Vesicle dynamics induced by chemical stimuli

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25800233
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biological physics/Chemical physics/Soft matter physics
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Sakuma Yuka 東北大学, 理学研究科, 助教 (40630801)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: ベシクル / 化学刺激 / 膜変形 / 分子形状

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To understand the response of molecular assemblies against chemical stimuli is essential for approaching cell dynamics, such as cell deformation and division, from soft matter physics point of view. In this study, I focused on the vesicle dynamics relevant to cell functions induced by chemical stimuli, especially pore formation that plays an important role in membrane traffic. I succeed to reproduce pore formation on the vesicle by injecting hydroxide ions to phospholipid vesicles containing anionic lipids. The interaction between anionic lipid and hydroxide ion decreases cross section area of lipids, which produces the surface tension and then pore formation. This chemical control of pore formation is a first step to reveal biological function non-equilibrium soft matter physics point of view.

Free Research Field

ソフトマター物理