0000000000026678
AUTHOR
Tarek A. Elkhooly
Silver nanoparticle based coatings enhance adipogenesis compared to osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells through oxidative stress.
Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) based antibacterial surfaces were fabricated using plasma polymerization technology and their effects on differentiation of human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were investigated in this study. The results showed that AgNP coated surfaces do not affect the initial adhesion, spreading and proliferation of hMSCs. Furthermore, the silver coated surface promoted adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs as demonstrated by more accumulation of lipid droplets and upregulation of adipogenesis-related genes such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), adipocyte determination and differentiation factor (ADD1) and CCAAT/enhancer bindi…
Bioinspired self-assembly of tyrosinase-modified silicatein and fluorescent core-shell silica spheres.
Inspired by the intermolecular cross-linking of mussel foot proteins and their adhesive properties, tyrosinase has been used to modify recombinant silicatein. DOPA/DOPAquinone-mediated cross-linking and interfacial interactions enhanced both self-assembly of silicatein building blocks and templating of core–shell silica spheres, resulting in fluorescent biomimetic silicatein–silica hybrid mesofibers.
An evolutionary perspective on the role of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF): At the crossroads of poriferan innate immune and apoptotic pathways
The mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) belongs to a recently discovered family of neurotrophic factors. MANF can be secreted but is generally resident within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in neuronal and non-neuronal cells, where it is involved in the ER stress response with pro-survival effects. Here we report the discovery of the MANF homolog SDMANF in the sponge Suberites domuncula. The basal positioning of sponges (phylum Porifera) in the animal tree of life offers a unique vantage point on the early evolution of the metazoan-specific genetic toolkit and molecular pathways. Since sponges lack a conventional nervous system, SDMANF presents an enticing opportunity…
Characterization and osteogenic activity of a silicatein/biosilica-coated chitosan-graft-polycaprolactone.
Several attempts have been made in the past to fabricate hybrid materials that display the complementary properties of the polyester polycaprolactone (PCL) and the polysaccharide chitosan (CHS) for application in the field of bone regeneration and tissue engineering. However, such composites generally have no osteogenic activity per se. Here we report the synthesis of a chitosan-graft-polycaprolactone (CHS-g-PCL) and its subsequent characterization, including crystallinity, chemical structure and thermal stability. Upon surface-functionalization of CHS-g-PCL with osteogenic biosilica via the surface-immobilized enzyme silicatein, protein adsorption, surface morphology and wettability were a…
Osteogenic potential of a biosilica-coated P(UDMA-co-MPS) copolymer
A P(UDMA-co-MPS) copolymer was surface-functionalized through the polycondensation activity of the enzyme silicatein. The resulting biosilica coating significantly enhanced mineralization of osteoblastic cells, thereby revealing its osteogenic potential. Consequently, the functionalized copolymer may be explored as an alternative to conventionally used acrylics in applications where stable bone-material interfaces are required.
A synthetic biology approach for the fabrication of functional (fluorescent magnetic) bioorganic–inorganic hybrid materials in sponge primmorphs
During evolution, sponges (Porifera) have honed the genetic toolbox and biosynthetic mechanisms for the fabrication of siliceous skeletal components (spicules). Spicules carry a protein scaffold embedded within biogenic silica (biosilica) and feature an amazing range of optical, structural, and mechanical properties. Thus, it is tempting to explore the low-energy synthetic pathways of spiculogenesis for the fabrication of innovative hybrid materials. In this synthetic biology approach, the uptake of multifunctional nonbiogenic nanoparticles (fluorescent, superparamagnetic) by spicule-forming cells of bioreactor-cultivated sponge primmorphs provides access to spiculogenesis. The ingested nan…
Formation of a micropatterned titania photocatalyst by microcontact printed silicatein on gold surfaces
The enzyme silicatein has been bioengineered to carry a thiol-bearing Au-affinity tag (Cys-tag) for direct immobilization on gold carriers in shortest time without the need for prior surface functionalization. Through microcontact printing, defined silicatein micropatterns were created on gold surfaces, facilitating the subsequent enzymatically controlled synthesis of photocatalytically active TiO(2).