Osmotically induced shape changes of large unilamellar vesicles measured by dynamic light scattering

ABSTRACT Static and dynamic light scattering measurements have been used to characterize the size, size distribution, and shape of extruded vesicles under isotonic conditions. Dynamic light scattering was then used to characterize osmotically induced shape changes by monitoring changes in the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). These changes are compared to those predicted for several shapes that appear in trajectories through the phase diagram of the area difference elasticity (ADE) model (Jaric et al. 1995. Phys. Rev. E. 52:6623-6634). Measurements were performed on dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) vesicles using two membrane-impermeant osmolytes (NaCI and …