Matrix Effect in Oleate Micelles-Vesicles Transformation
Rasi, Silvia ; Mavelli, Fabio ; Luisi, Pier
In: Origins of life and evolution of the biosphere, 2004, vol. 34, no. 1-2, p. 215-224
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- It is accepted by many authors that the formation of closed molecular structures is a key step in the evolution of life. Oleate vesicles represent a good model system in this framework due to the fact that they self-assemble spontaneously and that fatty acids are considered as possible prebiotic structures. In this contribution, we will focus the attention on the transition from oleate micelles to oleic acid/oleate vesicles induced by a pH change. This transformation is strongly influenced by the presence of pre-formed vesicles. We called this phenomenon the matrix effect. The influence of pre-added POPC liposomes (POPC = 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl- {sn}-glycerol-3-phosphocholine) and oleic acido leate vesicles on the process rate and on the final size distribution will be discussed elucidating the main differences between these two systems