Generation of phospholipid vesicle-nanotube networks and transport of molecules therein
Author
Jesorka, A.
Stepanyants, N.
Zhang H.
Ortmen, B.
Hakonen, B.
Orwar O.
Date
2011Source Title
Nature Protocols
Print ISSN
17542189
Volume
6
Issue
6
Pages
791 - 805
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
130
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133
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Abstract
We describe micromanipulation and microinjection procedures for the fabrication of soft-matter networks consisting of lipid bilayer nanotubes and surface-immobilized vesicles. These biomimetic membrane systems feature unique structural flexibility and expandability and, unlike solid-state microfluidic and nanofluidic devices prepared by top-down fabrication, they allow network designs with dynamic control over individual containers and interconnecting conduits. The fabrication is founded on self-assembly of phospholipid molecules, followed by micromanipulation operations, such as membrane electroporation and microinjection, to effect shape transformations of the membrane and create a series of interconnected compartments. Size and geometry of the network can be chosen according to its desired function. Membrane composition is controlled mainly during the self-assembly step, whereas the interior contents of individual containers is defined through a sequence of microneedle injections. Networks cannot be fabricated with other currently available methods of giant unilamellar vesicle preparation (large unilamellar vesicle fusion or electroformation). Described in detail are also three transport modes, which are suitable for moving water-soluble or membrane-bound small molecules, polymers, DNA, proteins and nanoparticles within the networks. The fabrication protocol requires ∼90 min, provided all necessary preparations are made in advance. The transport studies require an additional 60-120 min, depending on the transport regime. © 2011 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords
DNAnanoparticle
nanotube
polymer
protein
article
artificial membrane
biomimetics
electroporation
immobilization
ion transport
lipid bilayer
membrane component
membrane structure
methodology
microinjection
micromanipulation
molecular dynamics
nanofabrication
phospholipid vesicle
priority journal
surface property
transport kinetics
Biological Transport
Biomimetics
Electroporation
Lipid Bilayers
Lipids
Microinjections
Micromanipulation
Nanoparticles
Nanotubes
Soybeans