Fibrous Scaffolds From Elastin-Based Materials

Current cutting-edge strategies in biomaterials science are focused on mimicking the design of natural systems which, over millions of years, have evolved to exhibit extraordinary properties. Based on this premise, one of the most challenging tasks is to imitate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), due to its ubiquitous character and its crucial role in tissue integrity. The anisotropic fibrillar architecture of the ECM has been reported to have a significant influence on cell behaviour and function. A new paradigm that pivots around the idea of incorporating biomechanical and biomolecular cues into the design of biomaterials and systems for biomedical applications has emerged in recent years. Indeed, current trends in materials science address the development of innovative biomaterials that include the dynamics, biochemistry and structural features of the native ECM. In this context, one of the most actively studied biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications are nanofiber-based scaffolds. Herein we provide a broad overview of the current status, challenges, manufacturing methods and applications of nanofibers based on elastin-based materials. Starting from an introduction to elastin as an inspiring fibrous protein, as well as to the natural and synthetic elastin-based biomaterials employed to meet the challenge of developing ECM-mimicking nanofibrous-based scaffolds, this review will follow with a description of the leading strategies currently employed in nanofibrous systems production, which in the case of elastin-based materials are mainly focused on supramolecular self-assembly mechanisms and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. Thus, we will explore the tendency of elastin-based materials to form intrinsic fibers, and the self-assembly mechanisms involved. We will describe the function and self-assembly mechanisms of silk-like motifs, antimicrobial peptides and leucine zippers when incorporated into the backbone of the elastin-based biomaterial. Advanced polymer-processing technologies, such as electrospinning and additive manufacturing, as well as their specific features, will be presented and reviewed for the specific case of elastin-based nanofiber manufacture. Finally, we will present our perspectives and outlook on the current challenges facing the development of nanofibrous ECM-mimicking scaffolds based on elastin and elastin-like biomaterials, as well as future trends in nanofabrication and applications.

Download Full-text

Zeolates: A Coordination Chemistry View of Metal-Ligand Bonding in Intrazeolite MOCVD Type Precursors and Semiconductor Nanoclusters

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-277-105 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 277 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Geoffrey A. Ozin ◽

Carol L. Bowes ◽

Mark R. Steele

Keyword(s):

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science ◽

Zeolite Y ◽

Chemical Vapour ◽

Internal Surface ◽

Building Blocks ◽

Structural Features ◽

Organic Chemical ◽

Wide Range ◽

Shape Selective

ABSTRACTVarious MOCVD (metal-organic chemical vapour deposition) type precursors and their self-assembled semiconductor nanocluster products [1] have been investigated in zeolite Y hosts. From analysis of in situ observations (FTIR, UV-vis reflectance, Mössbauer, MAS-NMR) of the reaction sequences and structural features of the precursors and products (EXAFS and Rietveld refinement of powder XRD data) the zeolite is viewed as providing a macrospheroidal, multidendate coordination environment towards encapsulated guests. By thinking about the α- and β-cages of the zeolite Y host effectively as a zeolate ligand composed of interconnected aluminosilicate “crown ether-like” building blocks, the materials chemist is able to better understand and exploit the reactivity and coordination properties of the zeolite internal surface for the anchoring and self-assembly of a wide range of encapsulated guests. This approach helps with the design of synthetic strategies for creating novel guest-host inclusion compounds having possible applications in areas of materials science such as nonlinear optics, quantum electronics, and size/shape selective catalysis.

Download Full-text

Characterization of Inter- and Intramolecular Interactions of Amyloid Fibrils by AFM-Based Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy

Journal of Nanomaterials ◽

10.1155/2016/5463201 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yinli Li ◽

Hao Liang ◽

Huiling Zhao ◽

Dong Chen ◽

Bo Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Molecule ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Amyloid Fibrils ◽

Force Measurement ◽

Force Spectroscopy ◽

Structural Features ◽

Intramolecular Interactions ◽

Assembly Process ◽

Fibrous Protein ◽

Abnormal Accumulation

Amyloids are fibrous protein aggregates defined by shared specific structural features. Abnormal accumulation of amyloid in organs leads to amyloidosis, which results in various neurodegenerative diseases. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has proven to be an excellent tool investigating amyloids; it has been extensively utilized to characterize its morphology, assembly process, and mechanical properties. This review summarizes studies which applied AFM to detect the inter- and intramolecular interactions of amyloid fibrils and classified the influencing factors of amyloid’s nanomechanics in detail. The characteristics of amyloid fibrils driven by inter- and intramolecular interactions, including various morphologies of amyloid fibrils, self-assembly process, and the aggregating pathway, are described. Successful examples where AFM provided abundant information about inter- and intramolecular interactions of amyloid fibrils in different environments are presented. Direct force measurement of intra- or intermolecular interactions utilizing an AFM-based tool, single-molecular force spectroscopy (SMFS), is introduced. Some mechanical information such as elasticity, adhesiveness, and strength was obtained by stretching amyloid fibrils. This review helps researchers in understanding the mechanism of amyloidogenesis and exploring the properties of amyloid using AFM techniques.

Download Full-text

Fibers on the Fly: Multiscale Mechanisms of Fiber Formation in the Capture Slime of Velvet Worms

Integrative and Comparative Biology ◽

10.1093/icb/icz048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 59 (6) ◽

pp. 1690-1699 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alexander Baer ◽

Stephan Schmidt ◽

Georg Mayer ◽

Matthew J Harrington

Keyword(s):

Self Assembly ◽

Electrostatic Interactions ◽

Materials Science ◽

Prey Capture ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Polymer Processing ◽

Fiber Formation ◽

Charge Balance ◽

Mechanical Agitation ◽

Velvet Worms

Abstract Many organisms have evolved a capacity to form biopolymeric fibers outside their bodies for functions such as defense, prey capture, attachment, and protection. In particular, the adhesive capture slime of onychophorans (velvet worms) is remarkable for its ability to rapidly form stiff fibers through mechanical drawing. Notably, fibers that are formed ex vivo from extracted slime can be dissolved in water and new fibers can be drawn from the solution, indicating that fiber formation is encoded in the biomolecules that comprise the slime. This review highlights recent findings on the biochemical and physicochemical principles guiding this circular process in the Australian onychophoran Euperipatoides rowelli. A multiscale cross-disciplinary approach utilizing techniques from biology, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science has revealed that the slime is a concentrated emulsion of nanodroplets comprised primarily of proteins, stabilized via electrostatic interactions, possibly in a coacervate phase. Upon mechanical agitation, droplets coalesce, leading to spontaneous self-assembly and fibrillation of proteins—a completely reversible process. Recent investigations highlight the importance of subtle transitions in protein structure and charge balance. These findings have clear relevance for better understanding this adaptive prey capture behavior and providing inspiration toward sustainable polymer processing.

Download Full-text

Investigation of Au SAMs Photoclick Derivatization by PM-IRRAS

10.26434/chemrxiv.11347976 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Mark Workentin ◽

François Lagugné-Labarthet ◽

Sidney Legge

Keyword(s):

Cell Adhesion ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science ◽

Fibroblast Cell ◽

Fine Tuning ◽

Chemical System ◽

Infrared Reflection ◽

Assembled Monolayers ◽

One Step ◽

High Degree

In this work we present a clean one-step process for modifying headgroups of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold using photo-enabled click chemistry. A thiolated, cyclopropenone-caged strained alkyne precursor was first functionalized onto a flat gold substrate through self-assembly. Exposure of the cyclopropenone SAM to UV-A light initiated the efficient photochemical decarbonylation of the cyclopropenone moiety, revealing the strained alkyne capable of undergoing the interfacial strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). Irradiated SAMs were derivatized with a series of model azides with varied hydrophobicity to demonstrate the generality of this chemical system for the modification and fine-tuning of the surface chemistry on gold substrates. SAMs were characterized at each step with polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) to confirm successful functionalization and reactivity. Furthermore, to showcase the compatibility of this approach with biochemical applications, cyclopropenone SAMs were irradiated and modified with azide-bearing cell adhesion peptides to promote human fibroblast cell adhesion, then imaged by live cell fluorescence microscopy. Thus, the “photoclick” methodology reported here represents an improved, versatile, catalyst-free protocol that allows for a high degree of control over the modification of material surfaces, with applicability in materials science as well as biochemistry.<br>

Download Full-text

Enzyme-Instructed Self-assembly in Biological Milieu for Theranostics Purpose

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867324666170921104010 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (8) ◽

pp. 1351-1365 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zhentao Huang ◽

Qingxin Yao ◽

Simin Wei ◽

Jiali Chen ◽

Yuan Gao

Keyword(s):

Small Molecules ◽

Precision Medicine ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Public Healthcare ◽

Enzymatic Conversion ◽

Vaccine Adjuvants ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

The Past ◽

Biological Milieu

Precision medicine is in an urgent need for public healthcare. Among the past several decades, the flourishing development in nanotechnology significantly advances the realization of precision nanomedicine. Comparing to well-documented nanoparticlebased strategy, in this review, we focus on the strategy using enzyme instructed selfassembly (EISA) in biological milieu for theranostics purpose. In principle, the design of small molecules for EISA requires two aspects: (1) the substrate of enzyme of interest; and (2) self-assembly potency after enzymatic conversion. This strategy has shown its irreplaceable advantages in nanomedicne, specifically for cancer treatments and Vaccine Adjuvants. Interestingly, all the reported examples rely on only one kind of enzymehydrolase. Therefore, we envision that the application of EISA strategy just begins and will lead to a new paradigm in nanomedicine.

Download Full-text

Topological electronics

Communications Physics ◽

10.1038/s42005-021-00569-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matthew J. Gilbert

Keyword(s):

Information Processing ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Materials Science ◽

Electronic Device ◽

Condensed Matter ◽

Topological Phases ◽

Applied Physics ◽

New Paradigm ◽

Topological Materials ◽

Device Applications

AbstractWithin the broad and deep field of topological materials, there are an ever-increasing number of materials that harbor topological phases. While condensed matter physics continues to probe the exotic physical properties resulting from the existence of topological phases in new materials, there exists a suite of “well-known” topological materials in which the physical properties are well-characterized, such as Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3. In this context, it is then appropriate to ask if the unique properties of well-explored topological materials may have a role to play in applications that form the basis of a new paradigm in information processing devices and architectures. To accomplish such a transition from physical novelty to application based material, the potential of topological materials must be disseminated beyond the reach of condensed matter to engender interest in diverse areas such as: electrical engineering, materials science, and applied physics. Accordingly, in this review, we assess the state of current electronic device applications and contemplate the future prospects of topological materials from an applied perspective. More specifically, we will review the application of topological materials to the general areas of electronic and magnetic device technologies with the goal of elucidating the potential utility of well-characterized topological materials in future information processing applications.

Download Full-text

DNA-based self-assembly of nanostructures

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199533053.013.24 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Joshua D. Carter ◽

Chenxiang Lin ◽

Yan Liu ◽

Hao Yan ◽

Thomas H. LaBean

Keyword(s):

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science ◽

Directed Assembly ◽

Building Blocks ◽

Hierarchical Assembly ◽

Synthetic Dna ◽

Nanoscale Manufacturing ◽

Covalently Linked ◽

Design Construction ◽

Proteins And Peptides

This article examines the DNA-based self-assembly of nanostructures. It first reviews the development of DNA self-assembly and DNA-directed assembly, focusing on the main strategies and building blocks available in the modern molecular construction toolbox, including the design, construction, and analysis of nanostructures composed entirely of synthetic DNA, as well as origami nanostructures formed from a mixture of synthetic and biological DNA. In particular, it considers the stepwise covalent synthesis of DNA nanomaterials, unmediated assembly of DNA nanomaterials, hierarchical assembly, nucleated assembly, and algorithmic assembly. It then discusses DNA-directed assembly of heteromaterials such as proteins and peptides, gold nanoparticles, and multicomponent nanostructures. It also describes the use of complementary DNA cohesion as 'smart glue' for bringing together covalently linked functional groups, biomolecules, and nanomaterials. Finally, it evaluates the potential future of DNA-based self-assembly for nanoscale manufacturing for applications in medicine, electronics, photonics, and materials science.

Download Full-text

MATERIALS SCIENCE: Directing Self-Assembly Toward Perfection

Science ◽

10.1126/science.1162907 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 321 (5891) ◽

pp. 919-920 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

R. A. Segalman

Keyword(s):

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science

Download Full-text

Self Assembling Nanostructured Delivery Vehicles for Biochemically Reactive Pairs

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-351-109 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 351 ◽

Author(s):

Nir Kossovsky ◽

A. Gelman ◽

H.J. Hnatyszyn ◽

E. Sponsler ◽

G.-M. Chow

Keyword(s):

Physical Properties ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science ◽

Technology Development ◽

Biological Behavior ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Self Assembling ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Carbon Ceramic

ABSTRACTIntrigued by the deceptive simplicity and beauty of macromolecular self-assembly, our laboratory began studying models of self-assembly using solids, glasses, and colloidal substrates. These studies have defined a fundamental new colloidal material for supporting members of a biochemically reactive pair.The technology, a molecular transportation assembly, is based on preformed carbon ceramic nanoparticles and self assembled calcium-phosphate dihydrate particles to which glassy carbohydrates are then applied as a nanometer thick surface coating. This carbohydrate coated core functions as a dehydroprotectant and stabilizes surface immobilized members of a biochemically reactive pair. The final product, therefore, consists of three layers. The core is comprised of the ceramic, the second layer is the dehydroprotectant carbohydrate adhesive, and the surface layer is the biochemically reactive molecule for which delivery is desired.We have characterized many of the physical properties of this system and have evaluated the utility of this delivery technology in vitro and in animal models. Physical characterization has included standard and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron and x-ray diffraction and ζ potential analysis. Functional assays of the ability of the system to act as a nanoscale dehydroprotecting delivery vehicle have been performed on viral antigens, hemoglobin, and insulin. By all measures at present, the favorable physical properties and biological behavior of the molecular transportation assembly point to an exciting new interdisciplinary area of technology development in materials science, chemistry and biology.

Download Full-text

Living supramolecular polymerization of fluorinated cyclohexanes

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-23370-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Oleksandr Shyshov ◽

Shyamkumar Vadakket Haridas ◽

Luca Pesce ◽

Haoyuan Qi ◽

Andrea Gardin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dipole Moment ◽

Self Assembly ◽

Materials Science ◽

Helical Structure ◽

The Self ◽

Supramolecular Polymers ◽

Aliphatic Compound ◽

Double Helical Structure ◽

Key Driver ◽

Supramolecular Polymerization

AbstractThe development of powerful methods for living covalent polymerization has been a key driver of progress in organic materials science. While there have been remarkable reports on living supramolecular polymerization recently, the scope of monomers is still narrow and a simple solution to the problem is elusive. Here we report a minimalistic molecular platform for living supramolecular polymerization that is based on the unique structure of all-cis 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexafluorocyclohexane, the most polar aliphatic compound reported to date. We use this large dipole moment (6.2 Debye) not only to thermodynamically drive the self-assembly of supramolecular polymers, but also to generate kinetically trapped monomeric states. Upon addition of well-defined seeds, we observed that the dormant monomers engage in a kinetically controlled supramolecular polymerization. The obtained nanofibers have an unusual double helical structure and their length can be controlled by the ratio between seeds and monomers. The successful preparation of supramolecular block copolymers demonstrates the versatility of the approach.

Download Full-text