Chiruvolu S, Walker S, Israelachvili J, Schmitt F J, Leckband D, Zasadzinski J A
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106.
Science. 1994 Jun 17;264(5166):1753-6. doi: 10.1126/science.8209255.
The association of lipid molecules into spherical vesicles in solution as a result of non-specific intermolecular forces constitutes a primary self-assembly process. Such vesicles can undergo a secondary self-assembly into higher order structures in a controlled and reversible manner by means of site-specific ligand-receptor (biotin-streptavidin) coupling. Cryoelectron microscopy shows these structures to be composed of tethered, rather than adhering, vesicles in their original, unstressed state. In contrast, vesicles aggregated by nonspecific, such as van der Waals, forces are deformed and stressed, producing unstable structures. Vesicle association by site-specific binding provides a practical mechanism for the production of stable, yet controllable, microstructured biomaterials.
由于非特异性分子间作用力，溶液中的脂质分子缔合成球形囊泡，这构成了一个初级自组装过程。通过位点特异性配体-受体（生物素-链霉亲和素）偶联，此类囊泡能够以可控且可逆的方式进行二级自组装，形成更高阶的结构。冷冻电子显微镜显示，这些结构由处于原始、无应力状态的相连而非黏附的囊泡组成。相比之下，由非特异性力（如范德华力）聚集的囊泡会发生变形和应力，产生不稳定结构。通过位点特异性结合实现囊泡缔合，为制备稳定且可控的微结构生物材料提供了一种实用机制。
