Micrometer-size vesicle formation triggered by UV light

Langmuir. 2014 Jul 1;30(25):7289-95. doi: 10.1021/la5008022. Epub 2014 Jun 17.

Abstract

Vesicle formation is a fundamental kinetic process related to the vesicle budding and endocytosis in a cell. In the vesicle formation by artificial means, transformation of lamellar lipid aggregates into spherical architectures is a key process and known to be prompted by e.g. heat, infrared irradiation, and alternating electric field induction. Here we report UV-light-driven formation of vesicles from particles consisting of crumpled phospholipid multilayer membranes involving a photoactive amphiphilic compound composed of 1,4-bis(4-phenylethynyl)benzene (BPEB) units. The particles can readily be prepared from a mixture of these components, which is casted on the glass surface followed by addition of water under ultrasonic radiation. Interestingly, upon irradiation with UV light, micrometer-size vesicles were generated from the particles. Neither infrared light irradiation nor heating prompted the vesicle formation. Taking advantage of the benefits of light, we successfully demonstrated micrometer-scale spatiotemporal control of single vesicle formation. It is also revealed that the BPEB units in the amphiphile are essential for this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Phospholipids / chemistry
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Phospholipids