This paper studies the fusogenicity of cationic liposomes in relation to their surface distribution of cationic lipids and utilizes membrane phase separation to control this surface distribution. It is found that concentrating the cationic lipids into small surface patches on liposomes, through phase-separation, can enhance liposome's fusogenicity. Further concentrating these lipids into smaller patches on the surface of liposomes led to an increased level of fusogenicity. These experimental findings are supported by numerical simulations using a mathematical model for phase-separated charged liposomes. Findings of this study may be used for design and development of highly fusogenic liposomes with minimal level of toxicity.

翻译：本文研究了阳离子脂质体融合能力与其表面阳离子脂质分布的关系，并利用膜相分离控制该表面分布。研究发现，通过相分离将阳离子脂质浓缩在脂质体表面的微小区域中，可增强脂质体的融合能力。进一步将这些脂质浓缩至脂质体表面更小的斑块中，可导致融合能力水平提升。这些实验发现得到了基于相分离带电脂质体数学模型的数值模拟支持。本研究结果可用于设计和开发具有高融合能力且毒性极低的脂质体。