Biotechnological Applications of Lipid Microstructures, 1988
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Series, Vol. 238

In the twenty years since Bangham first described the model membrane system which he named "liposomes", a generation of scientists have explored the properties of lipid-based microstructures. Liposomes of all sizes, tubular and helical structures, and self-assembled lipid films have been prepared and studied in detail. Many of the advances· in the basic research have led to significant technological applications. Lipid microstructure research has begun to mature and it is an appropriate time for an in-depth look at the biotechnological applications, both achieved and potential. As a forum for active discussions within this growipg field, two Workshops were organized: "Technological Applications of Phospholipid Bilayers, Vesicles and Thin Films", held in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands; and "Biotechnological Applications of Membrane Studies", held in Donostia-San Sabastian, Basque Country, Spain. The organizers of these Workshops believe that development of lipid self-assembly into a technological discipline requires significant interaction across traditional scientific boundaries. Thus the Workshops gathered an eclectic group of colleagues whose interests ranged from basic research into structure, interactions and stabilization of biomembranes to applications of lipid microstructures such as artificial cells, diagnostic reagents, energy transfer systems, and biosensors.

Section I Biophysical Studies of Phospholipid Bilayers.- Molecular Modeling of the Phospholipid Bilayer.- Biomembranes: Structure of Biomembranes and Their Models.- Stereoselective Recognition in Phospholipid Monolayers.- Biradical Tetraether Lipids From Thermoacidophilic Archaebacteria.- Physical Properties of Membrane Lipids Isolated From A Thermophilic Eubacterium (Thermus sp.).- Time Resolved X-Ray Analysis of E.Coli Lipid and Membrane Structural Transitions.- Section II Bilayer-Biomolecule Interactions.- Stabilization of Small, Unilamellar Phospholipid Vesicles by Sucrose During Freezing and Dehydration.- Surfactant-Induced Liposome Fusion: Molecular Mechanisms and Biotechnological Applications.- Molecular Mechanisms of Membrane Fusion and Applications of Membrane Fusion Techniques.- The Interaction of Coenzyme Q and Vitamin E With Multibilayer Liposomes.- The Interaction of an Anti-Phosphorylcholine Monoclonal Antibody With Phosphorylcholine-Containing Lipids.- Section III Liposomes as Delivery Systems.- Liposomes as a Drug Delivery System: Optimization Studies.- Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin: A Synthetic Red Cell.- Progress in Development of Synthetic Erythrocytes Made By Encapsulation of Hemoglobin.- Some Structural and Functional Properties of Hemoglobin-Containing Liposomes (Hemosomes), A Potential Red Blood Cell Substitute.- Liposome-Based Immunoassays For Detection Of Small And Large Molecules.- Section IV Artificial Cells.- Artificial Cells With Ultrathin Lipid-Polymer or Lipid-Protein Membranes.- Immobilized Photosynthetic Membranes and Cells for the Production of Fuels and Chemicals.- Development of Plastid Membranes in Immobilized Systems.- Section V Energy Transfer in Bilayers.- Development of Membrane-Based Biosensors: Measurement of Current From Photocycling Bacteriorhodopsin on Patch Clamp Electrodes.- Biotechnological Application of Membrane Proteins Reconstituted Into Vesicular and Planar Lipid Bilayers.- Electron Transfer in Monolayer Assemblies and Energy Storage in Photosynthetic Bacteria.- Photochemical Reactions of Dyes and Olefins in Monolayer Films and Supported Multilayers.- Section VI Novel Biomaterials.- Technological Development of Lipid Based Tubule Microstructures.- Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Microorganisms.- Enzymes Covalently Bound on Collagen Membranes Immobilization of Blood Clotting Factor XIII.- Biocompatibility of Haemodialysis Membranes.- Prostaglandin Oligomers: Potential Agents for the Protection Against the Effects of Oxygen Deprivation.- Participants.