Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Modulating Shape of Polyester Based Polymersomes using Osmotic Pressure
Published on: April 21, 2021
Osmotic pressure and aggregate shape in BSA/poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid/Dextran solutions
Valeria Castelletto1, Ian W Hamley, Luke A Clifton
1School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, The University of Reading, P.O. Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading, UK. V.Castelletto@reading.ac.uk
Abstract:
In this work we study the colloidal osmotic pressure (COP) and aggregate shape in phosphate saline buffer solutions (pH 7.4) containing bovine serum albumin (BSA), poly(ethylene glycol) lipid (PEG(2000)-PE) and Dextran (Dx). Dx was added to the BSA/PEG(2000)-PE system in order to increase the COP of the solution to levels comparable to the COP of healthy adults, with the aim of using the solution as a blood COP regulator. Dynamic light scattering and small angle X-ray scattering results shown the formation of BSA/PEG(2000)-PE/Dx aggregates in the solution. Osmometry results shown that the addition of Dx to the BSA/PEG(2000)-PE system could successfully increase the COP, through the formation of BSA/PEG(2000)-PE/Dx aggregates. The BSA/PEG(2000)-PE/Dx solutions attained COP=15 mm Hg, representing 60% of COP measured for healthy adults.
Related Concept Videos
Osmotic Pressure
Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure of Solutions
The Colloidal State

