Calcium-ion-controlled nanoparticle-induced tubulation in supported flat phospholipid vesicles
Journal article, 2011

Biological nanotubes, often referred to as tunneling nanotubes, fulfill important functions within the cell, e.g. by supplying cell components, conducting signals and transporting virus particles and bacteria. Many functions are still insufficiently understood, which has placed these nanostructures in the focus of recent investigation. We report here on our observations of transient tubulation in nanoparticle-containing, supported flat giant unilamellar vesicles (FGUVs). The encapsulation of nanoparticles in FGUVs in conjunction with low (1-4 mM) Ca(2+) in the ambient buffer solution resulted in transient tube formation. Tubes extended from the FGUV up to a length of several hundred micrometres and exhibited, on some occasions, vesicle encapsulation. The findings represent an interesting confirmation of several reported theoretical and practical models of tube formation in biological or biomimetic systems.

cells

proteins

lipid-bilayer

giant vesicles

liposome

vesiculation

phosphatidylcholine

networks

curvature

membrane nanotubes

neuron-like tubes

Author

Irep Gözen

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry

Celine Billerit

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry

Paul Gunnar Dommersnes

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry

Aldo Jesorka

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry

Owe Orwar

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry

Soft Matter

1744-683X (ISSN) 1744-6848 (eISSN)

Vol. 7 20 9706-9713

Subject Categories

Chemical Sciences

DOI

10.1039/c1sm05677h

More information

Created

10/6/2017