engleski

Marine bio-inspired interface: Algal plasma membrane vesicles

Liposomes are widely employed to deliver biologically active compounds such as proteins, enzymes, hormones, DNA vectors, anticancer drugs, and antimicrobial agents into cells. The aim of this work is to design a protocol for isolation of algal plasma membranes that mimics biological membrane better than liposomes. Algal plasma membrane vesicles were reconstructed from the native membrane material released upon rupturing algal cells by hypo-osmotic stress. The reconstructed plasma membrane is an intermediate system between phospholipid vesicles and cells. AFM structural characterization of reconstructed vesicles shows a thick envelope with nearly empty interior. The surface of the envelope contains a heterogeneous distribution of densely packed globules forming a nanometer scale, pore-like structure which may be derived from surface coat proteins. Confocal imaging shows that the plasma membrane is naturally labeled due to the retained highly pigmented photosynthetic apparatus located within the thylakoid membrane. Calcein permeability of plasma membrane and giant unilamellar vesicles is substantially different, due to membrane structural features and physicochemical properties. Natural reconstructed plasma membrane models appear highly relevant and convenient photosensitive interface for probing membrane-related processes. This study contributes to the design of marine bio-inspired carriers for advanced biotechnological applications. Acknowledgments This work is supported by the Croatian Science Foundation Projects "From algal cell surface properties to stress markers for aquatic ecosystems" (IP-2018-01-5840) and "Synthesis of Supramolecular Self-assembled Nanostructures for Construction of Advanced Functional Materials" (IP-2018-01-6910). PTV is supported by the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) grant FA9550-14-1-0023 (a collaborative effort with FA9550-14-10018) and by AFOSR MURI grant FA9550-15-1-0517 on "Nanoelectropulse-Induced Electromechanical Signaling and Control of Biological Systems", administered through Old Dominion University.

algal cell ; calcein transport ; ghost vesicles ; liposomes ; permeability

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