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Updated: May 28, 2026
12:18
Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions
Published on: August 3, 2021
Stability of uni- and multillamellar spherical vesicles
Lobat Tayebi1, Daryoosh Vashaee, Atul N Parikh
1Department of Applied Science, University of California, Davis. Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Summary
This study introduces energy diagrams to explain vesicle formation and diversity. These diagrams guide the design of stable, tailored vesicles for applications like drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Lipid molecules self-assemble into unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles in aqueous environments.
- Vesicle formation results in polydisperse populations with diverse structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present energetic considerations for the equilibrium morphological organization of lipid vesicles.
- To provide a framework for designing vesicles with specific properties like stability and cargo capacity.
Main Methods:
- Development of elemental energy diagrams based on core radius (r(c)) and number of lamellae (N).
- Analysis of energetic contributions to vesicle stability under various conditions.
Main Results:
- Energy diagrams define stable ranges for vesicle size and lamellarity.
- Key design criteria identified for stable unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles.
- Osmotic stress significantly influences vesicle stability, with concentration gradients being dominant factors.
Conclusions:
- The study provides prescriptions for designing vesicles tailored for specific applications.
- Vesicle design can be optimized for stability, cargo capacity, and resistance to osmotic stress.
- Multilamellar vesicles with high lamellarity and specific core radii offer enhanced resistance to osmotic deformation, suitable for drug delivery.
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