Science in Your Eyes

1 Flake Liposomes are composed of a type of fatty acid called lipids. The fractal fingers in the pictures at the right are generated from the lipids DMPE (dimyristoyl phosphatidylethanolamine) and DMPC (dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine). The top right picture shows patterns of a liposome composed of DOPC (dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine) and ganglioside (GM1). The bottom right picture shows a liposome composed of bipolar fats from the sulphur bacteria acidocaldarius, which lives in hot water (65-80°C) and under conditions of a very low pH (pH=2-3). The liposomes are approx. 30μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
5 Four small oranges Small liposomes inside larger liposomes are composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine) and POPG (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol). The diameter of the outer liposome is approx. 60μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
7 Micro orange Small liposomes inside larger liposomes are composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine) and POPG (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol). The outer diameter of the liposome is approx. 60μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
8 Micro orange 2 Small liposomes inside larger liposomes are composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine) and POPG (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol). The outer diameter of the liposome is approx. 60μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
9 Star Liposome generated from ceramide and POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholin), with 25% cholesterol. The star in the liposome is a two-dimensional crystal of ceramide and measures approx. 20μm across. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
10 Starburst Liposome generated from ceramide and POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholin), with 25% cholesterol. The star in the liposome is a two-dimensional crystal of ceramide and measures approx. 20μm across. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
11 Enzymes at work AFM image of a lipid membrane being decomposed by an enzyme, phospholipase. The membrane consists of DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine) which is spread over a hard mica surface. The decomposition results in a hole in the membrane. The holes at left and right in the image are respectively 1μm and 6μm in diameter, and represent snapshots of the membrane approx. 20 minutes after the addition of enzyme. [Atomic Force Microscopy: Thomas Kaasgaard]
13 El sol Natural lung surfactant from a pigs lung, in the form of a liposome which contains both fats and proteins. The liposome diameter is approx. 25μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
14 El cerebro The lipidextract of lung surfactant, extracted from a pig's lung and reconstituted in the form of a liposome. The lung surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C appear in purple regions. The resulting pattern is a mixture of solid (dark) and the liquid (light) domains which is characteristic for a lipid membrane which contains very little cholesterol (in contrast to the approx. 30% natural lung film.) The liposome is approx. 32μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
15 Islands in islands The lipid extract of lung surfactant from pig's lung, reconstituted as a liposome, which also contains the protein SP-B and the natural quantity of cholesterol. The liposome is approx. 40μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
16 The Fellowship of the Rings Natural lung surfactant from a pig’s lung in the form of liposomes within liposomes that contain both lipids and proteins. Only the equator of the liposomes are shown, as fluorescent rings. The outer ring diameter is approx. 18μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
17 Cave painting Liposome generated from the lipids POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine), sphingomyelin and 6% cholesterol. The lipid composition is similar to that of blood platelets. The width of the black lines is approx. 500 nm (half a micron). [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
18 Tropical fish with an eye A concentration of many encapsulated liposomes within each other (multilamellar liposomes). Organic extract from pig's lung surfactant containing the lung proteins SP-B and SP-C. The diameter of the eye is approx. 6μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
19 Outbreak Natural lung surfactant (lipids plus proteins SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D) from a pig’s lung, reconstituted in the form of a liposome. The liposome surface is made up of two floating areas, one yellow and one red, which both contains lipids and proteins. The pattern is characteristic to the lung surfactant film at temperatures close to that of the human body (37,8°C). The liposome is approx. 28μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
20 The islands A lipid bilayer membrane composed of DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine), spread onto a hard surface of mica. The largest island is approx.2μm in diameter [Atomic Force Microscopy: Thomas Kaasgaard]
21 Dot to dot The lipid POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine) is spread over a surface of mica by the use of a special spin-coating technique. The largest dots are approx. 1000 nm in diameter. [Atomic Force Microscopy: Adam Simonsen]
22, 27 Chula and the necklace Liposomes and lipid tubes formed by a mixture of the lipids POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine), DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine), DPPG (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol) and cholesterol. The lipid tubes are approx. 1 μm in diameter and the small liposomesthat form the necklace are approx. 4-5μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
23 Family with daughters A group of liposomes formed by the lipid POPC (palmitoyl-oleoylphosphatidylcholine). The smallest daughter liposome is approx. 17μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
24 Flowerbed A liposome composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine), with the addition of the peptide makulatin, an active antibiotic from the skin of an Australian frog. The liposome is approx. 29μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
25 One ring to rule them all Section of a liposome composed of a mixture of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine), DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine),DPPG (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol) and cholesterol. The diameter of the ring is approx. 66μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
26 A bunch of grapes Organic extract of lung surfactant, without cholesterol, which forms a group of liposomes of varying sizes. The largest liposome is approx. 66μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
28 La langosta Cluster of lipid membranes composed of DLPC (dilaureoyl phosphatidylcholine) and DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine). The size of the orange spot is approx. 36μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
29 Symbols A group of liposomes and lipid tubes composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine). The tube diameter is approx. 3μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
30 Creases Folded liposomes inside a larger liposome, composed of SOPC (stearoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine). The outer diameter is approx. 30μm. [Phase contrast microscopy: Jonas Henriksen]
31 The labyrinth Membrane of DMPC (dimyristoyl phasphatidylcholine) spread on a hard mica surface, which has been exposed to farnesol, a naturally occurring compound found in lemongrass. Each of the small 'tile' areas is approx. a tenth of a micron in size. [Atomic Force Microscopy: Danielle Keller]
32 Tea party The lipid extract of pig lung surfactant, reconstituted as a liposome which also contains the protein SP-B and the natural quantity of cholesterol. The diameter of the liposome is approx. 40μm. The picture shows a rotated liposome pictured as a half open Schell. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
33 Nanos The picture on the left shows waves (height approx. 2-5 nm and wavelength approx. 150 nm), which forms in a membrane of DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine) spread onto a hard surface of mica. The membrane has been subjected to large temperature changes. The picture on the right is of a membrane composed of two different lipids, SOPC (stearoyl-oleoyl phosphaticylcholine) and cardiolipin. These lipids are common in the membrane of mitochondria, organelles that act as the 'power stations' of the cell. Cytochrome oxidase, which is an important protein involved in energy generation in the cell when it transforms oxygen to water, has been added to the membrane. The small light spots in the dark areas are single protein molecules (approx. 15 nm in diameter). [Atomic Force Microscopy: Thomas Kaasgaard and Danielle Keller]
37 2004 Membrane of natural lung surfactant spread out over a mica surface. The lung surfactant is from a pig's lung and contains all the natural lipids and proteins. The picture shows that the lung film is organised in areas which contains only lipids and in round areas that also contain the proteins of the lung film. One peak in these areas represent a single protein molecule. The round areas are approx. 10μm in diameter. [Atomic Force Microscopy: Adam Cohen Simonsen and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
38 Nano-bubble Small bubbles are formed on a plastic surface (polystyrene, which is water repellent) in an attempt to avoid contact with water. A single bubble (which consists of air) is approx. 100 nm in diameter. [Atomic Force Microscopy: Adam Cohen Simonsen]
39 Morningstar Organic extract of lung surfactant from a pig's lung. The lipid from the lung forms a liposome with bulges. The diameter of the liposome is approx. 17μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
40 Andy The lipid extract (without proteins) of the lung surfactant, with 30 % cholesterol, in the form of liposomes with a diameter of approx. 45μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
41 Dancing shrimps Liposomes composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine) and sphingomyelin. The thinnest parts of the formed structure are approx. 20μm across. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
43 The nose Liposomes composed of POPC (palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, left) and SOPC (stearoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine, right). The liposome on the left has been exposed to the suction of a micropipette with a diameter of 5μm, the deformation of the liposome produces a 'nose' inside the pipet. [Fluorescent microscopy: Amy Rowat and Matthias Weiss]
44 Nano-Swarm Optical fibres which are very long (30-100μm) but only a few nanometres across. They are generated from organic molecules (paraphenylene) by a process of self-organization. [Fluorescent microscopy: Horst-Günter Rubahn]
45 The planet A liposome composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine), ceramide, and approx. 15% ergosterol. This lipid composition is characteric of yeast cell membranes. Ergosterol is related to cholesterol. The liposome is approx. 40μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
46 The football A liposome composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine), DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine), and 28% cholesterol. The liposome is approx. 32μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
47 Pink A group of liposomes composed of POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine). The smallest liposomes are approx. 10μm in diameter. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli]
48 Spheres Liposomes of varying lipid and protein composition. The typical size is approx. 40μm. [Fluorescent microscopy: Luis Bagatolli and Jorge Bernardino de la Serna]
50 Mosaik Segementation of a fluorescent microscropy image of a supported membrane, consisting of DPPC, DOPC and cholesterol. The membrane's composition is such that phase separation occurs and phase domains become visible. [Fluorescent microscopy: Adam Cohen Simonsen. Image Segmentation: Sjoerd Crijns]
51 Mitotic spindle Mitotic spindle in african green monkey cells (293 cells). The celles were alpha-tubulin-GFP transfected and then fixed. Confocal microscopy was performed on these cells in order to count the number of microtubules in a cell. [Confocal microscopy: Eva Arnspang Christensen]
52 Spheres Human fibroblasts were stained with DAPI in blue and anti-tubulin Alexa 488 in red. This was an exercise during a microscopy course. [confocal microscopy: Eva Arnspang Christensen]
53 Progeria Nuclei. Cells from children suffering from Progeria have nuclei that are lobulated. Here is the nuclear envelope stained green (anti- lamin A) and the DNA blue. [Eva Arnspang Christensen]
54 Skin in blue Human skin tissue surface labeled with Dextran Cascade Blue. Details of the outer layer of the tissue called stratum corneum. [Fluorescent microscopy: M. Inés Plasencia-Gil]
55 Skin in green Human skin tissue surface labeled with DiIC18. Details of the outer layer of the tissue called stratum corneum. [Fluorescent microscopy: M. Inés Plasencia-Gil]
56 The friends Skin lipids 3D structure. Lipids extracted from human stratum corneum layer and labeled with the fluorescent probe DiIC18. Structure reconstructed by ITO electroformation. [Fluorescent microscopy: M. Inés Plasencia-Gil]
57 The lie 3D (brain Ceramide/cholesterol/Palmitic acid) lipid structure labeled with the fluorescent probe DiIC18. This mixture have been used like skin lipid model membranes but we have show that there are important differences respect to the real skin lipid membranes. Structure reconstructed by ITO electroformation. [Fluorescent microscopy: M. Inés Plasencia-Gil]
58 The twins Skin lipids 3D structure detail. Lipids extracted from human stratum corneum layer and labeled with the fluorescent probe DiIC18. Structure reconstructed by ITO electroformation. [Fluorescent microscopy: M. Inés Plasencia-Gil]

© MEMPHYS, Februar 2004.