Liposome array on a power-free microfluidic device for analysis of nanopore formation

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Liposome-based sensing technology utilizing nanopore formation is a significant area of research.
• Understanding the interaction between amphotericin B (AmB) and ergosterol is crucial for liposomal membrane analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze nanopore formation characteristics on liposomal membranes resulting from AmB-ergosterol interactions.
• To propose and demonstrate a novel system for examining nanopore formation and its modulation by compounds like shodoamide C (ShC).

Main Methods:

• Liposomes were prepared using a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion method.
• A microfluidic device with power-free pumping was employed for liposome introduction.
• Nanopore formation and molecular release kinetics were analyzed by varying ergosterol mole fraction, AmB concentration, and ShC presence.

Main Results:

• AmB binding to ergosterol induced nanopore formation, enabling encapsulated molecule release.
• Release time was controllable by adjusting membrane composition (ergosterol) and AmB concentration.
• Shodoamide C (ShC) was shown to enhance AmB activity by increasing membrane permeability and accelerating molecular release.

Conclusions:

• A novel analytical system was developed to measure AmB activity and the effects of enhancers/inhibitors via concentration-dependent release profiles.
• This system offers a practical tool for screening membrane-active compounds.
• The findings open new avenues for developing membrane-active therapeutics and advancing drug discovery and synthetic biology.