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Control of artificial membrane fusion in physiological ionic solutions beyond the limits of electroformation

Author

Listed:
  • Bong Kyu Kim

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Korea University)

  • Dong-Hyun Kang

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Junhyuk Woo

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Wooseung Yoon

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Hyunil Ryu

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Kyungreem Han

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Seok Chung

    (Korea University)

  • Tae Song Kim

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Membrane fusion, merging two lipid bilayers, is crucial for fabricating artificial membrane structures. Over the past 40 years, in contrast to precise and controllable membrane fusion in-vivo through specific molecules such as SNAREs, controlling the fusion in-vitro while fabricating artificial membrane structures in physiological ionic solutions without fusion proteins has been a challenge, becoming a significant obstacle to practical applications. We present an approach consisting of an electric field and a few kPa hydraulic pressure as an additional variable to physically control the fusion, enabling tuning of the shape and size of the 3D freestanding lipid bilayers in physiological ionic solutions. Mechanical model analysis reveals that pressure-induced parallel/normal tensions enhance fusion among membranes in the microwell. In-vitro peptide-membrane assay, mimicking vesicular transport via pressure-assisted fusion, and stability of 38 days with in-chip pressure control via pore size-regulated hydrogel highlight the potential for diverse biological applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Bong Kyu Kim & Dong-Hyun Kang & Junhyuk Woo & Wooseung Yoon & Hyunil Ryu & Kyungreem Han & Seok Chung & Tae Song Kim, 2024. "Control of artificial membrane fusion in physiological ionic solutions beyond the limits of electroformation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48875-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48875-0
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