Photosensitization of giant unilamellar vesicles as cellular membrane mimetic system

Abstract

Giant Unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been shown to be one of the best primary cell models in terms of size (10 - 50 ¼m), membrane composition and ability to encapsulate biologically relevant molecules. In this project, we shall evaluate the radiation-induced modifications on GUVs as outcome of the lipid oxidation induced by erythrosin B. In analogy to natural cells, composed of several phospholipids and cholesterol, GUVs will be electroformed from different compositions of the ternary mixture: DOPC, DPPC and cholesterol. Upon oxidation, it is expected that the balance of the ternary system can be affect, which may trigger phase separation on the lipid membrane. These subjects are strongly investigated by Prof. Carlos M. Marques, which led us to seek this collaboration in his group at the Charles Sadron Institute of University of Strasbourg, France. This BEPE proposal is part of the scientific initiation project (2016/20576-2) entitled "Photosensitization of oropharyngeal (HEp-2) cancer cells induced by the action of the xanthene erythrosin", which has been carried out at the FCL-UNESP, Assis. (AU)