Onion Vesicle Illustration (IMAGE)
Caption
University of Pennsylvania researchers have shown that a certain kind of dendrimer, a molecule that features tree-like branches, offers a simple way of creating vesicles and tailoring their diameter and thickness. Moreover, these dendrimer-based vesicles self-assemble with concentric layers of membranes, much like an onion. Each layer of membrane contains two sets of dendrimers sandwiched together, arranged so their water-loving branches (colored blue) face outward and their water-hating branches (green) face inward. This arrangement provides a stable, water-soluble package for the delivery of drugs, separate doses of which can be nestled between each layer.
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University of Pennsylvania
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