Formation and regulation of fullerene-incorporation in liposomes under the phase transition temperature

Org Biomol Chem. 2011 Apr 21;9(8):2622-7. doi: 10.1039/c0ob01030h. Epub 2011 Feb 15.

Abstract

The fullerene-exchange reaction from a cyclodextrin cavity to liposomes represents one of the best methods to prepare lipid membrane-incorporated [70]fullerenes (C(70)). The C(70)-exchange reaction occurred completely at temperatures above the phase transition temperature (T(m)) of the liposomes; however, lowering the temperature to below the T(m) led to C(70) aggregation outside the liposomes. This observation has limited the development of more functional LMIC(70) using a variety of liposome compositions. In this paper, this reaction was found to occur efficiently by the addition of small amounts of lipids bearing a π-moiety. The π-moieties act as a gate when hydrophobic C(70) migrates into the hydrophilic liposome surface. Therefore, the π-moieties should exist in the polar head groups of the lipids and the C(70)-exchange reaction can be controlled by pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fullerenes / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Liposomes
  • Molecular Structure
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Transition Temperature*

Substances

  • Fullerenes
  • Liposomes