title: Probing (macro)molecular transport through cell walls.
abstract: We here report a study on the passive permeability of hydrophobic probes through the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study we have prepared a series of fluorescent probes with similar chemical composition and molecular weight ranging from a few hundreds to a few thousands of g mol(-1). Their permeation into the cell body exhibits a clear MW cut-off and the underlying mechanism is governed by the permeation of individual molecules rather than aggregates. We also show that it is possible to reversibly alter the cell wall permeation properties without compromising the essence of its structure, by modifying the polarity/dielectric constant of the wall through solvent exchange.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom M13 9PT.
authors.forename: Giona
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kilcher
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Delneri
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Duckham
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tirelli
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010539:Permeability; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000378:metabolism*; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes