0000000000388022
AUTHOR
Joachim Venzmer
Fluorescence studies of hydrophobically-modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamides) or how to play accordion on a liposome
The coil/globule transition of polymers in solution is a favourite topic of discussion among polymer theoreticians. Here, this phenomenon is used to play a “molecular accordion” built with a thermosensitive polymer anchored to liposomes, a tune which mimics a natural process occuring in cell membranes.
Giant liposomes as model membranes for immunological studies: spontaneous insertion of purified K1-antigen (poly-alpha-2,8-NeuAc) of Escherichia coli.
A flow chamber has been constructed to use giant liposomes (diameter 5-50 microns) as model membranes for immunological studies and other experiments involving the interaction with water-soluble compounds. As an example of immunological importance, the insertion of purified K-antigen from Escherichia coli K1 has been studied. Despite its large hydrophilic part (poly-alpha-2,8-NeuAc), which is capped at its potential reducing end with phosphatidic acid acting as a lipid anchor group, this water-soluble material is readily incorporated into liposomal membranes of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). The incorporation has been proven by immunofluorescence using a FITC-labeled monoclonal anti…