A cytoprotective and degradable metal-polyphenol nanoshell for single-cell encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Synthetic Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Single-cell encapsulation offers cytoprotection against stressors, similar to natural sporulation.
• A key challenge is developing on-demand shell degradation for practical applications and cell biology research.
• Mimicking natural germination (shell degradation) is crucial for utilizing encapsulated functional cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cytocompatible method for on-demand degradation of artificial cell shells.
• To investigate the protective capabilities of the artificial shell against various lethal stressors.
• To assess the impact of the shell on cell division and its restoration upon degradation.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of individual Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) cells using tannic acid (TA) and Fe(III) to form an artificial shell.
• Exposure of encapsulated cells to lethal stressors: UV-C irradiation, lytic enzymes, and silver nanoparticles.
• Monitoring of shell degradation, cell division, and cell viability post-degradation.

Main Results:

• The TA-Fe(III) shell effectively protected yeast cells from UV-C, lytic enzymes, and silver nanoparticles.
• The artificial shell demonstrated controllable, on-demand degradation.
• Cell division, initially suppressed by the shell, was fully restored after shell degradation.

Conclusions:

• The TA-Fe(III) shell provides a versatile and cytocompatible method for single-cell protection and on-demand release.
• This approach offers a chemical mimicry of natural sporulation and germination processes.
• The developed technique holds potential for applications in functional cell delivery and single-cell biology.