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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Phase Behavior of Charged Vesicles Under Symmetric and Asymmetric Solution Conditions Monitored with Fluorescence Microscopy

Phase Behavior of Charged Vesicles Under Symmetric and Asymmetric Solution Conditions Monitored with Fluorescence Microscopy

Published on: October 24, 2017

Spontaneous charged lipid transfer between lipid vesicles.

Joanna L Richens¹, Arwen I I Tyler^2,3, Hanna M G Barriga^4,3

¹School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Scientific Reports

|October 5, 2017

Summary

This study introduces a new assay for measuring spontaneous charged lipid transfer between vesicles. The method utilizes fluorescently labeled acceptor vesicles to detect lipid transfer, revealing that transfer rates decrease with increasing lipid chain length.

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Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions

Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions

Published on: August 3, 2021

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Physical Chemistry
Membrane Biophysics

Background:

Lipid transfer between vesicles is crucial for membrane dynamics.
Existing methods for studying lipid transfer are often limited in scope or complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a novel assay for quantifying spontaneous charged lipid transfer between vesicles.
To investigate the influence of lipid properties, such as headgroup and chain length, on transfer rates.

Main Methods:

Utilized a donor/acceptor vesicle system with fluorescently labeled acceptor vesicles (Fluoresceinphosphatidylethanolamine - FPE).
Monitored changes in acceptor vesicle membrane potential to quantify negatively charged lipid transfer.
Studied transfer kinetics of various lipids with differing headgroups and chain lengths at low vesicle concentrations.

Main Results:

Demonstrated a first-order transfer process, suggesting monomeric lipid transfer via the aqueous phase.
Observed a decrease in lipid transfer rate with increasing lipid chain length.
Validated the assay's ability to study unmodified lipids and continuous monitoring.

Conclusions:

The developed assay provides a simplified and versatile method for studying charged lipid transfer.
Findings support existing energy models of lipid monomer-vesicle interactions.
The assay enables detailed investigation into lipid transfer mechanisms and dynamics.