Controlled release from a large capsule membrane corked with phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers: effect of temperature, pH and concentration of Ca²⁺ ions

Abstract

Permeations of a fluorescent probe entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of a large nylon capsule membrane corked with phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers were reversibly controlled by (i) the phase transition of bilayers, (ii) the ambient pH change, and (iii) the addition of Ca²⁺ /EDTA from outside. Their signal-receptive permeation control could be reproduced repeatedly without damaging corking bilayers, in contrast to that of liposomal membranes.