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Disc formation in cholesterol-free liposomes during phase transition
Ludger M Ickenstein1, Maria C Arfvidsson, David Needham
1Department of Advanced Therapeutics, The British Columbia Cancer Agency Research Centre, 601 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1L3.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|August 5, 2003
Summary
Thermosensitive liposomes form open structures and bilayer discs upon heating and cooling. This transformation is influenced by PEG-lipid and lysolipid content, suggesting micelle-forming components stabilize these structures.
Area of Science:
- Lipid self-assembly and nanotechnology.
- Materials science of phase transitions.
Background:
- Thermosensitive liposomes (LTSL) are crucial drug delivery systems.
- Understanding their structural dynamics during phase transitions is key for stability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural changes in lysolipid-containing thermosensitive liposomes (LTSL) during their phase transition.
- To determine the factors influencing the formation of bilayer discs and open liposomes.
Main Methods:
- Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) was used to visualize LTSL structures.
- Liposomes were subjected to thermal cycling through their gel (Lbeta') to liquid-crystalline (Lalpha) phase transition.
Main Results:
- Cryo-TEM revealed the formation of open liposomes and bilayer discs upon thermal cycling.
- The generation of bilayer discs was dependent on the co-presence of PEG-lipid and lysolipid.
Conclusions:
- Lipid composition, specifically PEG-lipid and lysolipid, dictates structural remodeling during phase transitions.
- Micelle-forming components are hypothesized to stabilize the observed bilayer openings and discs.