Short-Chain Alcohols Promote Accelerated Membrane Distention in a Dynamic Liposome Model of Exocytosis
Journal article, 2008

We have used amperometric measurements in a model system consisting of two liposomes connected with a membrane nanotube to monitor catechol release during artificial exocytosis and thereby to elucidate the effect of small-chain alcohols on this dynamic membrane process. To determine the rate of membrane shape change, catechol release during membrane distention was monitored amperometrically, and the presence of alcohols in the buffer was shown to accelerate the membrane distention process in a concentration-dependent manner. Compression isotherms for the same lipid composition in the absence and presence of ethanol and 1-propanol were measured to determine how these short-chain alcohols affect the lipid packing in monolayers. The isotherms show a marked decrease in lipid packing density that is dependent on the particular alcohol and its concentration. Comparison of the electrochemical and isotherm results suggests a correlation between decreasing lipid packing density and increasing rates of membrane shape change.

Author

N J Wittenberg

Leiliang Zheng

Nicholas Winograd

Andrew Ewing

University of Gothenburg

Langmuir

Vol. 24 6 2637-2642

Subject Categories

Chemical Sciences

DOI

10.1021/la703171u

More information

Created

10/10/2017