Self-evolving microstructured systems upon enzymatic catalysis

Abstract

The consequences of cell microstructuration on enzyme functions is discussed in the framework of self-evolving microstructured systems. Molecular assemblies of amphiphiles or lipids are spontaneously formed by self-organisation. Among these different structures, reversed micelles, liquid crystalline mesophases and vesicles are hosts for enzymatic reaction studies. Inside a living cell, phospholipid metabolism is responsible for membrane structural modifications; the catalytic behaviour of lipolytic enzymes, mainly phospholipase (PL) A2, is described in relation with structural aspects of biological membranes. The implication in cellular regulation events of PLC and PLD is discussed in relation with the role of their reaction products as second messengers in membrane fusion processes. The in vitro synthesis of dialkyl phosphatidylcholines, via the enzymatic 'salvage pathway' which leads to the formation of vesicles upon phospholipid formation, is considered in relation with autopoiesis. More recent studies on self-evolving systems based on enzyme-surfactants reactions are detailed. The interactions between amphiphilic aggregates and enzymes allow to explore the OG/octanol/water phase diagram. Enzymatic formation of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes and non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NSV), starting from mixed micelles or open structures, finally sets an example of a biomimetic self-evolving system.