Kinetics of enzyme-mediated hydrolysis of lipid vesicles

Journal article, 2016

Membrane enzymatic reactions can now be experimentally studied at the level of single sub-100 nm lipid vesicles. To interpret such experiments, we scrutinize theoretically various aspects of the hydrolysis of vesicles by single enzyme molecules and enzyme (e.g., PLA2) supplied with the constant rate. Using the mean-field kinetic model, we illustrate the shape of the corresponding kinetics and the dependence of the time scale of the reaction on the vesicle radius. Stochastic effects are illustrated as well. In addition, we discuss the likely mechanisms of the reaction-induced pore formation and bilayer rupture.