Membranes Proteins Flashcards
(9 cards)
What are liposomes?
Liposomes are stable structures based on a lipid bilayer that form a spherical vesicle. These vesicles can be prepared with therapeutic agents on the inside and then used to deliver the agent to a target tissue.
How can drug delivery be controlled using embedded substances?
Vesicles can be prepared with embedded artificial substances that can be used to control the process of release of the therapeutic agent. Some of the embedded substances can create an ‘on-off’ switch for drug delivery.
What is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)?
PNIPAM is a synthetic polymer that forms a hydrogel that is swollen in its native state but collapses on heating.
What happens to PNIPAM when a magnetic field is applied?
When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetite particles heat up, leading to a rise in temperature of a few degrees in the PNIPAM, causing the hydrogel to contract and form channels for drug passage.
What are peripheral proteins?
Peripheral proteins are proteins loosely bound to the outside of a membrane, usually bound to the charged head groups of the lipid bilayer by polar or electrostatic interactions.
What are integral proteins?
Integral proteins are proteins embedded in a membrane, often requiring harsh conditions for removal, such as treatment with detergents.
What is the significance of the National Institute of Health in drug delivery research?
The National Institute of Health supports much of the work in the active field of drug delivery research, including the testing of natural and synthetic membranes.
What is the challenge in removing integral proteins from membranes?
Removing integral proteins from membranes is difficult and often requires harsh conditions that can denature the protein.
What are liposomes composed of?
Liposomes are spherical aggregates of lipids arranged so that the polar head groups are in contact with water and the nonpolar tails are sequestered from water.
