Synthesis of lipids on the micelle/water interface using inorganic phosphate and an alkene oxide.
Liposomes can be considered as a model for a protocell in the context of the origin of life. These self-organising systems can self-reproduce under certain experimental conditions. Herein we demonstrate the ability of another lipid aggregate, micelles, to catalyse a reaction leading finally to the formation of new lipids. In contrast to other published work, where the lipids are products of a hydrolysis reaction, here the lipids are built up from simple precursors. In addition, we observe a transformation of micelles into liposomes.
Conde-Frieboes
K
K
Institut für Polymere, ETH Zentrum, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland. kcf@novonordisk.com
Blöchliger
E
E
D000475:Alkenes; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D008055:Lipids / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008081:Liposomes; D008823:Micelles; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D000069497:Origin of Life; D010710:Phosphates; D014867:Water
D000475:Alkenes; D008055:Lipids; D008081:Liposomes; D008823:Micelles; D010710:Phosphates; D014867:Water