID: 34364305 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biology and electronics are both expert at receiving, analyzing, and responding to information, yet they use entirely different information processing paradigms. Biology processes information using networks that are intrinsically molecular while electronics process information through circuits that control the flow of electrons. There is great interest in coupling the molecular logic of biology with the electronic logic of technology, and we suggest that redox (reduction-oxidation) is a uniquely suited modality for interfacing biology with electronics. Specifically, redox is a native biological modality and is accessible to electronics through electrodes. We summarize recent advances in mediated electrochemistry to direct information transfer into biological systems intentionally altering function, exposing it for more advanced interpretation, which can dramatically expand the biotechnological toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Motabar
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States.
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 United States.
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19
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Zhao Z, Ozcan EE, VanArsdale E, Li J, Kim E, Sandler AD, Kelly DL, Bentley WE, Payne GF. Mediated Electrochemical Probing: A Systems-Level Tool for Redox Biology. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1099-1110. [PMID: 34156828 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Biology uses well-known redox mechanisms for energy harvesting (e.g., respiration), biosynthesis, and immune defense (e.g., oxidative burst), and now we know biology uses redox for systems-level communication. Currently, we have limited abilities to "eavesdrop" on this redox modality, which can be contrasted with our abilities to observe and actuate biology through its more familiar ionic electrical modality. In this Perspective, we argue that the coupling of electrochemistry with diffusible mediators (electron shuttles) provides a unique opportunity to access the redox communication modality through its electrical features. We highlight previous studies showing that mediated electrochemical probing (MEP) can "communicate" with biology to acquire information and even to actuate specific biological responses (i.e., targeted gene expression). We suggest that MEP may reveal an extent of redox-based communication that has remained underappreciated in nature and that MEP could provide new technological approaches for redox biology, bioelectronics, clinical care, and environmental sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiling Zhao
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Biomedical Device Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Evrim E. Ozcan
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Biomedical Device Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Jinyang Li
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Biomedical Device Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Biomedical Device Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Anthony D. Sandler
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C. 20010, United States
| | - Deanna L. Kelly
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21228, United States
| | - William E. Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Biomedical Device Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Biomedical Device Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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20
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Wang S, Tsao CY, Motabar D, Li J, Payne GF, Bentley WE. A Redox-Based Autoinduction Strategy to Facilitate Expression of 5xCys-Tagged Proteins for Electrobiofabrication. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:675729. [PMID: 34220759 PMCID: PMC8250426 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.675729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofabrication utilizes biological materials and biological means, or mimics thereof, for assembly. When interfaced with microelectronics, electrobiofabricated assemblies enable exquisite sensing and reporting capabilities. We recently demonstrated that thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG-SH) could be oxidatively assembled into a thin disulfide crosslinked hydrogel at an electrode surface; with sufficient oxidation, extra sulfenic acid groups are made available for covalent, disulfide coupling to sulfhydryl groups of proteins or peptides. We intentionally introduced a polycysteine tag (5xCys-tag) consisting of five consecutive cysteine residues at the C-terminus of a Streptococcal protein G to enable its covalent coupling to an electroassembled PEG-SH film. We found, however, that its expression and purification from E. coli was difficult, owing to the extra cysteine residues. We developed a redox-based autoinduction methodology that greatly enhanced the yield, especially in the soluble fraction of E. coli extracts. The redox component involved the deletion of oxyRS, a global regulator of the oxidative stress response and the autoinduction component integrated a quorum sensing (QS) switch that keys the secreted QS autoinducer-2 to induction. Interestingly, both methods helped when independently employed and further, when used in combination (i.e., autodinduced oxyRS mutant) the results were best—we found the highest total yield and highest yield in the soluble fraction. We hypothesize that the production host was less prone to severe metabolic perturbations that might reduce yield or drive sequestration of the -tagged protein into inclusion bodies. We expect this methodology will be useful for the expression of many such Cys-tagged proteins, ultimately enabling a diverse array of functionalized devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Dana Motabar
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
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21
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Stephens K, Zakaria FR, VanArsdale E, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Electronic signals are electrogenetically relayed to control cell growth and co-culture composition. Metab Eng Commun 2021; 13:e00176. [PMID: 34194997 PMCID: PMC8233222 DOI: 10.1016/j.mec.2021.e00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is much to be gained by enabling electronic interrogation and control of biological function. While the benefits of bioelectronics that rely on potential-driven ionic flows are well known (electrocardiograms, defibrillators, neural prostheses, etc) there are relatively few advances targeting nonionic molecular networks, including genetic circuits. Redox activities combine connectivity to electronics with the potential for specific genetic control in cells. Here, electrode-generated hydrogen peroxide is used to actuate an electrogenetic "relay" cell population, which interprets the redox cue and synthesizes a bacterial signaling molecule (quorum sensing autoinducer AI-1) that, in turn, signals increased growth rate in a second population. The dramatically increased growth rate of the second population is enabled by expression of a phosphotransferase system protein, HPr, which is important for glucose transport. The potential to electronically modulate cell growth via direct genetic control will enable new opportunities in the treatment of disease and manufacture of biological therapeutics and other molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Fauziah Rahma Zakaria
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
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22
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Terrell JL, Tschirhart T, Jahnke JP, Stephens K, Liu Y, Dong H, Hurley MM, Pozo M, McKay R, Tsao CY, Wu HC, Vora G, Payne GF, Stratis-Cullum DN, Bentley WE. Bioelectronic control of a microbial community using surface-assembled electrogenetic cells to route signals. Nat Nanotechnol 2021; 16:688-697. [PMID: 33782589 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-00878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We developed a bioelectronic communication system that is enabled by a redox signal transduction modality to exchange information between a living cell-embedded bioelectronics interface and an engineered microbial network. A naturally communicating three-member microbial network is 'plugged into' an external electronic system that interrogates and controls biological function in real time. First, electrode-generated redox molecules are programmed to activate gene expression in an engineered population of electrode-attached bacterial cells, effectively creating a living transducer electrode. These cells interpret and translate electronic signals and then transmit this information biologically by producing quorum sensing molecules that are, in turn, interpreted by a planktonic coculture. The propagated molecular communication drives expression and secretion of a therapeutic peptide from one strain and simultaneously enables direct electronic feedback from the second strain, thus enabling real-time electronic verification of biological signal propagation. Overall, we show how this multifunctional bioelectronic platform, termed a BioLAN, reliably facilitates on-demand bioelectronic communication and concurrently performs programmed tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Terrell
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)-Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - Tanya Tschirhart
- Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Justin P Jahnke
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)-Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Hong Dong
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)-Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - Margaret M Hurley
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)-Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen, MD, USA
| | - Maria Pozo
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ryan McKay
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chen Yu Tsao
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Hsuan-Chen Wu
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gary Vora
- Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Dimitra N Stratis-Cullum
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)-Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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23
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Motabar D, Li J, Wang S, Tsao CY, Tong X, Wang LX, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Simple, rapidly electroassembled thiolated PEG-based sensor interfaces enable rapid interrogation of antibody titer and glycosylation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2744-2758. [PMID: 33851726 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Process conditions established during the development and manufacture of recombinant protein therapeutics dramatically impacts their quality and clinical efficacy. Technologies that enable rapid assessment of product quality are critically important. Here, we describe the development of sensor interfaces that directly connect to electronics and enable near real-time assessment of antibody titer and N-linked galactosylation. We make use of a spatially resolved electroassembled thiolated polyethylene glycol hydrogel that enables electroactivated disulfide linkages. For titer assessment, we constructed a cysteinylated protein G that can be linked to the thiolated hydrogel allowing for robust capture and assessment of antibody concentration. For detecting galactosylation, the hydrogel is linked with thiolated sugars and their corresponding lectins, which enables antibody capture based on glycan pattern. Importantly, we demonstrate linear assessment of total antibody concentration over an industrially relevant range and the selective capture and quantification of antibodies with terminal β-galactose glycans. We also show that the interfaces can be reused after surface regeneration using a low pH buffer. Our functionalized interfaces offer advantages in their simplicity, rapid assembly, connectivity to electronics, and reusability. As they assemble directly onto electrodes that also serve as I/O registers, we envision incorporation into diagnostic platforms including those in manufacturing settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Motabar
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Lai-Xi Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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24
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Li J, Wang SP, Zong G, Kim E, Tsao CY, VanArsdale E, Wang LX, Bentley WE, Payne GF. Interactive Materials for Bidirectional Redox-Based Communication. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2007758. [PMID: 33788338 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202007758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research indicates that biology routinely uses diffusible redox-active molecules to mediate communication that can span biological systems (e.g., nervous and immune) and even kingdoms (e.g., a microbiome and its plant/animal host). This redox modality also provides new opportunities to create interactive materials that can communicate with living systems. Here, it is reported that the fabrication of a redox-active hydrogel film can autonomously synthesize a H2 O2 signaling molecule for communication with a bacterial population. Specifically, a catechol-conjugated/crosslinked 4-armed thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel film is electrochemically fabricated in which the added catechol moieties confer redox activity: the film can accept electrons from biological reductants (e.g., ascorbate) and donate electrons to O2 to generate H2 O2 . Electron-transfer from an Escherichia coli culture poises this film to generate the H2 O2 signaling molecule that can induce bacterial gene expression from a redox-responsive operon. Overall, this work demonstrates that catecholic materials can participate in redox-based interactions that elicit specific biological responses, and also suggests the possibility that natural phenolics may be a ubiquitous biological example of interactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyang Li
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Sally P Wang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Guanghui Zong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Lai-Xi Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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25
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Ahn SH, Rath M, Tsao CY, Bentley WE, Raghavan SR. Single-Step Synthesis of Alginate Microgels Enveloped with a Covalent Polymeric Shell: A Simple Way to Protect Encapsulated Cells. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:18432-18442. [PMID: 33871957 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microgels of biopolymers such as alginate are widely used to encapsulate cells and other biological payloads. Alginate is an attractive material for cell encapsulation because it is nontoxic and convenient: spherical alginate gels are easily created by contacting aqueous droplets of sodium alginate with divalent cations such as Ca2+. Alginate chains in the gel become cross-linked by Ca2+ cations into a 3-D network. When alginate gels are placed in a buffer, however, the Ca2+ cross-links are eliminated by exchange with Na+, thereby weakening and degrading the gels. With time, encapsulated cells are released into the external solution. Here, we describe a simple solution to the above problem, which involves forming alginate gels enveloped by a thin shell of a covalently cross-linked gel. The shell is formed via free-radical polymerization using conventional monomers such as acrylamide (AAm) or acrylate derivatives, including polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). The entire process is performed in a single step at room temperature (or 37 °C) under mild, aqueous conditions. It involves combining the alginate solution with a radical initiator, which is then introduced as droplets into a reservoir containing Ca2+ and monomers. Within minutes of either simple incubation or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, the droplets are converted into alginate-polymer microcapsules with a core of alginate and a shell of the polymer (AAm or PEGDA). The microcapsules are mechanically more robust than conventional alginate/Ca2+ microgels, and while the latter swell and degrade when placed in buffers or in chelators like sodium citrate, the former remain stable under all conditions. We encapsulate both bacteria and mammalian cells in these microcapsules and find that the cells remain viable and functional over time. Lastly, a variation of the synthesis technique is shown to generate multilayered microcapsules with a liquid core surrounded by concentric layers of alginate and AAm gels. We anticipate that the approaches presented here will find application in a variety of areas including cell therapies, artificial cells, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Medha Rath
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - William E Bentley
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Srinivasa R Raghavan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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26
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Pirolli NH, Bentley WE, Jay SM. Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles and the Gut-Microbiota Brain Axis: Emerging Roles in Communication and Potential as Therapeutics. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000540. [PMID: 33857347 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have emerged as candidate signaling vectors for long-distance interkingdom communication within the gut-microbiota brain axis. Most bacteria release these nanosized vesicles, capable of signaling to the brain via their abundant protein and small RNA cargo, possibly directly via crossing the blood-brain barrier. BEVs have been shown to regulate brain gene expression and induce pathology at most stages of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and thus they may play a causal role in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression/anxiety. On the other hand, BEVs have intrinsic therapeutic properties that may be relevant to probiotic therapy and can also be engineered to function as drug delivery vehicles and vaccines. Thus, BEVs may be both a cause of and solution to neuropathological conditions. In this review, current knowledge of the physiological roles of BEVs as well as state of the art pertaining to the development of therapeutic BEVs in the context of the microbiome-gut-brain axis are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas H Pirolli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, Robert E. Fischell Institute, and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5120A A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Steven M Jay
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering and Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Maryland, 3116 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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27
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Subramanian S, Huiszoon RC, Chu S, Bentley WE, Ghodssi R. Microsystems for biofilm characterization and sensing - A review. Biofilm 2020; 2:100015. [PMID: 33447801 PMCID: PMC7798443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2019.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are the primary cause of clinical bacterial infections and are impervious to typical amounts of antibiotics, necessitating very high doses for elimination. Therefore, it is imperative to have suitable methods for characterization to develop novel methods of treatment that can complement or replace existing approaches using significantly lower doses of antibiotics. This review presents some of the current developments in microsystems for characterization and sensing of bacterial biofilms. Initially, we review current standards for studying biofilms that are based on invasive and destructive end-point biofilm characterization. Additionally, biofilm formation and growth is extremely sensitive to various growth and environmental parameters that cause large variability in biofilms between repeated experiments, making it very difficult to compare experimental repeats and characterize the temporal characteristics of these organisms. To address these challenges, recent developments in the field have moved toward systems and miniature devices that can aid in the non-invasive characterization of bacterial biofilms. Our review focuses on several types of microsystems for biofilm evaluation including optical, electrochemical, and mechanical systems. This review will show how these devices can lead to better understanding of the physiology and function of these communities of bacteria, which can eventually lead to the development of novel treatments that do not rely on high-dosage antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Subramanian
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ryan C. Huiszoon
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sangwook Chu
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Reza Ghodssi
- MEMS Sensors and Actuators Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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28
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Hauk P, Stephens K, Virgile C, VanArsdale E, Pottash AE, Schardt JS, Jay SM, Sintim HO, Bentley WE. Homologous Quorum Sensing Regulatory Circuit: A Dual-Input Genetic Controller for Modulating Quorum Sensing-Mediated Protein Expression in E. coli. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2692-2702. [PMID: 32822530 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We developed a hybrid synthetic circuit that co-opts the genetic regulation of the native bacterial quorum sensing autoinducer-2 and imposes an extra external controller for maintaining tightly controlled gene expression. This dual-input genetic controller was mathematically modeled and, by design, can be operated in three modes: a constitutive mode that enables consistent and high levels of expression; a tightly repressed mode in which there is very little background expression; and an inducible mode in which concentrations of two signals (arabinose and autoinducer-2) determine the net amplification of the gene(s)-of-interest. We demonstrate the utility of the circuit for the controlled expression of human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor in an engineered probiotic E. coli. This dual-input genetic controller is the first homologous AI-2 quorum sensing circuit that has the ability to be operated in three different modes. We believe it has the potential for wide-ranging biotechnological applications due its versatile features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pricila Hauk
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Kristina Stephens
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Chelsea Virgile
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Alex Eli Pottash
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - John S. Schardt
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Steven M. Jay
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Herman O. Sintim
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - William E. Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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29
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Ramiah Rajasekaran P, Chapin AA, Quan DN, Herberholz J, Bentley WE, Ghodssi R. 3D-Printed electrochemical sensor-integrated transwell systems. Microsyst Nanoeng 2020; 6:100. [PMID: 34567709 PMCID: PMC8433167 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-00208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a 3D-printed, modular, electrochemical sensor-integrated transwell system for monitoring cellular and molecular events in situ without sample extraction or microfluidics-assisted downstream omics. Simple additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, shadow masking, and molding are used to fabricate this modular system, which is autoclavable, biocompatible, and designed to operate following standard operating protocols (SOPs) of cellular biology. Integral to the platform is a flexible porous membrane, which is used as a cell culture substrate similarly to a commercial transwell insert. Multimodal electrochemical sensors fabricated on the membrane allow direct access to cells and their products. A pair of gold electrodes on the top side of the membrane measures impedance over the course of cell attachment and growth, characterized by an exponential decrease (~160% at 10 Hz) due to an increase in the double layer capacitance from secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) sensor electrodes, fabricated on the bottom side of the membrane, enable sensing of molecular release at the site of cell culture without the need for downstream fluidics. Real-time detection of ferrocene dimethanol injection across the membrane showed a three order-of-magnitude higher signal at the membrane than in the bulk media after reaching equilibrium. This modular sensor-integrated transwell system allows unprecedented direct, real-time, and noninvasive access to physical and biochemical information, which cannot be obtained in a conventional transwell system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley Augustiny Chapin
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
| | - David N. Quan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
| | - Jens Herberholz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
| | - Reza Ghodssi
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
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30
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Abstract
Cells often communicate by the secretion, transport, and perception of molecules. Information conveyed by molecules is encoded, transmitted, and decoded by cells within the context of the prevailing microenvironments. Conversely, in electronics, transmission reliability and message validation are predictable, robust, and less context dependent. In turn, many transformative advances have resulted by the formal consideration of information transfer. One way to explore this potential for biological systems is to create bio-device interfaces that facilitate bidirectional information transfer between biology and electronics. Redox reactions enable this linkage because reduction and oxidation mediate communication within biology and can be coupled with electronics. By manipulating redox reactions, one is able to combine the programmable features of electronics with the ability to interrogate and modulate biological function. In this review, we examine methods to electrochemically interrogate the various components of molecular communication using redox chemistry and to electronically control cell communication using redox electrogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Juliana Pitzer
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Chapin AA, Rajasekaran PR, Quan DN, Hu L, Herberholz J, Bentley WE, Ghodssi R. Electrochemical measurement of serotonin by Au-CNT electrodes fabricated on microporous cell culture membranes. Microsyst Nanoeng 2020; 6:90. [PMID: 34567700 PMCID: PMC8433419 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-00184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Gut-brain axis (GBA) communication relies on serotonin (5-HT) signaling between the gut epithelium and the peripheral nervous system, where 5-HT release patterns from the basolateral (i.e., bottom) side of the epithelium activate nerve afferents. There have been few quantitative studies of this gut-neuron signaling due to a lack of real-time measurement tools that can access the basolateral gut epithelium. In vitro platforms allow quantitative studies of cultured gut tissue, but they mainly employ offline and endpoint assays that cannot resolve dynamic molecular-release patterns. Here, we present the modification of a microporous cell culture membrane with carbon nanotube-coated gold (Au-CNT) electrodes capable of continuous, label-free, and direct detection of 5-HT at physiological concentrations. Electrochemical characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-coated Au electrodes shows increased electroactive surface area, 5-HT specificity, sensitivity, and saturation time, which are correlated with the CNT film drop-cast volume. Two microliters of CNT films, with a 10-min saturation time, 0.6 μA/μM 5-HT sensitivity, and reliable detection within a linear range of 500 nM-10 μM 5-HT, can be targeted for high-concentration, high-time-resolution 5-HT monitoring. CNT films (12.5 μL) with a 2-h saturation time, 4.5 μA/μM 5-HT sensitivity, and quantitative detection in the linear range of 100 nM-1 μM can target low concentrations with low time resolution. These electrodes achieved continuous detection of dynamic diffusion across the porous membrane, mimicking basolateral 5-HT release from cells, and detection of cell-released 5-HT from separately cultured RIN14B cell supernatant. Electrode-integrated cell culture systems such as this can improve in vitro molecular detection mechanisms and aid in quantitative GBA signaling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Chapin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, College Park, MD 20742 USA
- Institute for Systems Research, College Park, MD 20740 USA
| | | | - David N. Quan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Liangbing Hu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College Park, MD 20740 USA
| | - Jens Herberholz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, College Park, MD 20740 USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, College Park, MD 20742 USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
| | - Reza Ghodssi
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, College Park, MD 20742 USA
- Institute for Systems Research, College Park, MD 20740 USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College Park, MD 20742 USA
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32
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Stephens K, Bentley WE. Synthetic Biology for Manipulating Quorum Sensing in Microbial Consortia. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:633-643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Bhokisham N, Liu Y, Brown AD, Payne GF, Culver JN, Bentley WE. Transglutaminase-mediated assembly of multi-enzyme pathway onto TMV brush surfaces for synthesis of bacterial autoinducer-2. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045017. [DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab9e7a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a molecular signaling modality that mediates molecular-based cell–cell communication. Prevalent in nature, QS networks provide bacteria with a method to gather information from the environment and make decisions based on the intel. With its ability to autonomously facilitate both inter- and intraspecies gene regulation, this process can be rewired to enable autonomously actuated, but molecularly programmed, genetic control. On the one hand, novel QS-based genetic circuits endow cells with smart functions that can be used in many fields of engineering, and on the other, repurposed QS circuitry promotes communication and aids in the development of synthetic microbial consortia. Furthermore, engineered QS systems can probe and intervene in interkingdom signaling between bacteria and their hosts. Lastly, QS is demonstrated to establish conversation with abiotic materials, especially by taking advantage of biological and even electronically induced assembly processes; such QS-incorporated biohybrid devices offer innovative ways to program cell behavior and biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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35
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Whitehead TA, Banta S, Bentley WE, Betenbaugh MJ, Chan C, Clark DS, Hoesli CA, Jewett MC, Junker B, Koffas M, Kshirsagar R, Lewis A, Li CT, Maranas C, Terry Papoutsakis E, Prather KLJ, Schaffer S, Segatori L, Wheeldon I. The importance and future of biochemical engineering. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:2305-2318. [PMID: 32343367 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Today's Biochemical Engineer may contribute to advances in a wide range of technical areas. The recent Biochemical and Molecular Engineering XXI conference focused on "The Next Generation of Biochemical and Molecular Engineering: The role of emerging technologies in tomorrow's products and processes". On the basis of topical discussions at this conference, this perspective synthesizes one vision on where investment in research areas is needed for biotechnology to continue contributing to some of the world's grand challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Scott Banta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Michael J Betenbaugh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christina Chan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Douglas S Clark
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Corinne A Hoesli
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Beth Junker
- BioProcess Advantage LLC, Middesex, New Jersey
| | - Mattheos Koffas
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York
| | | | | | - Chien-Ting Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Costas Maranas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - E Terry Papoutsakis
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering & the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Kristala L J Prather
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Laura Segatori
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Ian Wheeldon
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California
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Bhokisham N, VanArsdale E, Stephens KT, Hauk P, Payne GF, Bentley WE. A redox-based electrogenetic CRISPR system to connect with and control biological information networks. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2427. [PMID: 32415193 PMCID: PMC7228920 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Electronic information can be transmitted to cells directly from microelectronics via electrode-activated redox mediators. These transmissions are decoded by redox-responsive promoters which enable user-specified control over biological function. Here, we build on this redox communication modality by establishing an electronic eCRISPR conduit of information exchange. This system acts as a biological signal processor, amplifying signal reception and filtering biological noise. We electronically amplify bacterial quorum sensing (QS) signaling by activating LasI, the autoinducer-1 synthase. Similarly, we filter out unintended noise by inhibiting the native SoxRS-mediated oxidative stress response regulon. We then construct an eCRISPR based redox conduit in both E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Finally, we display eCRISPR based information processing that allows transmission of spatiotemporal redox commands which are then decoded by gelatin-encapsulated E. coli. We anticipate that redox communication channels will enable biohybrid microelectronic devices that could transform our abilities to electronically interpret and control biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendranath Bhokisham
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program-College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, 4066 Campus Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Kristina T Stephens
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Pricila Hauk
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 5115 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA. .,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clark Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA. .,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, Room 5102, A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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37
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VanArsdale E, Hörnström D, Sjöberg G, Järbur I, Pitzer J, Payne GF, van Maris AJA, Bentley WE. A Coculture Based Tyrosine-Tyrosinase Electrochemical Gene Circuit for Connecting Cellular Communication with Electronic Networks. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:1117-1128. [PMID: 32208720 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in mediating information transfer between biology and electronics. By the addition of redox mediators to various samples and cells, one can both electronically obtain a redox "portrait" of a biological system and, conversely, program gene expression. Here, we have created a cell-based synthetic biology-electrochemical axis in which engineered cells process molecular cues, producing an output that can be directly recorded via electronics-but without the need for added redox mediators. The process is robust; two key components must act together to provide a valid signal. The system builds on the tyrosinase-mediated conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA and L-DOPAquinone, which are both redox active. "Catalytic" transducer cells provide for signal-mediated surface expression of tyrosinase. Additionally, "reagent" transducer cells synthesize and export tyrosine, a substrate for tyrosinase. In cocultures, this system enables real-time electrochemical transduction of cell activating molecular cues. To demonstrate, we eavesdrop on quorum sensing signaling molecules that are secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone and pyocyanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - David Hörnström
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gustav Sjöberg
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ida Järbur
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juliana Pitzer
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Antonius J. A. van Maris
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - William E. Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 3102 A. James Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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38
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Gargava A, Ahn S, Bentley WE, Raghavan SR. Rapid Electroformation of Biopolymer Gels in Prescribed Shapes and Patterns: A Simpler Alternative to 3-D Printing. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:37103-37111. [PMID: 31566952 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate the use of electric fields to rapidly form gels of the biopolymer alginate (Alg) in specific three-dimensional (3-D) shapes and patterns. In our approach, we start with a gel of the biopolymer agarose, which is thermoresponsive and hence can be molded into a specific shape. The agarose mold is then loaded with Ca2+ cations and placed in a beaker containing an Alg solution. The inner surface of the beaker is surrounded by aluminum foil (cathode), and a copper wire (anode) is stuck in the agarose mold. These are connected to a direct current (DC) power source, and when a potential of ∼10 V is applied, an Alg gel is formed in a shape that replicates the mold. Gelation occurs because the Ca2+ ions electrophoretically migrate away from the mold, whereupon they cross-link the Alg chains adjacent to the mold. At low Ca2+ (0.01 wt %), the Alg gel layer grows outward from the mold surface at a steady rate of about 0.8 mm/min, and the gel stops growing when the field is switched off. After a gel of desired thickness is formed, the agarose mold can be melted away to leave behind an Alg gel in a precise shape. Alg gels formed in this manner are transparent and robust. This process is particularly convenient to form Alg gels in the form of hollow tubes, including tubes with multiple concentric layers, each with a different payload. The technique is safe for encapsulation of biological species within a given Alg layer. We also create Alg gels in specific patterns by directing gel growth around selected regions. Overall, our technique enables lab-scale manufacturing of alginate gels in 3-D without the need for an expensive 3-D printer.
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Kim E, Keskey Z, Kang M, Kitchen C, Bentley WE, Chen S, Kelly DL, Payne GF. Validation of oxidative stress assay for schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2019; 212:126-133. [PMID: 31399268 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence implicates oxidative stress in a range of diseases, yet no objective measurement has emerged that characterizes the global nature of oxidative stress. Previously, we reported a measurement that employs the moderately strong oxidant iridium (Ir) to probe the oxidative damage in a serum sample and reported that in a small study (N = 15) the Ir-reducing capacity assay could distinguish schizophrenia from healthy control groups based on their levels of oxidative stress. Here, we used a larger sample size to evaluate the Ir-reducing capacity assay to assess its ability to discriminate the schizophrenia (N = 73) and healthy control groups (N = 45). Each serum sample was measured (in triplicate) at three different times that were separated by several weeks. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC = 0.69) for these repeated measurements indicates the assay detects stable components in the sample (i.e., it is not detecting transient reactive species or air-oxidizable serum components). Correlations between the Ir-reducing capacity assay and independently-measured total serum protein levels (r = +0.74, p < 2.2 × 10-16) suggest the assay is detecting information in the protein pool. For cross-validation of the discrimination ability, we used machine learning and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders (age and smoking status), an area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curve was calculated to be 0.89 (p = 9.3 × 10-5). In conclusion, this validation indicates the Ir-reducing capacity assay provides a simple global measure of oxidative stress, and further supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress is linked with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Zoe Keskey
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - Mijeong Kang
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Christopher Kitchen
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - Deanna L Kelly
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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40
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Guan Y, Tsao CY, Quan DN, Li Y, Mei L, Song Y, Zhang B, Liu Y, Payne GF, Bentley WE, Wang Q. Focusing quorum sensing signalling by nano-magnetic assembly. Environ Microbiol 2019; 20:2585-2597. [PMID: 29806719 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) exists widely among bacteria, enabling a transition to multicellular behaviour after bacterial populations reach a particular density. The coordination of multicellularity enables biotechnological application, dissolution of biofilms, coordination of virulence, and so forth. Here, a method to elicit and subsequently disperse multicellular behaviour among QS-negative cells is developed using magnetic nanoparticle assembly. We fabricated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs, ∼5 nm) that electrostatically collect wild-type (WT) Escherichia coli BL21 cells and brings them into proximity of bioengineered E. coli [CT104 (W3110 lsrFG- luxS- pCT6 + pET-DsRed)] reporter cells that exhibit a QS response after receiving autoinducer-2 (AI-2). By shortening the distance between WT and reporter cells (e.g., increasing local available AI-2 concentrations), the QS response signalling was amplified four-fold compared to that in native conditions without assembly. This study suggests potential applications in facilitating intercellular communication and modulating multicellular behaviours based on user-specified designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguang Guan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - David N Quan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Lei Mei
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Yingying Song
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Boce Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Stephens K, Pozo M, Tsao CY, Hauk P, Bentley WE. Bacterial co-culture with cell signaling translator and growth controller modules for autonomously regulated culture composition. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4129. [PMID: 31511505 PMCID: PMC6739400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [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: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have expanded the possibilities for engineered cell-based systems. The addition of non-native biosynthetic and regulatory components can, however, overburden the reprogrammed cells. In order to avoid metabolic overload, an emerging area of focus is on engineering consortia, wherein cell subpopulations work together to carry out a desired function. This strategy requires regulation of the cell populations. Here, we design a synthetic co-culture controller consisting of cell-based signal translator and growth-controller modules that, when implemented, provide for autonomous regulation of the consortia composition. The system co-opts the orthogonal autoinducer AI-1 and AI-2 cell-cell signaling mechanisms of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) to enable cross-talk between strains and a QS signal-controlled growth rate controller to modulate relative population densities. We further develop a simple mathematical model that enables cell and system design for autonomous closed-loop control of population trajectories. To avoid metabolic overload and divide tasks, synthetic biologists are turning to microbial consortia engineering. Here the authors design a co-culture controller that autonomously regulates population composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Maria Pozo
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Pricila Hauk
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA. .,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 5102 Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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Abstract
A common bioelectronics goal is to enable communication between biology and electronics, and success is critically dependent on the communication modality. When a biorelevant modality aligns with instrumentation capabilities, remarkable successes have been observed (e.g., electrodes provide a powerful tool to observe and actuate biology through its ion-based electrical modality). Emerging biological research demonstrates that redox is another biologically relevant modality, and recent research has shown that advanced electrochemical methods enable biodevice communication through this redox modality. Here, we briefly summarize the biological relevance of this redox modality and the use of redox mediators to enable access to this modality through electrochemical measurements. Next, we describe the fabrication of a catechol-chitosan redox capacitor that is redox-active but nonconducting and thus offers a unique set of molecular electronic properties that enhance access to redox-based information. Finally, we cite several recent studies that demonstrate the broad potential for this capacitor to access redox-based biological information. In summary, we envision the redox capacitor will become a vital component in the integrated circuitry of redox-linked bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wu
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Jinyang Li
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering and Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - William E. Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering and Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Xiao-Wen Shi
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Gregory F. Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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Stephens K, Zargar A, Emamian M, Abutaleb N, Choi E, Quan DN, Payne G, Bentley WE. Engineering Escherichia coli for enhanced sensitivity to the autoinducer-2 quorum sensing signal. Biotechnol Prog 2019; 35:e2881. [PMID: 31306566 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The autoinducer-2 (AI-2) quorum sensing system is involved in a range of population-based bacterial behaviors and has been engineered for cell-cell communication in synthetic biology systems. Investigation into the cellular mechanisms of AI-2 processing has determined that overexpression of uptake genes increases AI-2 uptake rate, and genomic deletions of degradation genes lowers the AI-2 level required for activation of reporter genes. Here, we combine these two strategies to engineer an Escherichia coli strain with enhanced ability to detect and respond to AI-2. In an E. coli strain that does not produce AI-2, we monitored AI-2 uptake and reporter protein expression in a strain that overproduced the AI-2 uptake or phosphorylation units LsrACDB or LsrK, a strain with the deletion of AI-2 degradation units LsrF and LsrG, and an "enhanced" strain with both overproduction of AI-2 uptake and deletion of AI-2 degradation elements. By adding up to 40 μM AI-2 to growing cell cultures, we determine that this "enhanced" AI-2 sensitive strain both uptakes AI-2 more rapidly and responds with increased reporter protein expression than the others. This work expands the toolbox for manipulating AI-2 quorum sensing processes both in native environments and for synthetic biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Amin Zargar
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Milad Emamian
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Nadia Abutaleb
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Erica Choi
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - David N Quan
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Gregory Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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44
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Kim E, Kang M, Liu H, Cao C, Liu C, Bentley WE, Qu X, Payne GF. Pro- and Anti-oxidant Properties of Redox-Active Catechol-Chitosan Films. Front Chem 2019; 7:541. [PMID: 31417897 PMCID: PMC6682675 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Catechols are abundant in nature and are believed to perform diverse biological functions that include photoprotection (e.g., melanins), molecular signaling (e.g., catecholamine neurotransmitters), and mechanical adhesion (e.g., mussel glue). Currently, the structure-property-function relationships for catechols remain poorly resolved, and this is especially true for redox-based properties (e.g., antioxidant, pro-oxidant, and radical scavenging activities). Importantly, there are few characterization methods available to probe the redox properties of materials. In this review, we focus on recent studies with redox-active catechol-chitosan films. First, we describe film fabrication methods to oxidatively-graft catechols to chitosan through chemical, enzymatic, or electrochemical methods. Second, we discuss a new experimental characterization method to probe the redox properties of catechol-functionalized materials. This mediated electrochemical probing (MEP) method probes the redox-activities of catechol-chitosan films by: (i) employing diffusible mediators to shuttle electrons between the electrode and grafted catechols; (ii) imposing tailored sequences of input voltages to “tune” redox probing; and (iii) analyzing the output current response characteristics to infer properties. Finally, we demonstrate that the redox properties of catechol-chitosan films enable them to perform antioxidant radical scavenging functions, as well as a pro-oxidant (reactive oxygen-generation) antimicrobial functions. In summary, our increasing knowledge of catechol-chitosan films is enabling us to better-understand the functions of catechols in biology as well as enhancing our capabilities to create advanced functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Mijeong Kang
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Huan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhua Cao
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
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Kim E, Li J, Kang M, Kelly DL, Chen S, Napolitano A, Panzella L, Shi X, Yan K, Wu S, Shen J, Bentley WE, Payne GF. Redox Is a Global Biodevice Information Processing Modality. Proc IEEE Inst Electr Electron Eng 2019; 107:1402-1424. [PMID: 32095023 PMCID: PMC7036710 DOI: 10.1109/jproc.2019.2908582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Biology is well-known for its ability to communicate through (i) molecularly-specific signaling modalities and (ii) a globally-acting electrical modality associated with ion flow across biological membranes. Emerging research suggests that biology uses a third type of communication modality associated with a flow of electrons through reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions. This redox signaling modality appears to act globally and has features of both molecular and electrical modalities: since free electrons do not exist in aqueous solution, the electrons must flow through molecular intermediates that can be switched between two states - with electrons (reduced) or without electrons (oxidized). Importantly, this global redox modality is easily accessible through its electrical features using convenient electrochemical instrumentation. In this review, we explain this redox modality, describe our electrochemical measurements, and provide four examples demonstrating that redox enables communication between biology and electronics. The first two examples illustrate how redox probing can acquire biologically relevant information. The last two examples illustrate how redox inputs can transduce biologically-relevant transitions for patterning and the induction of a synbio transceiver for two-hop molecular communication. In summary, we believe redox provides a unique ability to bridge bio-device communication because simple electrochemical methods enable global access to biologically meaningful information. Further, we envision that redox may facilitate the application of information theory to the biological sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, Fischell Department of Bioengineering University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Mijeong Kang
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Deanna L Kelly
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA
| | - Alessandra Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Panzella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Xiaowen Shi
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Kun Yan
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Si Wu
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jana Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, Fischell Department of Bioengineering University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Ueda H, Stephens K, Trivisa K, Bentley WE. Bacteria Floc, but Do They Flock? Insights from Population Interaction Models of Quorum Sensing. mBio 2019; 10:e00972-19. [PMID: 31138754 PMCID: PMC6538791 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00972-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) enables coordinated, population-wide behavior. QS-active bacteria "communicate" their number density using autoinducers which they synthesize, collect, and interpret. Tangentially, chemotactic bacteria migrate, seeking out nutrients and other molecules. It has long been hypothesized that bacterial behaviors, such as chemotaxis, were the primordial progenitors of complex behaviors of higher-order organisms. Recently, QS was linked to chemotaxis, yet the notion that these behaviors can together contribute to higher-order behaviors has not been shown. Here, we mathematically link flocking behavior, commonly observed in fish and birds, to bacterial chemotaxis and QS by constructing a phenomenological model of population-scale QS-mediated phenomena. Specifically, we recast a previously developed mathematical model of flocking and found that simulated bacterial behaviors aligned well with well-known QS behaviors. This relatively simple system of ordinary differential equations affords analytical analysis of asymptotic behavior and describes cell position and velocity, QS-mediated protein expression, and the surrounding concentrations of an autoinducer. Further, heuristic explorations of the model revealed that the emergence of "migratory" subpopulations occurs only when chemotaxis is directly linked to QS. That is, behaviors were simulated when chemotaxis was coupled to QS and when not. When coupled, the bacterial flocking model predicts the formation of two distinct groups of cells migrating at different speeds in their journey toward an attractant. This is qualitatively similar to phenomena spotted in our Escherichiacoli chemotaxis experiments as well as in analogous work observed over 50 years ago.IMPORTANCE Our modeling efforts show how cell density can affect chemotaxis; they help to explain the roots of subgroup formation in bacterial populations. Our work also reinforces the notion that bacterial mechanisms are at times exhibited in higher-order organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Ueda
- Department of Mathematics, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Graduate Program in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristina Stephens
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Konstantina Trivisa
- Department of Mathematics, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Graduate Program in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Graduate Program in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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47
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VanArsdale E, Tsao CY, Liu Y, Chen CY, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Redox-Based Synthetic Biology Enables Electrochemical Detection of the Herbicides Dicamba and Roundup via Rewired Escherichia coli. ACS Sens 2019; 4:1180-1184. [PMID: 30990313 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is typically exploited to endow bacterial cells with new biosynthetic capabilities. It can also serve to create "smart" bacteria such as probiotics that detect and treat disease. Here, we show how minimally rewiring the genetic regulation of bacterial cells can enable their ability to recognize and report on chemical herbicides, including those routinely used to clear weeds from gardens and crops. In so doing, we demonstrate how constructs of synthetic biology, in this case redox-based synthetic biology, can serve as a vector for information flow mediating molecular communication between biochemical systems and microelectronics. We coupled the common genetic reporter, β-galactosidase, with the E. coli superoxide response regulon promoter pSoxS, for detection of the herbicides dicamba and Roundup. Both herbicides activated our genetic construct in a concentration dependent manner. Results indicate robust detection using spectrophotometry, via the Miller assay, and electrochemistry using the enzymatic cleavage of 4-aminophenyl β-d-galactopyranoside into the redox active molecule p-aminophenol. We found that environmental components, in particular, the availability of glucose, are important factors for the cellular detection of dicamba. Importantly, both herbicides were detected at concentrations relevant for aquatic toxicity.
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48
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Virgile C, Hauk P, Wu HC, Bentley WE. Plasmid-encoded protein attenuates Escherichia coli swimming velocity and cell growth, not reprogrammed regulatory functions. Biotechnol Prog 2019; 35:e2778. [PMID: 30666816 PMCID: PMC10711804 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In addition to engineering new pathways for synthesis, synthetic biologists rewire cells to carry out "programmable" functions, an example being the creation of wound-healing probiotics. Engineering regulatory circuits and synthetic machinery, however, can be deleterious to cell function, particularly if the "metabolic burden" is significant. Here, a synthetic regulatory circuit previously constructed to direct Escherichia coli to swim toward hydrogen peroxide, a signal of wound generation, was shown to work even with coexpression of antibiotic resistance genes and genes associated with lactose utilization. We found, however, that cotransformation with a second vector constitutively expressing GFP (as a marker) and additionally conferring resistance to kanamycin and tetracycline resulted in slower velocity (Δ~6 μm/s) and dramatically reduced growth rate (Δ > 50%). The additional vector did not, however, alter the run-and-tumble ratio or directional characteristics of H2 O2 -dependent motility. The main impact of this additional burden was limited to slowing cell velocity and growth, suggesting that reprogrammed cell motility by minimally altering native regulatory circuits can be maintained even when extraneous burden is placed on the host cell. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2778, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Virgile
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, MD 20742
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, Room 3122, Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building (Bldg. #225), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Pricila Hauk
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, MD 20742
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, Room 3122, Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building (Bldg. #225), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Hsuan-Chen Wu
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - William E. Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, College Park, MD 20742
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, Room 3122, Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building (Bldg. #225), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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49
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Li J, Wu S, Kim E, Yan K, Liu H, Liu C, Dong H, Qu X, Shi X, Shen J, Bentley WE, Payne GF. Electrobiofabrication: electrically based fabrication with biologically derived materials. Biofabrication 2019; 11:032002. [PMID: 30759423 PMCID: PMC7025432 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab06ea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While conventional material fabrication methods focus on form and strength to achieve function, the fabrication of material systems for emerging life science applications will need to satisfy a more subtle set of requirements. A common goal for biofabrication is to recapitulate complex biological contexts (e.g. tissue) for applications that range from animal-on-a-chip to regenerative medicine. In these cases, the material systems will need to: (i) present appropriate surface functionalities over a hierarchy of length scales (e.g. molecular features that enable cell adhesion and topographical features that guide differentiation); (ii) provide a suite of mechanobiological cues that promote the emergence of native-like tissue form and function; and (iii) organize structure to control cellular ingress and molecular transport, to enable the development of an interconnected cellular community that is engaged in cell signaling. And these requirements are not likely to be static but will vary over time and space, which will require capabilities of the material systems to dynamically respond, adapt, heal and reconfigure. Here, we review recent advances in the use of electrically based fabrication methods to build material systems from biological macromolecules (e.g. chitosan, alginate, collagen and silk). Electrical signals are especially convenient for fabrication because they can be controllably imposed to promote the electrophoresis, alignment, self-assembly and functionalization of macromolecules to generate hierarchically organized material systems. Importantly, this electrically based fabrication with biologically derived materials (i.e. electrobiofabrication) is complementary to existing methods (photolithographic and printing), and enables access to the biotechnology toolbox (e.g. enzymatic-assembly and protein engineering, and gene expression) to offer exquisite control of structure and function. We envision that electrobiofabrication will emerge as an important platform technology for organizing soft matter into dynamic material systems that mimic biology's complexity of structure and versatility of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyang Li
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, College Park, United States of America
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50
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Li J, Maniar D, Qu X, Liu H, Tsao CY, Kim E, Bentley WE, Liu C, Payne GF. Coupling Self-Assembly Mechanisms to Fabricate Molecularly and Electrically Responsive Films. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:969-978. [PMID: 30616349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Biomacromolecules often possess information to self-assemble through low energy competing interactions which can make self-assembly responsive to environmental cues and can also confer dynamic properties. Here, we coupled self-assembling systems to create biofunctional multilayer films that can be cued to disassemble through either molecular or electrical signals. To create functional multilayers, we: (i) electrodeposited the pH-responsive self-assembling aminopolysaccharide chitosan, (ii) allowed the lectin Concanavalin A (ConA) to bind to the chitosan-coated electrode (presumably through electrostatic interactions), (iii) performed layer-by-layer self-assembly by sequential contacting with glycogen and ConA, and (iv) conferred biological (i.e., enzymatic) function by assembling glycoprotein (i.e., enzymes) to the ConA-terminated multilayer. Because the ConA tetramer dissociates at low pH, this multilayer can be triggered to disassemble by acidification. We demonstrate two approaches to induce acidification: (i) glucose oxidase can induce multilayer disassembly in response to molecular cues, and (ii) anodic reactions can induce multilayer disassembly in response to electrical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyang Li
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
| | - Drishti Maniar
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai , 200237 , China
| | - Huan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai , 200237 , China
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
| | - William E Bentley
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering , East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai , 200237 , China
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , College Park , Maryland 20742 , United States
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