Osmotically induced morphological changes of extruded dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC) dispersions.
Extruded vesicles, which are often used as models for living cells, can change their morphology when they are diluted into a hyperosmotic medium. Different morphological changes were observed with extruded dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC) vesicles after dilution with a nonionic (sucrose) and ionic (CaCl2) osmotic agent above and below the gel-to-liquid crystalline transition temperature. By means of turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy, it was seen that the vesicles only deflated when they were in the gel state, whereas in the liquid crystalline state, an ionic osmotic agent could induce twinning of the vesicles, reminiscent to endocytosis. The latter could occur as a result of the combined effects of reduced repulsion, local dehydration, and reduced bending rigidity induced by the ionic agent.
Saveyn
Pieter
P
Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Particle and Interfacial Technology Group, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
Cocquyt
Jan
J
Bomans
Paul
P
Frederik
Peter
P
De Cuyper
Marcel
M
Van der Meeren
Paul
P
D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry; D008027:Light; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D010316:Particle Size; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013395:Sucrose / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C015831:dimethyldioctadecylammonium; D013395:Sucrose; D002122:Calcium Chloride