Lipid Bilayer Vesicle Generation Using Microfluidic Jetting

Christopher W. Coyne; Karan Patel; Johanna Heureaux; Jeanne Stachowiak; Daniel A. Fletcher; Allen P. Liu

doi:10.3791/51510

Lípidos bicapa vesículas Generación Usando Microfluidic Jetting

JoVE Journal
Bioengineering

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JoVE Journal Bioengineering

Lipid Bilayer Vesicle Generation Using Microfluidic Jetting

Lípidos bicapa vesículas Generación Usando Microfluidic Jetting

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08:35 min

February 21, 2014

DOI: 10.3791/51510-v

Christopher W. Coyne¹, Karan Patel¹, Johanna Heureaux¹, Jeanne Stachowiak³, Daniel A. Fletcher^4,5, Allen P. Liu^1,2

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering,University of Michigan, ²Department of Biomedical Engineering,University of Michigan, ³Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology,The University of Texas at Austin, ⁴Department of Bioengineering,University of California, Berkeley, ⁵Physical Biosciences Division,Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

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Overview

This article discusses a method for generating phospholipid bilayer vesicles using microfluidic jetting against a droplet interface lipid bilayer. The technique allows for precise control over membrane asymmetry, transmembrane protein incorporation, and encapsulation of materials.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Biophysics
Biotechnology

Background

Phospholipid bilayer vesicles are essential for studying compartmentalized biomolecules.
Microfluidic techniques enhance the reproducibility and control of vesicle formation.
Understanding membrane properties is crucial for various biological applications.
Jetting technology can streamline the process of vesicle generation.

Purpose of Study

To generate vesicles with controlled membrane characteristics.
To facilitate the incorporation of specific proteins into the bilayer.
To enable the encapsulation of various materials for research purposes.

Methods Used

Manufacturing a chamber from acrylic sheets and natural rubber.
Producing a suspended lipid bilayer by loading the chamber with lipids and solution.
Setting up an inkjet apparatus for encapsulating solutions.
Establishing appropriate settings for jetted fluid pulses to create vesicles.

Main Results

Microfluidic jetting produces repeatable, mono-dispersed bilayer vesicles.
The method allows for precise control over vesicle properties.
Encapsulation of materials is achieved effectively.
Vesicles can be tailored for various biological studies.

Conclusions

Microfluidic jetting is a reliable technique for vesicle generation.
Control over membrane asymmetry and protein incorporation is enhanced.
This method has significant implications for studying compartmentalized biomolecules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are phospholipid bilayer vesicles?

Phospholipid bilayer vesicles are small spherical structures composed of lipid bilayers that can encapsulate materials for biological studies.

How does microfluidic jetting work?

Microfluidic jetting involves using a jetting apparatus to create fluid pulses that form vesicles at a lipid bilayer interface.

What is the significance of membrane asymmetry?

Membrane asymmetry is crucial for the functionality of biological membranes, affecting protein orientation and activity.

Can this method be used for drug delivery?

Yes, the vesicles generated can potentially be used for targeted drug delivery in various biological applications.

What materials can be encapsulated in the vesicles?

A variety of materials, including drugs and biomolecules, can be encapsulated using this method.

De chorro de microfluidos contra una bicapa lipídica interfaz de gotita ofrece una manera fiable para generar vesículas con el control de la asimetría de la membrana, la incorporación de proteínas de transmembrana, y la encapsulación de material. Esta técnica se puede aplicar para estudiar una variedad de sistemas biológicos en los que se desean biomoléculas compartimentadas.

El objetivo general de este procedimiento es generar vesículas bicapa de fosfolípidos con un mayor control sobre la membrana, la unla, la molaridad, la monodispersión y el contenido interno. Usando cad, se fabrica una cámara a partir de láminas acrílicas y caucho natural. Se produce una bicapa lipídica en suspensión cargando la cámara con lípidos y solución.

A continuación, se instala una inyección de tinta que contiene la solución que se va a encapsular con el aparato de inyección. Una vez que se han establecido los ajustes adecuados, los pulsos de fluido inyectados producirán vesículas de bicapa lipídica. En última instancia, la inyección microfluídica produce vesículas bicapa monodispersas repetibles.

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