Reversible Vesicle-to-Disk Transitions of Liposomes Induced by the Self-Assembly of Water-Soluble Porphyrins

Langmuir. 2017 Jan 31;33(4):1023-1029. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b02723. Epub 2017 Jan 18.

Abstract

Structural control of lipid membranes is important for mechanisms underlying biological functions and for creating high-functionality soft materials. We demonstrate the reversible control of vesicle structures (liposomes) using supramolecular assemblies. Specifically, water-soluble anionic porphyrin molecules interact with positively charged lipid membrane surfaces to form one-dimensional self-assembled structures (J-aggregates) under acidic conditions. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy revealed that porphyrin J-aggregates on the membrane surface induced an extensive structural change from vesicles to layered disks. Neutralization of the solution deformed the porphyrin J-aggregates, thereby reforming nanosized liposomes from the layered disks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Porphyrins / chemistry*
  • Solubility
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Liposomes
  • Porphyrins
  • Water