Dynamics of membrane nanotubulation and DNA self-assembly.
A localized point-like force applied perpendicular to a vesicular membrane layer, using an optical tweezer, leads to membrane nanotubulation beyond a threshold force. Below the threshold, the force-extension curve shows an elastic response with a fine structure (serrations). Above the threshold the tubulation process exhibits a new reversible flow phase for the multilamellar membrane, which responds viscoelastically. Furthermore, with an oscillatory force applied during tubulation, broad but well-resolved resonances occur in the flow phase, presumably matching the time scales associated with the vesicle-nanotubule coupled system. These nanotubules, anchored to the optical tweezer also provide, for the first time, a direct probe of the real-time dynamics of DNA self-assembly on membranes. Our studies are a step in the direction of analyzing the dynamics of membrane self-assembly and artificial nanofluidic membrane networks.
Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, India.
T
T
Roopa
N
N
Kumar
S
S
Bhattacharya
G V
GV
Shivashankar
D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004548:Elasticity; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000379:methods; D008871:Microvilli / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D014783:Viscosity
D008081:Liposomes; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C046112:didodecyldimethylammonium; D004247:DNA