title: The effect of PAMAM G6 dendrimers on the structure of lipid vesicles.
abstract: Dendrimers are polymers with unique properties that make them promising in a variety of applications such as potential drug and gene delivery systems. PAMAM dendrimers, in particular, have been widely investigated and are efficiently translocated into the cell. The mechanism of translocation, however, is still unknown. Recently it was proposed that PAMAM dendrimers are able to open holes in lipid bilayers by stealing lipid from the bilayer and forming "dendrisomes". The present work intends to contribute in the clarification of this question: why are dendrimers able to translocate into the cell? We create simple models for cell membranes by using small lipid vesicles that present a single lipid phase at physiologically relevant conditions. We then follow the effect that dendrimers have on the structure of the vesicles by using a combination of various techniques: dynamic light scattering, cryo-TEM and small angle X-ray scattering. We discuss our results with respect to the previous findings and reflect on their possible implications for real translocation in living cells.
authors: Nanoscience center and Institute of Chemistry, Copenhagen University, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen E, Denmark.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Akesson
authors: Kristian Moss
authors: KM
authors: Bendtsen
authors: Manja A
authors: MA
authors: Beherens
authors: Jan Skov
authors: JS
authors: Pedersen
authors: Viveka
authors: V
authors: Alfredsson
authors: Marité
authors: M
authors: Cárdenas Gómez
mesh_terms: D050091:Dendrimers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008027:Light; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D050091:Dendrimers; D008081:Liposomes; C104700:PAMAM Starburst