Shape Deformation, Budding and Division of Giant Vesicles and Artificial Cells: A Review

Abstract

The understanding of the shape-change dynamics leading to the budding and division of artificial cells has gained much attention in the past few decades due to an increased interest in designing stimuli-responsive synthetic systems and minimal models of biological self-reproduction. In this respect, membranes and their composition play a fundamental role in many aspects related to the stability of the vesicles: permeability, elasticity, rigidity, tunability and response to external changes. In this review, we summarise recent experimental and theoretical work dealing with shape deformation and division of (giant) vesicles made of phospholipids and/or fatty acids membranes. Following a classic approach, we divide the strategies used to destabilise the membranes into two different types, physical (osmotic stress, temperature and light) and chemical (addition of amphiphiles, the addition of reactive molecules and pH changes) even though they often act in synergy when leading to a complete division process. Finally, we review the most important theoretical methods employed to describe the equilibrium shapes of giant vesicles and how they provide ways to explain and control the morphological changes leading from one equilibrium structure to another.

A Note on Vestigial Osmotic Pressure

“…The osmotic pressure plays an important role in shape change and budding [ 20 , 21 ]. In this study, we explored the concept of additional vestigial osmotic pressure [ 2 ] stemming from osmotically active daughter vesicles, which were fully disconnected from the lipid bilayer of the parent vesicle, and acting upon the GUV lipid membrane.…”

Synthetic Intracellular Environments: From Basic Science to Applications

“…Artificial cells with these characteristics can be “alive” and have the potential to replace damaged cells; this is a purpose beyond scientists’ dedicated work on artificial cells. Some important activities, such as chemical communication, gene expression, and cell division, have successfully been simulated in artificial cells. − These advances indicate that “alive” artificial cells will be well within reach.…”

Evolution of Proliferative Model Protocells Highly Responsive to the Environment

“…However, liposome growth based on enzymatic reactions is limited by the low production of phospholipids. The inner urease reaction could increase the inner pH and induce GV division through the decomposition of urea into ammonia because oleic acids transform into oleates and produce oleates that diffuse to form vesicles in the original GV [ 51 , 52 , 53 ]. Herein, we focus on simultaneous GV growth and division, which is promoted by the internal PCR product, amplified DNA, and works as a supramolecular catalyst with lipids for the self-reproduction of GVs.…”