(269c) Photo-Induced Formation of Vesicles in-Situ

The production of synthetic vesicles has seen a large increase in interest due to their possible applications ranging from artificial cell membranes and microreactors to delivery mechanisms for drugs and cosmetics.  While formation techniques have been developed they lack an enhanced level of spatial and temporal control, which can be established through the use of photo-initiated reactions.  To achieve this the Copper-catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, which has been used previously in the formation of vesicles through the use of an alkyne functionalized lysolipid and azide functionalized aliphatic tail, was initiated by substituting the reducing agent with a water soluble, visible light photo-initiation system.  Fluorescent microscopy in conjunction with a lipid bound dye gave proof to the spatio-temporal control over formation as well as the greater control over vesicle size and increased formation density.  To expand beyond the use of radical generating photo-initiators to spur vesicle formation, newly functionalized lysolipids containing thiol functionalities have been developed.  These new lipids allow for vesicle formation by the thiol-Michael reaction, which can be initiated by photo-bases.  Together, this combination of light controlled formation systems allows for a large expansion on the control over synthetic vesicles.