Reversible photo-switching in a cell-sized vesicle

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates reversible shape changes in cell-sized vesicles triggered by light, using photosensitive molecules that alter membrane properties through photo-isomerization, enabling controlled morphological transitions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for reversible vesicle shape switching using photosensitive molecules, expanding understanding of light-controlled membrane dynamics.

Findings

Photo-isomerization causes vesicle shape changes.

Membrane fluctuation behavior is altered by light.

Reversible morphological transitions are achieved.

Abstract

A photosensitive amphiphilic molecule can switch the shape of an assembled vesicle as determined by microscopic observation. Photo-isomerization induces a change in membrane fluctuation behavior or a morphological transition between ellipsoid and bud shapes, depending on the asymmetrical degree of the initial shape. The mechanism of this reversible photo-switching in the vesicle morphology is interpreted in terms of a change in the effective cross-sectional area of the photosensitive molecule.