A Quantitative Approach to Characterize the Surface Modification on Nanoparticles Based on Localized Dielectric Environments

Nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized for the functionalization of composite materials and nanofluids. Although oxide NPs (e.g., silica (SiO2)) exhibit less dispersibility in organic solvents or polymers due to their hydrophilic surface, the surface modification using silane coupling agents can improve their dispersibility in media with low dielectric constants. Herein, SiO2 NPs were functionalized using octyltriethoxysilane (OTES, C8) and dodecyltriethoxysilane (DTES, C12), wherein the degrees of surface modification of SiO2@C8 and SiO2@C12 were quantitatively evaluated based on the ratio of modifier to surface silanol group (θ) and the volume fraction of organic modifier to total particle volume (ϕR). The variations of surface properties were revealed by analyzing the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP). Particularly, the surface modification using OTES or DTES significantly affected the polarity (δP) of NPs. The local dielectric environments of surface-modified SiO2 NPs were characterized using a solvatochromic dye, Laurdan. By analyzing the peak position of the steady-state emission spectrum of Laurdan in a NP suspension, the apparent dielectric environments surrounding NPs (εapp) were obtained. A good correlation between ϕR and εapp was observed, indicating that ϕR is a reliable quantity for understanding the properties of surface-modified NPs. Furthermore, the generalized polarization (GP) of NPs was investigated. The surface-modified SiO2 NPs with higher ϕR (≥0.15) exhibited GP > 0, suggesting that the modifiers are well-organized on the surface of NPs. The localized dielectric environment surrounding NPs could be predicted by analyzing the volume fraction of nonpolar moieties derived from modifiers. Alternatively, εapp and GP can be utilized for understanding the properties of inorganic-organic hybrid NPs.

Fluorescence Spectroscopic Analysis of Lateral and Transbilayer Fluidity of Exosome Membranes

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) involved in distal cell-cell communication and cancer migration by transferring functional cargo molecules. Membrane domains similar to lipid rafts are assumed to occur in exosome membranes and are involved in interactions with target cells. However, the bilayer membrane properties of these small vesicles have not been fully investigated. Therefore, we examined the fluidity, lateral domain separation, and transbilayer asymmetry of exosome membranes using fluorescence spectroscopy. Although there were some differences between the exosomes, TMA-DPH anisotropy showing moderate lipid chain order indicated that ordered phases comprised a significant proportion of exosome membranes. Selective TEMPO quenching of the TMA-DPH fluorescence in the liquid-disordered phase indicated that 40-50% of the exosome membrane area belonged to the ordered phase based on a phase-separated model. Furthermore, NBD-PC in the outer leaflet showed longer fluorescence lifetimes than those in the inner leaflets. Therefore, the exosome membranes maintained transbilayer asymmetry with a topology similar to that of the plasma membranes. In addition, the lateral and transbilayer orders of exosome membranes obtained from different cell lines varied, probably depending on the different membrane lipid components and compositions partially derived from donor cells. As these higher membrane orders and asymmetric topologies are similar to those of cell membranes with lipid rafts, raft-like functional domains are possibly enriched on exosome membranes. These domains likely play key roles in the biological functions and cellular uptake of exosomes by facilitating selective membrane interactions with target organs.

Preferential adsorption of L-tryptophan by L-phospholipid coated porous polymer particles

Chiral selective adsorption of L-amino acid, tryptophan (Trp) was achieved using phospholipid membrane-coated porous polymer particles (PPPs). PPPs with numerous pores were prepared by in situ polymerization of divinylbenzene, and then coated with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC, L-phospholipid) via the impregnation method. Elemental mapping of energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed that DPPC molecules were distributed to the surface and the inner part of PPPs, where almost all the DPPC molecules applied for impregnation were deposited on PPPs. The phospholipid membrane properties of DPPC-PPPs were characterized using the fluorescence probe 6-lauroyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (Laurdan). The results show that DPPC-PPPs possessed a lipid membrane-like environment similar to pure DPPC liposomes, especially at temperatures below 35 °C. DPPC-PPPs slightly adsorbed L-Trp and D-Trp at 45 °C, while DPPC-PPPs significantly adsorbed L-Trp but not D-Trp at 30 °C: enantio excess (e.e.) was 75.0%. The time course of Trp adsorption was investigated: for both enantiomers, similar adsorption behaviors were observed for 30 h, thus suggesting surface adsorption onto DPPC-PPPs. L-Trp adsorption continued after 30 h, suggesting that L-Trp could be distributed in the inner part of DPPC-PPPs. Interestingly, the reused DPPC-PPPs featured improved adsorption performance, suggesting that the deposited DPPC membranes on PPPs could act as chiral selectors for L-Trp. The optical resolution of L-/D-Trp was performed using DPPC-PPPs, resulting in the e.e. of D-Trp was > 60%. Thus, DPPC-PPPs have the potential of chiral selective adsorption of L-amino acid, which can be used as chiral separation materials.

Insight into the Exosomal Membrane: From Viewpoints of Membrane Fluidity and Polarity

Numerous research studies have been done for exosomes, particularly focusing on membrane proteins and included nucleic acids, and the volume of the knowledge about the lipids in the exosomal membrane has been increasing. However, the dynamic property of the exosomal membrane is hardly studied. By employing milk exosome as an example, herein the exosomal membrane was characterized focusing on the membrane fluidity and polarity. The lipid composition and phase state of milk exosome (exosome from bovine milk) were estimated. The milk exosome contained enriched Chol (43.6 mol % in total lipid extracts), which made the membrane in the liquid-ordered (l_o) phase by interacting with phospholipids. To suggest a model of exosomal vesicle cargo, the liposome compositions that mimic milk exosome were studied: liposomes were made of cholesterol (Chol), milk sphingomyelin (milk SM), and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). By using fluorescent probes 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene, the microenvironments of submicron-sized membranes of exosome and model liposomes were investigated. The membrane fluidity of milk exosome was slightly higher than those of Chol/milk SM/POPC liposomes with a similar content of Chol, suggesting the presence of enriched unsaturated lipids. The most purposeful membrane property was obtained by the liposome composition of Chol/milk SM/POPC = 40/15/45. From the above, it is concluded that Chol is a fundamental component of the milk exosomal membrane to construct the enriched l_o phase, which could increase the membrane rigidity and contribute to the function of exosome.

Correlation of Secondary Particle Number with the Debye-Hückel Parameter for Thickening Mesoporous Silica Shells Formed on Spherical Cores

Mesoporous silica shells were formed on nonporous spherical silica cores during the sol-gel reaction to elucidate the mechanism for the generation of secondary particles that disturb the efficient growth of mesoporous shells on the cores. Sodium bromide (NaBr) was used as a typical electrolyte for the sol-gel reaction to increase the ionic strength of the reactant solution, which effectively suppressed the generation of secondary particles during the reaction wherein a uniform mesoporous shell was formed on the spherical core. The number of secondary particles (N _2nd) generated at an ethanol/water weight ratio of 0.53 was plotted against the Debye-Hückel parameter κ to quantitatively understand the Debye screening effect on secondary particle generation. Parameter κa, where a is the average radius of the secondary particles finally obtained in the silica coating, expresses the trend in N _2nd at different concentrations of ammonia and NaBr. N _2nd was much lower than that expected theoretically from the variation of secondary particle sizes at a constant Debye-Hückel parameter. A similar correlation with κa was observed at the high and low ethanol/water weight ratios of 0.63 and 0.53, respectively, with different hydrolysis rate constants. The good correlation between N _2nd and κa revealed that controlling the ionic strength of the silica coating is an effective approach to suppress the generation of secondary particles for designing mesoporous shells with thicknesses appropriate for their application as high-performance liquid chromatography column packing materials.

Modulation of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction with Lipid Bilayers: Effects of Lipid Head Groups and Membrane Properties

The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is an oscillating reaction due to periodic oscillations that happen in the concentration of some intermediates. Such systems can be applied together with hydrophobic membranes to create an autonomous behavior in artificial systems. However, because of a complex set of reactions happening in such systems, the interferences caused by hydrophobic membranes are not easily understood. In this study, we tested lipid membranes composed of trimethylammonium-propane (TAP) and phosphate (PA) lipids in an attempt to break down how the polar region of phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid membranes affect the BZ reaction. According to our findings, the trimethylammonium group and membrane fluidity are crucial to change the frequency of oscillations in the reaction. In addition, the results also indicate a possible complexation of cerium ions with membranes with a phosphate head group.

Systematic Characterization of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers from Cetyl Palmitate/Caprylic Triglyceride/Tween 80 Mixtures in an Aqueous Environment

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are gaining attention as the new generation of lipid vehicles. These carriers consist of saturated lipids with small drops of liquid oil dispersed into the inner lipid matrix and are stabilized by a surfactant. Conventionally, NLC-based drug delivery systems have been widely studied, and many researchers are looking into the composition of NLC properties to improve the performance of NLCs. The membrane fluidity and polarity of self-assembling lipids are also essential properties that must be affected by membrane compositions; however, such fundamental characteristics have not been studied yet. In this study, NLCs were prepared from cetyl palmitate (CP), caprylic triglyceride (CaTG), and Tween 80 (T80). Structural properties, such as particle size and ζ-potential of the CP/CaTG/T80 ternary mixtures, were investigated. Then, the systematic characterization of self-assembly properties using fluorescence-based analysis was applied for the first time to the NLC system. As a final step, the ternary diagram was developed based on the self-assembly properties to summarize the possible structures formed at different compositions. The results showed four states: micelle-like, oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion-like, solid lipid nanoparticle-like, and intermediate (solid-liquid coexistence). For the purpose of making the lipid matrix more liquified, the heterogeneous state and the disordered state of the O/W emulsion-like structure might fulfill the criteria of NLCs. Finally, the ternary diagram provides new information about the assembly state of NLC constituents that could become an important reference for developing high-performance NLCs.

Changes Caused by Liposomes to the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction

The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction has been applied to give autonomous dynamic behaviors to artificial systems. This reaction is conducted in an aqueous system, but it produces some hydrophobic intermediates, such as bromine. On the basis of previous works about reactions in the lipid bilayer, we investigated how liposome membranes (water-oil interface) affect the BZ reaction. Herein diacylglycerophosphocholine (PC) molecules with a variety of hydrocarbon tails were selected as components of liposomes, and the BZ reaction in the presence of the liposomes was characterized. As a result, membrane fluidity was the main characteristic leading to changes in the reaction behavior. The decrease of the frequency of oscillations was relevant to membrane fluidity, suggesting the interaction of bromine species in the hydrophobic site of the liposomes. In addition, the heterogeneous membrane (s_o+l_d) of DMPC showed a fast decrease in the amplitude of oscillations. Conclusively, characteristics of the hydrophobic environment play a role in the reaction.

Evaluation of Molecular Ordering in Bicelle Bilayer Membranes Based on Induced Circular Dichroism Spectra

Bicelles are submicrometer-sized disc-shaped molecular self-assemblies that can be obtained in aqueous solution by dispersing mixtures of certain amphiphiles. Although phospholipid bicelle and phospholipid vesicle assemblies adopt similar lipid bilayer structures, the differences in bilayer characteristics, especially physicochemical properties such as bilayer fluidity, are not clearly understood. Herein, we report the lipid ordering properties of bicelle bilayer membranes based on induced circular dichroism (ICD) and fluorescence polarization analyses using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) as a probe. Bicelles were prepared by using 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC), while pure DMPC vesicles and pure DHPC micelles were used as references. At temperatures below the phase transition temperature of DMPC, the bicelles showed lower membrane fluidities, whereas DHPC micelles showed higher membrane fluidity, suggesting no significant differences in bilayer fluidity between the bicelle and vesicle assemblies. The ICD signals of DPH were induced only when the membrane was in ordered (solid-ordered or ripple-gel) phases. In the bicelle systems, the ICD of DPH was more significant than that of the DMPC vesicle. The induced chirality of DPH was dependent on the chirality of the bilayer lipid. Compared to that of the DMPC/DHPC bicelle, the ICD of the 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/DHPC bicelle was higher, while that of the bovine sphingomyelin/DHPC bicelle was lower. Because the lipids are tightly packed in the ordered phase, the ICD intensity reflects the molecular ordering state of the lipids in the bicelle bilayer.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose recovered from ionic liquid-salt aqueous two-phase system

Regenerated cellulose can be prepared by treatment with an ionic liquid (IL) and an anti-solvent such as water, which significantly enhances the enzymatic hydrolysis in comparison to crystalline cellulose. The IL-aqueous two-phase system (IL-ATPS) is consisted of IL-condensed top phase and salt-condensed bottom phase, which could be suitable to produce regenerated cellulose with smaller amount of IL. Using IL-ATPS with different pH, the enzymatic saccharification efficiency of crystalline cellulose was determined. The use of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride resulted in relatively higher yield of glucose production as compared to 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The IL-ATPS showing optimal pH for cellulase was prepared with mixed salt (NaH₂PO₄/Na₂HPO₄ = 5/1 (wt/wt)), which provide a regenerated cellulose with the pH range of 4.8-4.9 in enzymatic reaction mixture. Using such regenerated cellulose as feed of saccharification, the final yield of glucose was about 70%.

Membrane Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Cholesterol-Modified Lipid Systems: Effect of Gold Nanoparticle Size

A gold nanoparticle (AuNP) has a localized surface plasmon resonance peak depending on its size, which is often utilized for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). To obtain information on the cholesterol (Chol)-incorporated lipid membranes by SERS, AuNPs (5, 100 nm) were first functionalized by 1-octanethiol and then modified by lipids (AuNP@lipid). In membrane surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (MSERS), both signals from 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and Chol molecules were enhanced, depending on preparation conditions (size of AuNPs and lipid/AuNP ratio). The enhancement factors (EFs) were calculated to estimate the efficiency of AuNPs on Raman enhancement. The size of AuNP_100nm@lipid was 152.0 ± 12.8 nm, which showed an surface enhancement Raman spectrum with an EF₂₈₅₀ value of 111 ± 9. The size of AuNP_5nm@lipid prepared with a lipid/AuNP ratio of 1.38 × 10⁴ (lipid molecule/particle) was 275.3 ± 20.2 nm, which showed the highest enhancement with an EF₂₈₅₀ value of 131 ± 21. On the basis of fluorescent probe analyses, the membrane fluidity and polarity of AuNP@lipid were almost similar to DOPC/Chol liposome, indicating an intact membrane of DOPC/Chol after modification with AuNPs. Finally, the membrane properties of AuNP@lipid systems were also discussed on the basis of the obtained MSERS signals.

Melting-Temperature-Dependent Interactions of Ergosterol with Unsaturated and Saturated Lipids in Model Membranes

Sterols such as cholesterol (Chol) and ergosterol (Erg) are known to regulate membrane properties in higher eukaryotes and in lower eukaryotes, respectively. To better understand the modulation of membrane properties by Erg, binary lipid membranes composed of Erg and diacylglycerophosphocholine (PC) were studied in Langmuir monolayer and bilayer vesicle systems. From the excess area measured by pressure-area isotherms, attractive interactions between Erg and saturated PC were significant above the melting temperature (T_m) of PC. Conversely, repulsive interactions were observed at temperatures below T_m. From the analyses of membrane fluidity and polarity using fluorescence probes, similar trends were observed for bilayer systems where Erg had an ordering effect on saturated PC vesicles in the fluid state. However, Chol had a stronger ordering effect than Erg. In unsaturated PC systems, Erg did not alter membrane ordering. These findings demonstrate that the interaction of Erg with the fluid-state PC lipids will maintain lower-eukaryote membranes in a more ordered state, similar to the effect of cholesterol in higher eukaryotes.

Characterization of Ionic Liquid Aqueous Two-Phase Systems: Phase Separation Behaviors and the Hydrophobicity Index between the Two Phases

1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Amim][Cl] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Bmim][Cl] are water-soluble ionic liquids (ILs) that can from an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) when mixed with specific salts. Herein, we prepared [Amim][Cl]- and [Bmim][Cl]-ATPSs by adding the salts (K₂CO₃, K₂HPO₄). To investigate the phase separation behavior of the IL-ATPSs, binodal curves were drawn at different temperatures and the length and slope of the tie lines were analyzed. The [Bmim][Cl]/K₂HPO₄ system underwent two-phase separation at lower temperature conditions, suggesting that the phase separation might depend on the salting-out effect in the bottom phase. Using the IL-ATPS, the distribution coefficients, K_aa, of amino acids were determined and used to characterize the hydrophobicity index (HF) between the top and bottom phases, which is a good indicator to understand the molecular partitioning behaviors in conventional ATPSs. The HF values of the IL-ATPSs were in the range 0.13-0.41 mol/kJ; these values were almost the same as the HF values reported for an ATPS composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and salt.

Lipid-Surrounding Water Molecules Probed by Time-Resolved Emission Spectra of Laurdan

The hydration states of the interfacial region of lipid bilayers were investigated on the basis of the time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) analysis of 6-lauroyl-2-dimethylamino naphthalene (Laurdan), a common fluorescence probe used to analyze membrane hydration. TRES derived from long and short lifetime components were extracted from samples of different lipid species: 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dioleoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), d- erythro- N-palmitoyl-sphingosylphosphorylcholine (PSM), and a DOPC/PSM binary bilayer system. Neither lifetime component (short or long) corresponded with the hydration properties; the short lifetime component of DOPC (1.97 ns) exhibited a peak at 440 nm, and the long lifetime components of DPPC and PSM (7.76 and 7.77 ns, respectively) exhibited peaks at the same wavelength. This similarity arose from the competition between the collisional quenching and the hydration effects of water molecules. Herein, this phenomenon was investigated using a plot of the lifetime τ and the peak position λ (τ vs λ plot), simultaneously visualizing both effects by deconvoluting the TRES. On the basis of collisional quenching theory, the distribution of the water population per lipid (water map) was generated. According to this theory, the τ vs λ plot was applied to the water map and the calculation of the number of water molecules per lipid, which is consistent with previous reports. This approach provides novel insights for the analysis of molecular hydration states using the fluorescence of Laurdan.

Solvatochromic Modeling of Laurdan for Multiple Polarity Analysis of Dihydrosphingomyelin Bilayer

The hydration properties of the interface between lipid bilayers and bulk water are important for determining membrane characteristics. Here, the emission properties of a solvent-sensitive fluorescence probe, 6-lauroyl-2-dimethylamino naphthalene (Laurdan), were evaluated in lipid bilayer systems composed of the sphingolipids D-erythro-N-palmitoyl-sphingosylphosphorylcholine (PSM) and D-erythro-N-palmitoyl-dihydrosphingomyelin (DHPSM). The glycerophospholipids 1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-oleoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine were used as controls. The fluorescence properties of Laurdan in sphingolipid bilayers indicated multiple excited states according to the results obtained from the emission spectra, fluorescence anisotropy, and the center-of-mass spectra during the decay time. Deconvolution of the Laurdan emission spectra into four components based on the solvent model enabled us to identify the varieties of hydration and the configurational states derived from intermolecular hydrogen bonding in sphingolipids. Sphingolipids showed specific, interfacial hydration properties stemming from their intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Particularly, the Laurdan in DHPSM revealed more hydrated properties compared to PSM, even though DHPSM has a higher T_m than PSM. Because DHPSM forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules (in 2NH configurational functional groups), the interfacial region of the DHPSM bilayer was expected to be in a highly polar environment. The careful analysis of Laurdan emission spectra through the four-component deconvolution in this study provides important insights for understanding the multiple polarity in the lipid membrane.

Direct Observation of Amyloid β Behavior at Phospholipid Membrane Constructed on Gold Nanoparticles

Amyloid β (Aβ) is a potential biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its fibrillation behavior is of interest and value. In this study, the Aβ behaviors on phospholipid membranes were observed by Membrane Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (MSERS) method. Phospholipid (PL) membranes, consisting of DMPC and DMPS with a molar ratio of 9:1, were fabricated on gold nanoparticles with diameter of 100 nm (Au@PL). Enhancement of the Raman intensity of Au@PL was increased by Aβ, with enhancement factor about 40. The H-bonding network was disturbed in presence of NaCl which covered Au@PL and made Au@PL away from one another. When Aβ was applied with Au@PL, the H-bonding network was disturbed just after mixing. As the reaction reaches to equilibrium, Aβ attracted neighbouring Au@PL and induced aggregation of Au@PL which blocked the aggregation prone site of Aβ to inhibit further fibrillation. Based on our method, the Aβ behaviors at lipid membrane surface can be directly observed via enhanced Raman signals.

Design of Pyrene-Fatty Acid Conjugates for Real-Time Monitoring of Drug Delivery and Controllability of Drug Release

Fluorescence probes are usually employed to analyze pharmacokinetics of drug carriers; however, this method using usual probes is not suitable to monitor drug carriers in detail because fluorescence spectra do not change by the disruption of drug carriers. In this study, pyrene-fatty acid conjugates were investigated as probes to monitor the state of drug carriers in real time. 1-Pyrenemethanol was conjugated with fatty acids, such as lauric acid, stearic acid, and behenic acid, and the conjugates were stirred in ethanol, resulting in the formation of submicron particles; these particles exhibited excimer emission. When J774.1 and Colon 26 cells were treated with these particles, the associated fluorescence spectra shifted from excimer emission to monomer emission. Moreover, the degree of change was controlled by the type of fatty acid. These results support the design of drug carriers that can be used to monitor pharmacokinetics in real time and to control the disruption time.

Characterization of DDAB/Cholesterol Vesicles and Its Comparison with Lipid/Cholesterol Vesicles

Vesicles prepared by synthetic surfactant, DDAB (dilauryldimethylammonium bromide), were modified with cholesterol and their membrane surface properties of the vesicle were characterized through the analyses of fluorescent probes, such as Laurdan (6-lauroyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene) and DPH (1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene). The self-assembly of DDAB with cholesterol showed stable vesicle structure with a mean diameter of 127 nm through the dynamic light scattering analysis. While the DDAB vesicle showed high polarity and high fluidity, the modification of the DDAB vesicle with cholesterol lead to the formation of "heterogeneous phase" on the vesicle membrane. DDAB:cholesterol = 70:30 vesicle showed unique characteristics that represents polar environment but lower fluidity. A novel platform for the chemical process in aqueous media can be expected by using the artificial surfactant vesicles modified with cholesterol.

Characterization of DDAB/Cholesterol Vesicles and Its Comparison with Lipid/Cholesterol Vesicles

Vesicles prepared by synthetic surfactant, DDAB (dilauryldimethylammonium bromide), were modified with cholesterol and their membrane surface properties of the vesicle were characterized through the analyses of fluorescent probes, such as Laurdan (6-lauroyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene) and DPH (1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene). The self-assembly of DDAB with cholesterol showed stable vesicle structure with a mean diameter of 127 nm through the dynamic light scattering analysis. While the DDAB vesicle showed high polarity and high fluidity, the modification of the DDAB vesicle with cholesterol lead to the formation of "heterogeneous phase" on the vesicle membrane. DDAB:cholesterol = 70:30 vesicle showed unique characteristics that represents polar environment but lower fluidity. A novel platform for the chemical process in aqueous media can be expected by using the artificial surfactant vesicles modified with cholesterol.

Gel-Phase-like Ordered Membrane Properties Observed in Dispersed Oleic Acid/1-Oleoylglycerol Self-Assemblies: Systematic Characterization Using Raman Spectroscopy and a Laurdan Fluorescent Probe

Aqueous dispersions of oleic acid (OA) and those modified with 1-oleoylglycerol (monoolein, MO) form various kinds of self-assembled structures: micelles, vesicles, oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, hexagonal phases, and dispersed cubic phases. Conventionally, these self-assembled structures have been characterized using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy or X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. However, these methodologies require specialized treatment before they can be used, which may lead to the self-assemblies not adopting their true equilibrium state. Herein, we systematically characterized the self-assemblies composed of OA and MO in aqueous solution using Raman spectroscopy and fluorescent probe 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (Laurdan). The OA/MO dispersions at pH 5.0 showed increased chain packing in comparison to the OA micelle at pH 11 or OA vesicle at pH 9.0, which were characterized by the intensity ratio of the Raman peaks at 2850 and 2890 cm^-1, R = I₂₈₉₀/I₂₈₅₀. In the Laurdan fluorescence measurements, the obtained spectra were deconvoluted to two peak fractions (A₁: λ_em= 490 nm; A₂: λ_em = 440 nm), and the peak area ratio, A₁/(A₁ + A₂), was defined as the membrane hydrophilicity Ø_m. The Ø_m value of the OA/MO dispersion at pH 5.0 was similar to that of the OA O/W emulsion, indicating that the membrane surfaces of these self-assemblies were relatively dehydrated compared to the OA micelle or OA vesicle. To categorize the type of self-assembly dispersion, a Cartesian diagram plot was systematically drawn: R on the x axis and Ø_m on the y axis, with the cross point at x = 1, y = 0.5. By comparing the membrane properties of the OA-based micelles, O/W emulsions, and dispersed cubic phases, we determined that the OA/MO dispersion at pH 5.0 possessed higher chain packing (R > 1) and a dehydrated membrane surface (Ø_m < 0.5), which is similar to that of the ordered membranes in gel phases. This characterization method can be useful in evaluating the ordered membrane properties in dispersed self-assemblies in aqueous media.

Comparison of Physicochemical Membrane Properties of Vesicles Modified with Guanidinium Derivatives

Bilayer vesicles have garnered considerable research attention as molecular vehicles capable of noncovalent interaction with biomolecules via electrostatic and hydrophobic bonds and van der Waals interactions. Guanidinium strongly interacts with phosphate groups. Thus, guanidinium modification of vesicles helps intensify the interaction between lipid membranes and nucleic acids. Here, two kinds of guanidinium derivatives, stearylguanidinium (SG) and myristoylarginine (MA), were synthesized and incorporated into 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) vesicles. Differences in their membrane properties were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and the fluorescent probes 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), 6-lauroyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (Laurdan), and 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS). The increased SG ratio increased overall hydrophobicity and lipid packing density compared to POPC vesicles, and SG-modified vesicles successfully attracted and then denatured negatively charged tRNAs (tRNAs). In contrast, MA-modified vesicles did not affect the stiffness of POPC membranes, wherein no conformational change in tRNAs was observed in the presence of POPC/MA vesicles. Analyses of the pH-dependent fluorescence emission of TNS suggested that SG and MA molecules render the membrane surfaces cationic and anionic, respectively, which was also revealed by zeta potential measurements. Our results enabled the construction of a model of the headgroup orientation of zwitterionic POPC molecules controlled by modification with guanidinium derivatives. The results also indicate the possibility to regulate the interaction and conformation of biological molecules, such as nucleic acid.

Development of Time-course Oxygen Binding Analysis for Hemoglobin-based Oxygen Carriers

Developing blood substitutes is in urgent demand for chronic blood shortage all over the world. In this connection, the oxygen binding behavior of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) is one of the most important characteristics. However, present methods available for estimating oxygen binding behavior have need of expensive apparatus, and also are not suitable for high-throughput and the time-course analysis. To overcome these problems, we proposed a simple analysis method for the time-course oxygen binding behavior of HBOCs, which employs a general UV-Vis microplate reader and a common reagent, sodium dithionite, as a reductant for HBOCs and an oxygen scavenger. Our method enabled time-course oxygen binding behavior analysis of HBOCs in a simple manner, and obtained data corresponding with those by the conventional method. Thus, our developed method will accelerate the development of HBOCs due to easy oxygen binding analysis.

An Attempt to Add Biological Functions by Genetic Engineering in Order to Produce High-Performance Bioreactor Cells for Hybrid Artificial Liver: Transfection of Glutamine Synthetase into Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cell

In the course of immortalization, hepatocyte cell lines lose their original differentiated functions, such as ammonia removal and urea formation, drug metabolism, serum protein synthesis, etc. (Enosawa et al., Cell Transplant. 5:S39-S40; 1996). With the aim of adding lost or deficient functions and producing cell lines for the bioreactor of a hybrid artificial liver, rat glutamine synthetase (GS) gene was transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, because it is able to lower the ammonia level. The GS gene-inserted pSV2 plasmid was transfected into the CHO-K1 line by electroporation. Transfected CHO (GS-CHO) cells were cultured in a glutamine-free medium containing ammonia, glutamic acid, and the GS inhibitor methionine sulfoximine (MSX). The MSX concentration was increased stepwise from 25 μmol/L to 1600 μmol/L to amplify the GS gene. In several GS-CHO sublines resistant to 300-1600 μmol/L of MSX, the specific activities of GS were increased from 0.2 × 10-4 to 1.7-2.9 × 10-4 unit/106 cells. When the amplified GS-CHO cells were cultured in the ammonia-containing medium, a slow but steady decrease of the ammonia level was observed when the level was high. Finally, the prospect of genetically modulated cells for bioreactors in the hybrid artificial liver is discussed.

Enantioselective C-C Bond Formation Enhanced by Self-Assembly of Achiral Surfactants

The use of achiral surfactant assemblies as a reaction platform for an alkylation reaction resulted in a high enantiomeric excess. Dilauryldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) vesicles were modified with cholesterol to promote alkylation of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester (DMGBE) with benzyl bromide, resulting in high conversion (∼90%) and high enantioselectivity (up to 80%). The R-enantiomer was formed on using the DDAB vesicles, whereas the use of phospholipid liposomes prepared from 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) produced an excess of the S-enantiomer. Considering the chemical structures of the reaction substrates and amphiphiles as well as the membrane structures and properties of DDAB vesicles and DOPC liposomes, it is suggested that the enantiomeric excesses result from the location of the quaternary amine of the amphiphiles and the DMGBE at the outer surface of the membrane. We show that the enantioselective reaction at the surface of the self-assembly could be regulated by adjusting the chemical structures and resulting membrane properties of the self-assembly.

Preferential Adsorption of l-Histidine onto DOPC/Sphingomyelin/3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl]cholesterol Liposomes in the Presence of Chiral Organic Acids

We investigated the effect of organic acids such as mandelic acid (MA) and tartaric acid (TA) on the adsorption behavior of both histidine (His) and propranolol (PPL) onto liposomes. A cationic and heterogeneous liposome prepared using 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)/sphingomyelin (SM)/3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl]cholesterol (DC-Ch) in a ratio of (4/3/3) showed the highest adsorption efficiency of MA and TA independent of chirality, while neutral liposome DOPC/SM/cholesterol = (4/3/3) showed low efficiency. As expected, electrostatic interactions were dominant in MA or TA adsorption onto DOPC/SM/DC-Ch = (4/3/3) liposomes, suggesting that organic acids had adsorbed onto SM/DC-Ch-enriched domains. The adsorption behaviors of organic acids onto DOPC/SM/DC-Ch = (4/3/3) were governed by Langmuir adsorption isotherms. For adsorption, the membrane polarities slightly decreased (i.e., membrane surface was hydrophilic), but no alterations in membrane fluidity were observed. In the presence of organic acids that had been preincubated with DOPC/SM/DC-Ch = (4/3/3), the adsorption of l- and d-His onto those liposomes was examined. Preferential l-His adsorption was dramatically prevented only in the presence of l-MA, suggesting that the adsorption sites for l-His and l-MA on DOPC/SM/DC-Ch = (4/3/3) liposomes are competitive, while those for l-His and d-MA, l-TA, and d-TA are isolated.

Fluorescent Probe Study of AOT Vesicle Membranes and Their Alteration upon Addition of Aniline or the Aniline Dimer p-Aminodiphenylamine (PADPA)

Artificial vesicles formed from sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in aqueous solution are used successfully as additives for enzymatic oligomerizations or polymerizations of aniline or the aniline dimer p-aminodiphenylamine (PADPA) under slightly acidic conditions (e.g., pH 4.3 with horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide as oxidants). In these systems, the reactions occur membrane surface-confined. Therefore, (i) the physicochemical properties of the vesicle membrane and (ii) the interaction of aniline or PADPA with the AOT membrane play crucial roles in the progress and final outcome of the reactions. For this reason, the properties of AOT vesicles with and without added aniline or PADPA were investigated by using two fluorescent membrane probes: 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 6-lauroyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (Laurdan). DPH and Laurdan were used as "sensors" of the membrane fluidity, surface polarity, and membrane phase state. Moreover, the effect of hexanol, alone or in combination with aniline or PADPA, as a possible modifier of the AOT membrane, was also studied with the aim of evaluating whether the membrane fluidity and surface polarity is altered significantly by hexanol, which, in turn, may have an influence on the mentioned types of reactions. The data obtained indicate that the AOT vesicle membrane at room temperature and pH 4.3 (0.1 M NaH₂PO₄) is more fluid and has a more polar surface than in the case of fluid phospholipid vesicle membranes formed from 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). Furthermore, the fluorescence measurements indicate that mixed AOT-hexanol membranes are less fluid than pure AOT membranes and that they have a lower surface polarity than pure AOT membranes. PADPA strongly binds to AOT and to mixed AOT/hexanol membranes and leads to drastic changes in the membrane properties (decrease in fluidity and surface polarity), resulting in Laurdan fluorescence spectra, which are characteristic for intramembrane phase separations (coexistence of ordered and disordered domains). This means that highly fluid AOT membranes transform upon the addition of PADPA into membranes that have ordered domains. Although the relevance of this finding for the enzymatic oligomerization of PADPA is not yet clear, it is also of interest if one likes to use heterogeneous vesicle membranes as additives for carrying out membrane surface-confined reactions that do not necessarily involve PADPA as a reactant.

Liposomes Can Achieve Enantioselective C-C Bond Formation of an α-Amino Acid Derivative in Aqueous Media

We first report that a highly enantioselective C-C bond formation reaction was achieved with liposomes in aqueous media. Alkylation of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester (DMGBE) with benzyl bromide was conducted in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide micelles, resulting in a high conversion of DMGBE but little enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of the product. The same reaction was then carried out in 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine liposome suspensions, where the e.e. values were high (at least 90 % (S)), indicating that the liposome membranes can behave as the promoter of the enantioselective reaction. Changing the type of lipid to 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine to form a more ordered bilayer membrane lowered the reaction conversion but still maintained high e.e.% , that is, >90 (S), regardless of lipid chirality. It is indicated that multiple interactions between the DMGBE intermediate and lipid molecules promoted the migration of the intermediate into the interior of the membrane, whose bottom side (Si face) could be free for alkylation. These results suggest that liposomes can promote and regulate the alkylation of amino acid derivatives.

Localization of breast sentinel lymph nodes by MR lymphography with a conventional gadolinium contrast agent: Preliminary observations in dongs and humans

Purpose: To test the capability of an indirect MR lymphography (MRLG) using a conventional extracellular gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agent for localizing breast sentinel lymph node (SLN).

Methods: A total of 1 and 0.5 ml of undiluted gadopentetate dimeglumine were injected subcutaneously into the two periareolar areas overlying each caudal mammary gland in 10 female dogs. Contiguous 2-mm-thick fast gradient echo MR images were acquired through the upper breast and axilla before and for 60 min after gentle massage at the injection sites, yielding 3D displays. The localized SLN was resected from the living animals, followed by post mortem examinations. MRLG (1 ml contrast agent injected) was also attempted in 5 female volunteers.

Results: Even with 0.5-ml contrast agent, the MRLG clearly visualized the connection of SLN and lymphatic vessels directly draining from the injection sites, and the remaining distant nodes, with the maximal enhancement peaks within 10 min after massage. The 3D images provided comprehensive anatomy of these lymphatic pathways in each axilla. Of the 20 SLN and 128 distant nodes visualized on the MRLG, all the SLN (100%) and 107 (83.5%) distant nodes could be resected pre- and post mortem, in good correlation with the locations and sizes on the MR images. MRLG also effectively localized SLN in the volunteers, without significant adverse effects.

Conclusion: An indirect MRLG using small volumes of conventional Gd-based contrast agent may have potential for accurate identification and surgical biopsy of breast SLN.

Characterization of Aqueous Oleic Acid/Oleate Dispersions by Fluorescent Probes and Raman Spectroscopy

Oleic acid (OA) and oleates form self-assembled structures dispersible in aqueous media. Herein, the physicochemical properties of OA/oleate assemblies were characterized using fluorescent probes and Raman spectroscopy, under relatively high dilution (<100 mM of total amphiphile) at 25 °C. Anisotropy analysis using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene showed that the microviscosity of the OA/oleate assembly was highest at pH 7.5 (the pH range of 6.9-10.6 was investigated). The fluorescence spectra of 6-lauroyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene revealed the dehydrated environments on membrane surfaces at pH < 7.7. The pH-dependent Raman peak intensity ratios, chain torsion (S = I1124/I1096) and chain packing (R = I2850/I2930), showed local maxima, indicating the occurrence of metastable phases, such as dispersed cubic phase (pH = 7.5), vesicle (pH = 8.5), and dispersed cylindrical micelle (pH = 9.7). These results suggest that large-scale OA/oleate assemblies could possess particular membrane properties in a narrow pH region, e.g., at pH 7.5, and 9.7.

Effect of Stearylguanidinium-Modified POPC Vesicles on the Melting Behavior of tRNA Molecules

Lipid membranes interact with biomolecules via noncovalent bonding interactions, wherein the physicochemical membrane properties are key factors in the recognition and rearrangement of biomolecule conformation. In this study, vesicles were prepared using 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and stearylguanidinium (SG) to improve the affinity between the membrane and tRNA. Membrane fluidity decreased and dehydration of the membrane surface increased with increasing SG levels, suggesting that SG molecules could make the membrane rigid and induce a liquid-ordered (lo)-like phase. The binding constant (Ka) between nucleotide and lipid was evaluated by turbidity analysis; the Ka value for POPC/SG = (86/14) was 2.9 × 10(4) M(-1) but was slightly decreased by vesicles in the lo-like phase. CD spectra of tRNA by the presence of POPC/SG vesicles showed C-G selective base cleavage in tRNA during heat denaturation. POPC/SG = (61/39) and POPC/SG = (40/60) effectively led to C-G base pair cleavage at the melting temperature of tRNA.

Roles of Sterol Derivatives in Regulating the Properties of Phospholipid Bilayer Systems

Liposomes are considered an ideal biomimetic environment and are potential functional carriers for important molecules such as steroids and sterols. With respect to the regulation of self-assembly via sterol insertion, several pathways such as the sterol biosynthesis pathway are affected by the physicochemical properties of the membranes. However, the behavior of steroid or sterol molecules (except cholesterol (Chl)) in the self-assembled membranes has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, to analyze the fundamental behavior of steroid molecules in fluid membranes, Chl, lanosterol, and ergosterol were used as representative sterols in order to clarify how they regulate the physicochemical properties of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes. Membrane properties such as surface membrane fluidity, hydrophobicity, surface membrane polarity, inner membrane polarity, and inner membrane fluidity were investigated using fluorescent probes, including 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino) naphthalene, 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene, and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The results indicated that each sterol derivative could regulate the membrane properties in different ways. Specifically, Chl successfully increased the packing of the DOPC/Chl membrane proportional to its concentration, and lanosterol and ergosterol showed lower efficiencies in ordering the membrane in hydrophobic regions. Given the different binding positions of the probes in the membranes, the differences in membrane properties reflected the relationship between sterol derivatives and their locations in the membrane.