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Manipulation of encapsulated artificial phospholipid membranes using sub-micellar lysolipid concentrations.
- Source :
-
Communications Chemistry . 6/1/2024, Vol. 7 Issue 1, p1-10. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Droplet Interface Bilayers (DIBs) constitute a commonly used model of artificial membranes for synthetic biology research applications. However, their practical use is often limited by their requirement to be surrounded by oil. Here we demonstrate in-situ bilayer manipulation of submillimeter, hydrogel-encapsulated droplet interface bilayers (eDIBs). Monolithic, Cyclic Olefin Copolymer/Nylon 3D-printed microfluidic devices facilitated the eDIB formation through high-order emulsification. By exposing the eDIB capsules to varying lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) concentrations, we investigated the interaction of lysolipids with three-dimensional DIB networks. Micellar LPC concentrations triggered the bursting of encapsulated droplet networks, while at lower concentrations the droplet network endured structural changes, precisely affecting the membrane dimensions. This chemically-mediated manipulation of enclosed, 3D-orchestrated membrane mimics, facilitates the exploration of readily accessible compartmentalized artificial cellular machinery. Collectively, the droplet-based construct can pose as a chemically responsive soft material for studying membrane mechanics, and drug delivery, by controlling the cargo release from artificial cell chassis. Droplet interface bilayers can be used as a model of artificial membranes for synthetic biology and drug delivery applications, however, their accessibility using non-invasive techniques remains challenging. Here, the authors develop an in-situ bilayer manipulation of encapsulated droplet interface bilayers in hydrogel capsules, generated by high-order emulsification in monolithic 3D-printed microfluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 23993669
- Volume :
- 7
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Communications Chemistry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 177597421
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-024-01209-z