Computer modelling of an artificial cell undergoing osmotic shock; biophysicists design biomimetic nano-container

Description

University press release following the publication Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Science USA: http://www.rug.nl/news/2010/11/169_10

Researchers from the University of Groningen, headed by Dr. Martti
Louhivuori and Prof. Siewert-Jan Marrink, have simulated the effect of an
osmotic shock on a proto-type cell containing a nano-valve in the form of
a mechanosensitive protein channel. The simulations show the
spontaneous gating of the protein channel and subsequent release of
internal content, opening the way toward in-silico design of biomimetic
nano-containers as drug delivery vehicles. The research has been published
in Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA.