title: Determination of the mechanical properties of DOPC:DOPS liposomes using an image procession algorithm and micropipette-aspiration techniques.
abstract: Quantification of the mechanical properties of liposomes is critical in helping to predict their behavior during various applications such as targeted drug delivery, response to mechanical characterization or their interactions with isolated cytoskeletal elements. A numerical implementation of the Evans aspiration technique, and an image processing algorithm for measuring deformation of spherical DOPC:DOPS liposomes is presented. Liposomes were aspirated to pressures of -10mmHg (∼-1300Pa). The area expansion and Young's moduli of the liposomes were found to be 0.067Nm⁻¹ (67±4dyn/cm) and 15±1 MPa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen Allen
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Rodowicz
authors.forename: Herbert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Layton
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000737:chemistry*; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D008081:Liposomes; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010718:Phosphatidylserines; C042511:1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylserine; C017251:1,2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine