TY - JOUR
T1 - The effect of PAMAM G6 dendrimers on the structure of lipid vesicles
AU - Åkesson, Anna Karin Louise
AU - Bendtsen, Kristian Moss
AU - Beherens, M. A.
AU - Pedersen, J. S.
AU - Alfredsson, V.
AU - Cardenas Gomez, Marite
PY - 2010/10/14
Y1 - 2010/10/14
N2 - Dendrimers are polymers with unique properties that make them promising in a variety of applications such as potential drug and gene delivery systems. PAMAM dendrimers, in particular, have been widely investigated and are efficiently translocated into the cell. The mechanism of translocation, however, is still unknown. Recently it was proposed that PAMAM dendrimers are able to open holes in lipid bilayers by stealing lipid from the bilayer and forming "dendrisomes". The present work intends to contribute in the clarification of this question: why are dendrimers able to translocate into the cell? We create simple models for cell membranes by using small lipid vesicles that present a single lipid phase at physiologically relevant conditions. We then follow the effect that dendrimers have on the structure of the vesicles by using a combination of various techniques: dynamic light scattering, cryo-TEM and small angle X-ray scattering. We discuss our results with respect to the previous findings and reflect on their possible implications for real translocation in living cells.
AB - Dendrimers are polymers with unique properties that make them promising in a variety of applications such as potential drug and gene delivery systems. PAMAM dendrimers, in particular, have been widely investigated and are efficiently translocated into the cell. The mechanism of translocation, however, is still unknown. Recently it was proposed that PAMAM dendrimers are able to open holes in lipid bilayers by stealing lipid from the bilayer and forming "dendrisomes". The present work intends to contribute in the clarification of this question: why are dendrimers able to translocate into the cell? We create simple models for cell membranes by using small lipid vesicles that present a single lipid phase at physiologically relevant conditions. We then follow the effect that dendrimers have on the structure of the vesicles by using a combination of various techniques: dynamic light scattering, cryo-TEM and small angle X-ray scattering. We discuss our results with respect to the previous findings and reflect on their possible implications for real translocation in living cells.
M3 - Journal article
SN - 1463-9076
VL - 12
SP - 12267
EP - 12272
JO - Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
JF - Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
IS - 38
ER -