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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
08:35
Lipid Bilayer Vesicle Generation Using Microfluidic Jetting
Published on: February 21, 2014
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Generation of interconnected vesicles in a liposomal cell model
Baharan Ali Doosti1, Daniel Fjällborg1, Kiryl Kustanovich1
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 9, 412 96, Göteborg, Sweden.
Scientific Reports
|August 22, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to create interconnected vesicles (IVs) inside giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using micropipette technology. This novel technique mimics cellular secretory mechanisms for studying biological processes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are crucial cell model systems.
- Studying cellular secretory mechanisms requires advanced modeling techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an experimental method for generating interconnected vesicles (IVs) within a GUV.
- To create a GUV-based model system that mimics native secretory vesicles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a glass micropipette microinjection technique to form IVs within a GUV.
- Employed a lipid reservoir and Ca2+ solution stream for continuous IV generation.
- Controlled IV size via micropipette tip diameter.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated numerous interconnected IVs within a single GUV.
- IVs were observed to be connected to the GUV membrane and linked by lipid nanotubes.
- Demonstrated co-loading of neurotransmitters and proteins into IVs, with a steep calcium ion gradient.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a novel way to create a GUV-based model system.
- This system effectively mimics the structure and function of native secretory vesicles.
- The model system holds potential for studying complex secretory mechanisms in biological systems.
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