Structural features of interacting complementary liposomes promoting formation of multicompartment structures.
The structural features of complementary liposomes and factors favoring formation of multicompartment systems are investigated. Specifically, liposomal formulations consisting of PEGylated unilamellar liposomes with guanidinium moieties located at the distal end of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains interact with complementary multilamellar liposomes bearing phosphate moieties. Furthermore, the number of PEG chains attached to the unilamellar interface of the liposomes is enhanced by incorporating PEGylated cholesterol in their bilayer. While molecular recognition of the liposomes is the driving force for initiating multicompartmentalization, it is the enhanced PEGylation at the liposomal interface that synergistically promotes fusion resulting in large and well-formed multicompartment systems. A mechanism is proposed according to which initial adhesion of the liposomes, followed by reorganization of their membrane lipids, leads to giant bilayer aggregates incorporating large liposomes.
Sideratou
Zili
Z
Institute of Physical Chemistry, NCSR "Demokritos", 15310 Aghia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece.
Sterioti
Nikoletta
N
Tsiourvas
Dimitris
D
Paleos
Constantinos M
CM
D002784:Cholesterol; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008561:Membrane Fusion; D010710:Phosphates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes; D010710:Phosphates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D002784:Cholesterol