Nanocapsules Enable Cell-Inspired Metabolic Reactions
Researchers at the University of Basel succeeded in developing capsules capable of producing the bio-molecule glucose-6-phosphate that plays an important role in metabolic processes. The researchers were able to produce the metabolite in conditions very similar to the biochemical reaction inside natural cells.
Schematic illustration of the bio-catalytic nanocompartment with encapsulated enzyme phosphoglucomutase for the conversion of glucose-1-phosphate (blue circles) into the desired product glucose-6-phosphate (orange circles).
University of Basel
Metabolic processes inside living organisms involve a large variety of bio-molecules. These molecules are produced by specific enzymatic reactions. One example of such a bio-molecule is glucose-6-phosphate, a metabolite that is involved in important metabolic processes. It is central in the degradation of carbohydrates and can also be converted further into specific molecules responsible for storing energy within an organism. If such bio-molecules can be produced directly inside living cells, new perspectives in the treatment of disease would open up.
Nanocapsules produce glucose-6-phosphate
Researchers led by Prof. Cornelia Palivan from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Basel have designed bio-catalytic capsules that contain the active enzyme phosphoglucomutase and can produce and release glucose-6-phosphate.
To start the reaction, the substrate required for the reaction has to be able to enter the capsule. The researchers thus inserted a pore protein synthesized at ETH Zurich in the walls of the capsules. These pores are the entry door for the substrate and the exit for the product glucose-6-phosphate, while the enzyme remains encapsulated and protected against degradation.
The developed nanocapsules are less than 200 nanometers in size, which means they can be taken up by cells, an important prerequisite for future testing and application.
Unlike other approaches that use organic solvents, the researchers develop their capsules in conditions very similar to those in nature. “Our approach is always to be as nature-like as possible,” says Palivan “so we can preserve the intrinsic bio-functionality of the enzymes and pore proteins.”
In a next step, the researchers will now test the capsules on cells, to see if they are taken up and then produce glucose-6-phosphate inside the cell.
Original publication
Other news from the department science
Most read news
Last viewed contents
Joint Crucell and Harvard Medical School Study Demonstrates the Potential of New Vaccine Delivery System
Targeting tumors may help stop spread of breast, other cancers
Another step towards synthetic cells - Introducing functional DNA-based cytoskeletons into cell-sized compartments
Random fluctuations give rise to odd genetic phenomenon - Biophysicists show that 'incomplete penetrance' is not just a question of nature versus nurture
ATLAS Biolabs participates in two European research projects to investigate DNA repair and cellular aging
New analysis of data from TNF-alpha AutoVac(TM) clinical trial shows clear antibody levels
New technique could increase success rate, life span of implantable devices
First-ever view of protein structure may lead to better anxiety drugs
CEO of Molecular Profiles Recognized as One of 100 Most Inspiring People in the Life Sciences Industry
