Fusion of Bipolar Tetraether Lipid Membranes Without Enhanced Leakage of Small Molecules.

ABSTRACT: A major challenge in liposomal research is to minimize the leakage of encapsulated cargo from either uncontrolled passive permeability across the liposomal membrane or upon fusion with other membranes. We previously showed that liposomes made from pure Archaea-inspired bipolar tetraether lipids exhibit exceptionally low permeability of encapsulated small molecules due to their capability to form more tightly packed membranes compared to typical monopolar lipids. Here, we demonstrate that liposomes made of synthetic bipolar tetraether lipids can also undergo membrane fusion, which is commonly accompanied by content leakage of liposomes when using typical bilayer-forming lipids. Importantly, we demonstrate calcium-mediated fusion events between liposome made of glycerolmonoalkyl glycerol tet

SUBMITTER: Leriche G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6920354 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature