Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published 1988 | public
Journal Article

H+-induced release of contents of phosphatidylcholine vesicles bearing surface-bound polyelectrolyte chains

Abstract

A semisynthetic vesicular membrane was constructed by immobilization of a synthetic polyelectrolyte [poly(2-ethylacrylic acid)] on the surface of a phosphatidylcholine bilayer. Immobilization was accomplished via Michael addition of polymer-bound thiol functions to a reactive maleimide handle incorporated into the lipid membrane in the form of dimyristoyl-N-[ [4-(maleimidomethyl)cyclohexyl]carbonyl]phosphatidylethanolamine. Semisynthetic membranes prepared in this way are sensitive to hydrogen ion concentration and are subject to large variations in permeability with small changes in pH. Rapid and quantitative release of vesicle contents can be achieved by mild acidification within the physiological pH range.

Additional Information

© 1988 American Chemical Society. Received February 8, 1988. This work was supported by a Presidential Young Investigator Award of the National Science Foundation (to D.A.T.) and by matching contributions from Air Products and Chemicals Co., Exxon Research and Engineering Co., General Electric Co., and Xerox Corp. We are grateful for leaves of absence granted by the University of Tokyo (to M.M.) and by the Japan Synthetic Rubber Co. (to A.K.).

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 19, 2023