Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ping Wen, Xueyi Wang, Silvia Moreno, Susanne Boye, Dagmar Voigt, Brigitte Voit, Xin Huang, Dietmar Appelhans
Summary: The study presents an efficient way to construct a hierarchical multicompartment composed of hydrogel-filled proteinosome hybrid structure with polymersomes for substance transport. The pH-responsive behavior of the system allows for reversible swelling-deswelling and on-demand cargo release in response to enzymatic reactions, fulfilling the requirements of eukaryotic cell biomimetics.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fanyi Huang, Lingyu Sun, Cheng Zhao, Zeping Qiu, Yuanjin Zhao, Wei Jin
Summary: A novel protein microcapsules integrated hierarchical scaffold is designed for treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI), providing sustained drug release and anti-adhesive effect to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment on AMI.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jackeline Soto-Cruz, Vincent Mukwaya, Mehwish Naz, Peipei Zhang, Maria Jose Lopez-Brenes, Giovanni Saenz-Arce, Oscar Rojas-Carrillo, Hongjing Dou
Summary: In this study, nanoconjugates based on Dex-OA were synthesized and self-assembled into microcapsules through a water-in-oil emulsification process. The morphology of the microcapsules depended on the concentration of Dex-OA nanoconjugates, and they were able to encapsulate and retain fluorescently labeled dextran. This strategy provides a feasible method for constructing microcapsules using natural amphiphilic building blocks.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xin Qiao, Xiaoliang Wang, Haixu Chen, Yan Huang, Shangsong Li, Luxuan Li, Yinyong Sun, Xiaoman Liu, Xin Huang
Summary: Modulated membrane functionalization is crucial for the application of hollow microcompartments. This study demonstrates the generation of phospholipid hybrid proteinosomes, which possess the combined advantages of liposomes and proteinosomes. The incorporation of phospholipids improves membrane fluidity and permeability, enabling stepwise release of encapsulated compounds and cascaded enzymatic reactions. These phospholipid hybrid proteinosomes can serve as an improved microcompartmental model for advanced artificial cell design and microreactor applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jilin Fan, Mingjun Xuan, Pengkun Zhao, Mark Loznik, Junlin Chen, Fabian Kiessling, Lifei Zheng, Andreas Herrmann
Summary: The development of ultrasound-responsive microcapsule structures has provided new insights into the development of ultrasound triggered small molecule drug delivery assisted by metallic nanoparticles. By employing nanodrugs encapsulated in microcapsules, drug leakage can be prevented and the delivery system can respond to high-intensity focused ultrasound.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jilin Fan, Mingjun Xuan, Pengkun Zhao, Mark Loznik, Junlin Chen, Fabian Kiessling, Lifei Zheng, Andreas Herrmann
Summary: The development of ultrasound-responsive microcapsule structures has enabled the controlled delivery of macromolecular cargoes for biomedical applications. However, delivering small molecular cargoes using microcapsules has been a challenge due to drug leakage. In this study, we proposed a new strategy by using nanodrugs encapsulated in microcapsules, which prevented drug leakage and provided responsiveness to ultrasound. Furthermore, we demonstrated the activation of antibacterial activity by ultrasound using the nanodrug@Microcapsules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen-Hsin Chang, Yi-Fang Lee, Yen-Wenn Liu, Itamar Willner, Wei-Ching Liao
Summary: A method for synthesizing DNA-based acrylamide hydrogel microcapsules loaded with quantum dots as readout signal is introduced, which can detect cancer-associated microRNAs. The detection sensitivity can be improved by coupling the microcapsules with strand displacement amplification.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuwei Li, Li Liu, Hanying Zhao
Summary: By utilizing hydrophobic interaction, multienzyme proteinosomes are fabricated with p-gal, GOx, and HRP on the surfaces in a model system using PDEGMA and bovine serum albumin. The immobilized enzymes show higher bioactivities than the free enzymes, facilitating direct transfer of the product as a substrate from one enzyme molecule to another.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ziyang Zhang, Song Wang, Yuhao Yang, Wei Li, Pingwei Liu, Wen-Jun Wang
Summary: Hierarchical assembly of 2D polymers into 3D microstructures offers new opportunities for creating functional materials with unique properties. In this study, COF microcapsules were assembled from small molecules and used as templates for interfacial polymerization, resulting in microcapsules with good stability, high crystallinity, and the ability to load water-soluble substances. This approach has the potential to expand the applications of 2D polymers and their microcapsules.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hegang Lu, Xiaoyan Li, Hongpeng Yang, Jiang Wu, Yi Zhang, Haidong Huang
Summary: The usability of Sanxan as a drug carrier was evaluated in this study, using riboflavin as a model drug. The results showed that the microcapsules prepared with Sanxan had good sphericity and regular appearance, and could be used for the sustained release of riboflavin. The viscosity structure of Sanxan was identified as an important factor in the slow release of riboflavin.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Junqing Qian, Yan Chen, Qian Wang, Xiaohua Zhao, Haiyan Yang, Feng Gong, Hui Guo
Summary: The study prepared nisin microcapsules to improve the stability of nisin and enhance its application effectiveness in food. The microcapsules, prepared by complex embedding nisin with pectin and chitosan, showed good loading and encapsulation efficiency. It was observed that there is a release process in the microcapsules, but the thermal stability of nisin microcapsules significantly increased after high temperature treatment.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samira Mendes, Andre Catarino, Andrea Zille, Nadia Fernandes, Fabricio Maesta Bezerra
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism and kinetics of controlled release of gelatin and gum Arabic microcapsules containing methyl salicylate in textile matrices. The results show that the wall materials participate in the coacervation process, resulting in well-defined microcapsules with increased thermal stability of the active ingredient. The release process follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and is influenced by temperature, with higher temperatures resulting in more pronounced release during washing cycles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qunling Fang, Kezhu Xu, Qingshan Xiong, Yunqi Xu, Ailing Hui, Shouhu Xuan
Summary: This work presents a novel magnetic Fe3O4-Au-PDA hybrid microcapsule with photothermal and photodynamic antibacterial functions, which shows excellent photothermal sterilization against Escherichia coli and good photodynamic behavior under Xenon lamp irradiation. The dual-mode photothermal/photodynamic therapy exhibited by the hybrid microcapsule provides a promising nano-agent for effective treatment of bacterial infections.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zuobing Xiao, Pingli Sun, Huiqin Liu, Qixuan Zhao, Yunwei Niu, Di Zhao
Summary: This review highlights the application and future research directions of stimuli-responsive microcapsules in fragrances, pointing out that microencapsulation can solve the problems of short retention time, easy deterioration of odor, and excessive release of odor, and has great potential.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zehra Gunel, Emine Varhan, Mehmet Koc, Ayhan Topuz, Hilal Sahin-Nadeem
Summary: This study successfully produced capsaicin microcapsules with suppressed pungency while maintaining high microencapsulation efficiency. The encapsulation process using spray chilling reduced the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) of capsaicin by 4500 times compared to pure capsaicin, making it edible for individuals with sensitivity to pungency. The double-layered microencapsulation further improved the release performance in the in vitro gastrointestinal model.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuping Yin, Liangfei Tian, Avinash J. Patil, Mei Li, Stephen Mann
Summary: This study describes a dynamic alginate/silk coacervate-based protocell model, where membrane-less droplets can be reversibly reconfigured and inflated into semipermeable coacervate vesicles by the spontaneous self-organization of amphiphilic silk polymers at the droplet surface under non-neutral charge conditions. The researchers found that the membranization process can be reversibly controlled endogenously by programming the pH within the protocells using an antagonistic enzyme system.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ning Gao, Can Xu, Zhuping Yin, Mei Li, Stephen Mann
Summary: In this paper, we developed a caged protocell model that can control the dynamics of protocells by unlocking a stimuli-responsive membrane. The controlled and selective uptake of guest protocells into microdroplets was achieved by tailoring the surface properties of the protocells. The results highlight the potential for programming surface-contact interactions between artificial membrane-bounded compartments.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Can Xu, Nicolas Martin, Mei Li, Stephen Mann
Summary: This study presents a living material assembly process that utilizes bacterial colonies to construct complex synthetic cells. These synthetic cells inherit diverse biological components and exhibit multifunctional properties. The ability to remodel these cells internally allows for the integration of additional features, providing opportunities for various applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Songyang Liu, Yanwen Zhang, Xiaoxiao He, Mei Li, Jin Huang, Xiaohai Yang, Kemin Wang, Stephen Mann, Jianbo Liu
Summary: The study presents the construction of a tubular prototissue-like vessel by spatially segregating chemically communicating populations of enzyme-decorated protocells in hydrogel modules. The vessel is capable of modulating the output of bioactive nitric oxide (NO) and inhibiting platelet activation and blood clot formation. This research highlights the potential of spatially organized synthetic prototissue modules for applications in anticoagulation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paco Lopez-Cuevas, Can Xu, Charlotte E. Severn, Tiah C. L. Oates, Stephen J. Cross, Ashley M. Toye, Stephen Mann, Paul Martin
Summary: This study demonstrates that silencing or knocking out a specific immune cell-expressed miRNA, microRNA-223 (miR223), can reduce cancer progression. By using miniature artificial protocells (PCs) to deliver anti-inflammatory miRNAs, the interactions between immune cells and cancer cells are altered, resulting in reduced tumor burden.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ning Gao, Stephen Mann
Summary: Complex coacervate microdroplets derived from associative phase separation have shown great potential in constructing membraneless protocells. However, the lack of an enclosing membrane limits their functionality. In this Account, we present chemical strategies for the membranization of coacervate microdroplets and discuss their potential applications as functional materials. We hope that this Account will inspire further research and development in this field.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi-Zhi Zhong, Joseph J. J. Richardson, Yuan Tian, Haijiang Tian, Jiwei Cui, Stephen Mann, Frank Caruso
Summary: Metal-quinone networks (MQNs) have been developed as structurally tunable, universally adhesive, hydrophilic, and pH-degradable materials by coordinating metal ions with quinones through metal-acetylacetone coordination bonds. MQNs exhibit bidirectional pH-responsive disassembly and can be assembled into various forms such as particles, tubes, capsules, and films. Leveraging the tunable release ability of MQNs and the medicinal properties of quinones, MQN prodrugs with high drug loading are engineered for anti-cancer therapy and inhibition of the main protease in the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Omar Rifaie-Graham, Jonathan Yeow, Adrian Najer, Richard Wang, Rujie Sun, Kun Zhou, Tristan N. Dell, Christopher Adrianus, Chalaisorn Thanapongpibul, Mohamed Chami, Stephen Mann, Javier Read de Alaniz, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: This study describes a non-equilibrium nanosystem that utilizes light-gated chemical communication, controllable feedback, and macroscopic oscillations. The system allows for communication between nanoreactors and induces chemical mechanical oscillations in a hydrogel using feedback loops.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Heidari, Oya I. I. Sentuerk, Shuo Yang, Alex Joesaar, Pierangelo Gobbo, Stephen Mann, Tom F. A. de Greef, Seraphine V. V. Wegner
Summary: The authors developed a method to control the communication between sender-receiver pairs in a synthetic cell community through red and blue light illumination. They used photoswitchable membrane adhesion to self-assemble sender and receiver cells into different multicellular structures under red and blue light, allowing specific communication without interference. This work demonstrates the potential for designing orthogonal chemical communication networks in diverse synthetic cell communities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hannah Taylor, Ning Gao, Stephen Mann
Summary: We fabricate Janus-like calcium alginate hydrogel microspheres with spatially segregated populations using microfluidics. These microspheres serve as integrated platforms for domain-mediated chemical communication and programmable protocell-matrix dynamics. Our results offer new possibilities for the design and construction of spatially organized cytomimetic consortia capable of endogenous chemical processing and protocell-environment interactivity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanwen Zhang, Zefeng Wang, Mei Li, Can Xu, Ning Gao, Zhuping Yin, Kemin Wang, Stephen Mann, Jianbo Liu
Summary: The design and construction of synthetic protocells capable of stimuli response and homeostatic regulation is an important challenge for synthetic protobiology. In this study, we demonstrate a reconfigurable model protocell based on osmotic reconfiguration of lipid-coated coacervate droplets into multicompartmentalized coacervate vesicles that can exhibit hypotonic stress-induced volume response and enhance enzyme reactions. The increased nitric oxide (NO) within the swollen vesicles can induce blood vessel vasodilation, showing potential applications in biomedicine, cellular diagnostics, and bioengineering.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengying Yin, Xingyu Jiang, Stephen Mann, Liangfei Tian, Bruce W. Drinkwater
Summary: The high throughput deposition of microscale objects with precise spatial arrangement is crucial in microfabrication technology. The utilization of dynamic acoustic fields offers a contactless approach to real-time reconfigurable miniaturized systems, with potential applications in various fields. This article discusses the physical interactions of microscale objects in an acoustic pressure field, the fabrication of acoustic trapping devices, methods to tune the spatial arrangement, and potential applications in different disciplines.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhijun Xu, Jiarui Qi, Shengliang Wang, Xiaoman Liu, Mei Li, Stephen Mann, Xin Huang
Summary: The researchers achieved sustainable hydrogen production for over 200 days by coating algal cells with an ultra-thin Fe(III)-doped polypyrrole inner layer and an outer exoskeleton of CaCO3. This cellular bionic approach enhances green hydrogen production under environmentally benign conditions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick J. Grimes, Mary Jenkinson-Finch, Henry E. Symons, Wuge H. Briscoe, Sebastien Rochat, Stephen Mann, Pierangelo Gobbo
Summary: The synthesis of a novel photocleavable, poly(ethylene) glycol-based crosslinker enables the realization of light-induced disassembly, pattern generation and membrane permeability modulation in protocells, opening up new avenues for the engineering of organized protocell networks and micro-compartmentalized systems for information storage and release.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuping Yin, Ning Gao, Can Xu, Mei Li, Stephen Mann
Summary: This article describes a self-driven, endosymbiotic-like pathway where proteinosomes are captured within membranized alginate/silk fibroin coacervate vesicles by guest-mediated reconfiguration. The interchange of coacervate vesicle and droplet morphologies through proteinosome-mediated activity produces discrete nested communities with integrated catalytic activity and selective disintegration.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
