Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
08:53
Using Scaffold Liposomes to Reconstitute Lipid-proximal Protein-protein Interactions In Vitro
Published on: January 11, 2017
9.0K
DODAB-ODN lipoplex structure is highly dependent on ODN concentration: A multitechnique experimental study
Cristofher Victor Vivas1, Antonio R da Cunha2, M Teresa Lamy1
1Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, R. do Matão, 1371, 05508-090, SP, Brazil.
Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports
|July 29, 2025
Summary
This study reveals how oligonucleotide (ODN) concentration affects dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) lipid vesicles, impacting their structure and stability for potential gene therapy applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Lipid-DNA complexes are crucial for gene delivery systems.
- Understanding the structural behavior of these complexes is essential for optimizing their efficacy.
- Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) is a cationic lipid commonly used in lipoplexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural properties of DODAB-oligonucleotide (ODN) complexes.
- To determine the effect of varying ODN concentrations on DODAB vesicle structure and stability.
- To explore the potential of these DODAB-ODN aggregates in gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements.
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for structural analysis.
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Laurdan fluorescence spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Low ODN concentrations lead to vesicle coalescence and multilamellar structure formation.
- Intermediate ODN concentrations cause loss of colloidal stability.
- High ODN concentrations result in stable, small multilamellar vesicles with altered lipid packing.
Conclusions:
- ODN concentration significantly influences DODAB vesicle structure, stability, and surface properties.
- ODN induces lipid packing and dehydration at vesicle surfaces.
- These findings provide insights into DODAB-ODN aggregate structures for gene therapy development.
Related Concept Videos
03:38Structure of Lipids
91.2K
Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic...
91.2K
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
5.3K
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
5.3K
01:19Formation of Lipopolysaccharides
102
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are crucial components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, serving both structural and functional roles. It contributes to membrane stability and protects bacteria from host immune responses. LPS is composed of three major regions—lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O antigen. The biosynthesis and assembly of LPS involve a highly coordinated set of enzymatic reactions and transport mechanisms. Additionally, LPS is recognized as an endotoxin,...
102
01:21Factors Affecting Dissolution: Drug pKa, Lipophilicity and GI pH
2.0K
Drug absorption within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex process influenced by several critical factors, including the site pH, the drug's dissociation constant (pKa), and the drug's lipophilicity. The GI tract exhibits a pH gradient, with an acidic environment in the stomach and a more alkaline environment in the small intestine. This pH variation directly affects the ionization state of drugs.
A drug's pKa and the pH of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract play crucial roles...
A drug's pKa and the pH of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract play crucial roles...
2.0K
01:32Lipids as Anchors
5.9K
In the plasma membrane, the lipids forming the bilayer can also act as an anchor to tether proteins to the membrane. The three main types of lipid anchors found in eukaryotes are – prenyl groups, fatty acyl groups, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol or GPI groups. Prenyl and fatty acyl groups act as anchors on the cytosolic surface of the membrane, whereas GPI anchors proteins on the extracellular side.
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
5.9K
01:24Lipid Absorption
752
Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
752