Optimizing giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) growth in a physiological buffer and artificial cell based biosensor
OwnerJuyang Huanginventor
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Abstract
The yield of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVS) is greatly increased by influencing the characteristics of the lipid film. Lipid films are formed in containers made from hydrophobic material that have a low affinity for hydrated lipid films, preferably TEFLON test tubes. Additionally, the lipid film is dried rapidly using a vortex-drying process. The GUVs that are formed may be incorporated into an artificial cell based biosensor. The biosensor includes an addressable array containing a plurality of host cavities for holding the GUVs, preferably functionalized GUVs.
Claims19
A method for making giant unilamellar vesicles comprising,
- a) adding a lipid solution to a container made from a hydrophobic material.
- b) vortex-drying said lipid solution to produce a dried lipid film;
- c) hydrating the dried lipid film to produce a hydrated lipid film;
- and
- d) adding a buffer solution to said hydrated lipid film.
An artificial cell based biosensor comprising,
- a) an addressable array having a plurality of host cavities;
- and
- b) a plurality of giant unilamellar vesicles disposed in said plurality of host cavities.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.