Giant Unilamellar Vesicle Microarrays for Cell Function Study

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are widely used as artificial cell models which contribute to elucidate fundamental questions on origin of life and cell functions. Herein, the GUV microarrays were developed using a point-to-plane electrode system combined with microcontact stripping technique. The biomolecules (DNA, etc.) were selectively encapsulated only inside patterned GUVs. The GUV arrays were used to investigate species mass transport across cell membranes. The release of carboxyfluorescein from GUVs showed a melittin concentration dependent manner. The diffusion coefficient were 0.37 × 10^-11, 0.36 × 10^-11, 0.54 × 10^-11, 1.10 × 10^-11, 1.74 × 10^-11, 2.31 × 10^-11, and 3.62 × 10^-11 m²/s for 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 μM melittin, respectively. The GUV arrays were also a good platform for cell metabolism investigation. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) loaded GUV microarrays were used to mimic internal metabolism by exposing them to the substrates of H₂O₂ and o-PD to yield fluorescent 2,3-diaminophenazine (2,3-DAP).The proposed GUV arrays have great potential in cell function studies.