Disc formation in cholesterol-free liposomes during phase transition

AbstractCryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) images of lysolipid-containing thermosensitive liposomes (LTSL) revealed that open liposomes and bilayer discs appeared when liposomes were cycled through the gel (Lβ′) to liquid-crystalline (Lα) phase transition. The amount of bilayer discs generated was dependent on the combined presence of PEG-lipid and lysolipid in the membrane. We hypothesize that micelle-forming membrane components stabilize the rim of bilayer openings and membrane discs that form when liposomes are cycled through TC