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Single-Molecule Diffusion and Assembly on Polymer-Crowded Lipid Membranes

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Published on: July 19, 2022

Diffusion through colloidosome shells.

Rachel T Rosenberg¹, Nily R Dan

¹Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

|December 3, 2010

Summary

Colloidal shells on colloidosomes affect molecular transport. Particle size matters in thick shells, reducing transport, but not in thin monolayer shells, clarifying prior research on diffusant permeability.

Area of Science:

Colloid and surface science
Materials science
Chemical engineering

Background:

Colloidosomes feature colloidal particle shells around aqueous cores.
Colloidal shells impact molecular (diffusant) transport, but effects vary.
Prior studies show conflicting results regarding particle size and transport hindrance.

Purpose of the Study:

To model diffusant transport through colloidal shells.
To investigate the influence of colloidal particle size on transport.
To reconcile conflicting experimental observations in the literature.

Main Methods:

Development of a simple diffusion model.
Incorporation of volume reduction, pore size exclusion, and interfacial area reduction.

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Analysis of monolayer versus multi-layer shell configurations.

Main Results:

In monolayer shells, colloidal particle size had no effect on transport reduction.
In fixed-thickness multi-layer shells, transport rate decreased with increasing particle size.
Model predictions align well with existing experimental data.

Conclusions:

The model explains the dual role of particle size in diffusant transport through colloidosomes.
Shell architecture (monolayer vs. multi-layer) is critical in determining particle size effects.
Findings clarify the mechanisms governing transport in colloidal systems.