In Vivo Coating of Bacterial Magnetic Nanoparticles by Magnetosome Expression of Spider Silk-Inspired Peptides

Biomacromolecules. 2018 Mar 12;19(3):962-972. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01749. Epub 2018 Feb 5.

Abstract

Magnetosomes are natural magnetic nanoparticles with exceptional properties that are synthesized in magnetotactic bacteria by a highly regulated biomineralization process. Their usability in many applications could be further improved by encapsulation in biocompatible polymers. In this study, we explored the production of spider silk-inspired peptides on magnetosomes of the alphaproteobacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense. Genetic fusion of different silk sequence-like variants to abundant magnetosome membrane proteins enhanced magnetite biomineralization and caused the formation of a proteinaceous capsule, which increased the colloidal stability of isolated particles. Furthermore, we show that spider silk peptides fused to a magnetosome membrane protein can be used as seeds for silk fibril growth on the magnetosome surface. In summary, we demonstrate that the combination of two different biogenic materials generates a genetically encoded hybrid composite with engineerable new properties and enhanced potential for various applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles*
  • Magnetosomes / genetics
  • Magnetosomes / metabolism*
  • Magnetosomes / ultrastructure
  • Magnetospirillum / genetics
  • Magnetospirillum / metabolism*
  • Magnetospirillum / ultrastructure
  • Peptide Biosynthesis*
  • Peptides*
  • Silk / biosynthesis*
  • Silk / genetics
  • Spiders / genetics*

Substances

  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • Peptides
  • Silk