Wetting-induced budding of vesicles in contact with several aqueous phases

TL;DR

This paper investigates how wetting transitions and membrane tensions influence vesicle budding in multi-phase systems, demonstrating control over budding direction and morphology through osmotic deflation and external phases.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of wetting-induced budding mechanisms in vesicles with multiple aqueous phases, highlighting the roles of membrane tension and interface tension.

Findings

Wetting transitions trigger vesicle budding.

Membrane and interface tensions determine morphology regimes.

Budding direction can be reversed with external phases.

Abstract

Osmotic deflation of vesicles enclosing two liquid phases can lead to bulging of one of the phases from the vesicle body. This budding process is preceded by a complete to partial wetting transition of one of the liquid phases on the membrane and depends on the membrane tensions and the tension of the interface between the enclosed liquid phases. These tensions dominate in different morphology regimes, the crossover of which initiates the budding process. In addition, the degree of budding can be controlled by aspiration via micropipettes. We also demonstrate that the budding direction can be reversed if there are two external phases in contact with the vesicle.