Journal of Biological Physics - Shapes of Mixed Phospholipid Vesicles

Gerardo Paredes-Quijada, Helim Aranda-Espinoza and Amir Maldonado

Abstract:

We studied the shape of phospholipid vesicles prepared by hydration of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine (SOPC) and phosphatidylserine (SOPS) in different proportions. The aim of the work is to obtain some insight into the influence of the chemical composition of a biomembrane on its shape. The optical microscopy results show that the shape of the vesicles depend on the SOPC:SOPS composition. For low SOPS contents, coiled cylindrical vesicles are observed. The results suggest that specific compositions of the SOPC:SOPS vesicles produce some spontaneous curvature on the membrane and then a coiling instability.

Download the entire document in SpringerLink (this opens in a new tab)