Environmental scanning electron microscope imaging of vesicle systems

Yvonne Perrie*, Habib Ali, Daniel J. Kirby, Afzal U.R. Mohammed, Sarah E. McNeil, Anil Vangala

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

Abstract

The structural characteristics of liposomes have been widely investigated and there is certainly a strong understanding of their morphological characteristics. Imaging of these systems, using techniques such as freeze-fracturing methods, transmission electron microscopy, and cryo-electron imaging, has allowed us to appreciate their bilayer structures and factors which can influence this. However, there are few methods which all us to study these systems in their natural hydrated state; commonly the liposomes are visualized after drying, staining, and/or fixation of the vesicles. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) offers the ability to image a liposome in its hydrated state without the need for prior sample preparation. Within our studies we were the first to use ESEM to study liposomes and niosomes and we have been able to dynamically follow the hydration of lipid films and changes in liposome suspensions as water condenses on to, or evaporates from, the sample in real time. This provides insight into the resistance of liposomes to coalescence during dehydration, thereby providing an alternative assay of liposome formulation and stability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLiposomes
Subtitle of host publicationmethods and protocols
EditorsGerard G.M. d'Souza
Place of PublicationNew York (US)
PublisherSpringer
Pages131-143
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-4939-6591-5
ISBN (Print)978-1-4939-6589-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherSpringer
Volume1522
ISSN (Print)1064-3745

Keywords

  • ESEM analysis
  • lipoplexes
  • liposomes
  • niosomes
  • non-ionic surfactant vesicles
  • surfactant vesicles

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Environmental scanning electron microscope imaging of vesicle systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this