Effects of a novel archaeal tetraether-based colipid on the in vivo gene transfer activity of two cationic amphiphiles.

Gene therapy for treating inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis might be achieved using multimodular nonviral lipid-based systems. To date, most optimizations have concerned cationic lipids rather than colipids. In this study, an original archaeal tetraether derivative was used as a colipid in combination with one or the other of two monocationic amphiphiles.

UV and visible light screening by individual sporopollenin exines derived from Lycopodium clavatum (club moss) and Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed).

We have investigated the UV-visible light transmission of three types of micrometre-sized sporopollenin exine shells, two derived from Lycopodium clavatum (club moss) spores and one from Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed) pollen. We have used spectrophotometer measurements of partial monolayers of exines and microscope absorbance imaging to derive the light transmission properties of individual exines. Measurements have been made for exines in air when light transmission losses are due to a combination of absorption, reflection and scattering processes and for exines dispersed in a liquid for which the refractive index (RI) is approximately equal to the RI of the exine such that reflection and scattering effects are negligible.

MRI contrast agent delivery using spore capsules: controlled release in blood plasma.

The exine coatings of spores can be used to encapsulate drug molecules. We have demonstrated that these microcapsules can be filled with a commercial gadolinium(III) MRI contrast agent (in this proof of concept study Gd-DTPA-BMA was used) which is slowly released in plasma due to enzymatic digestion of the capsule.