NER: Functional Devices Based on Liposomes Modified with Ionophores

本研究的目的是开发基于脂质体的纳米器件，其表现出可编程的功能。这些系统的方法是基于亲脂性离子载体对内容物特异性脂质体产生的作用。一旦应用于脂质体，这些离子载体将改变双层膜上的电解质平衡，导致膜性质的后续变化，并最终触发纳米器件进入其活性状态。 将考虑三个独立的模型：内容特定的融合模型，翻转酶模型，允许单向易位的阳离子脂质和逐步内容释放模型。这些新型脂质体装置的更广泛影响在于改善现有的基因和药物疗法。具体而言，翻转酶模型有希望为有效的非病毒基因传递;融合模型提供了一种新的方法，生物相容性反应器;逐步内容物释放模型可以作为一个药物输送系统，并作为准确的时间分辨剂量的基板到反应介质的手段。这项研究也将作为一个有效的教育工具，通过本科生和研究生在跨学科项目的参与。重点将放在发展动力学分析从头，材料表征和利用各种光谱技术。代表性不足的少数民族和女本科生将积极参与研究。一个额外的教育组成部分包括应用超分子化学新课程的开发，将提供给高水平的本科生和研究生。

The objective of this research is to develop nanodevices based on liposomes exhibiting a programmed triggerable function. The approach to these systems is based upon the effect produced by lipophilic ionophores on content-specific liposomes. Once applied to liposomes, these ionophores will alter the balance of electrolytes across the bilayer membranes, causing a subsequent change of the membrane properties and ultimately triggering the nanodevice into its active state. Three independent models will be considered: a content-specific fusogenic model, a flippase model that allows the unidirectional translocation of cationic lipids and a stepwise content-release model. The broader impacts of these novel liposome-based devices lie in the improvement of currently existing gene and drug therapies. Specifically, the flippase model has promise for the efficient non-viral gene delivery; the fusogenic model provides a new approach to biocompatible reactors; the stepwise content-release model can serve as a drug delivery system and as means of accurate time-resolved dosing of substrates into the reaction medium. This research will also serve as an efficient educational tool through the engagement of undergraduate and graduate students in an interdisciplinary project. The emphasis will be placed on the development of kinetic assays de novo, materials characterization and utilization of various spectroscopic techniques. Underrepresented minority and female undergraduate students will be actively involved in the research. An additional educational component consists of the development of a new course in Applied Supramolecular chemistry which will be offered to upper level undergraduate and graduate students.