Abstract
We investigate the collapse of a lipid-coated nanobubble and subsequent formation of a lipid vesicle by coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations. A spherical nanobubble coated with a phospholipid monolayer in water is a model of an aqueous dispersion of phospholipids under negative pressure during sonication. When subjected to a positive pressure, the bubble shape deforms into an irregular spherical shape and the monolayer starts to buckle and fold locally. The local folds grow rapidly in multiple directions and forming a discoidal membrane with folds of various amplitudes. Folds of small amplitude disappear in due course and the membrane develops into a unilamellar vesicle via a bowl shape. Folds with large amplitude develop into a bowl shape and a multivesicular shape forms. The membrane shape due to bubble collapse can be an important factor governing the vesicular shape during sonication.
Highlights
We investigate the collapse of a lipid-coated nanobubble and subsequent formation of a lipid vesicle by coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations
On the basis of acoustic cavitation, we focus on the lipid molecular dynamics after the formation of a single bubble via sonication and present a scenario for liposome formation as follows: (i) the negative pressure of the ultrasound wave generates or grows a water vapor bubble; (ii) the liquid–vapor interface is spontaneously coated by lipid molecules which are surface active;[25] (iii) when subjected to a positive pressure, the bubble shrinks and the interface is fully coated by a lipid monolayer; and (iv) the lipid-coated bubble collapses and develops into a liposome
To understand the mechanisms of liposome formation during sonication at the molecular scale, we investigated the lipid molecular dynamics after a single nanobubble formed in an aqueous dispersion
Summary
We investigate the collapse of a lipid-coated nanobubble and subsequent formation of a lipid vesicle by coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations. Liposomes are spherical vesicles with lipid-bilayer membranes that enclose an aqueous space They are being extensively used in various applications, such as models of biological cells and as carriers to deliver dietary, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical components to the body[1,2]. On the basis of acoustic cavitation, we focus on the lipid molecular dynamics after the formation of a single bubble via sonication and present a scenario for liposome formation as follows: (i) the negative pressure of the ultrasound wave generates or grows a water vapor bubble; (ii) the liquid–vapor interface is spontaneously coated by lipid molecules which are surface active;[25] (iii) when subjected to a positive pressure, the bubble shrinks and the interface is fully coated by a lipid monolayer; and (iv) the lipid-coated bubble collapses and develops into a liposome.
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