Physical studies of giant vesicles for the development of new strategies for photo-protection of biological membranes

• Grant number: 12/05115-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: July 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Rosangela Itri
• Grantee: Omar Mertins
• Supervisor: Carlos Manuel Venâncio Marques Serra
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Institut Charles Sadron (ICS), France
• Associated to the scholarship: 10/18163-5 - Membrane photo-protection as investigated by optical microscopy on giant unilamellar vesicles., BP.PD

Abstract

With this project of post-doctorate abroad (BEPE) we intend to enhance and develop the study of photo protection of model membranes, in follow-up to the project being implemented by post-doctorate Omar Mertins. The work done so far has shown an effective protection of lipid membranes with the use of gallic acid in the dispersion medium of giant vesicles. Quantitative studies allowed us to evaluate that the level of protection depends on the concentration of photo oxidative agents versus protector and furnish the degree of lipid oxidation in each case. We also believe that the enhancement of photo protection strategies require a detailed knowledge of physical parameters of the membrane vesicles resulting from the presence of photo oxidative and protective molecules, and the effective level changes caused by light irradiation. Thus, the technique of micropipette is crucial in obtaining the parameters related to the strength and elasticity of the lipid membrane during the photo protection studies. As provided in the initial project, we plan to apply the technique of micropipette in this direction. Stressing that the equipment was recently purchased by the laboratory of Prof. Rosangela Itri, it becomes necessary instrumentation and training in the fields of the technique for its implementation and pioneer installation in Brazil, as well as an innovative technique in studies of photo degradation and photo protection of model membranes. Therefore, with this trainee of postdoctorate we want to reiterate the collaboration with the research group of Prof. Carlos Marques, where the technique of micropipette is established to enable the implementation of the same in Brazil, and concurrently develop and enhance studies of photo protection of the original project. (AU)