ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Probing the Interaction between Light-Responsive Cubosomes and Lipid Membranes using Neutron Reflectometry
Abstract: Directing the time and location of drug delivery using an external stimulus would grant a targeted response that could increase the performance, lower waste, and reduce side-effects of harmful drugs. We have recently formed light-responsive cubic lyotropic liquid crystal dispersions, or cubosomes, for on-demand release of entrapped guest molecules. Here, photoswitchable azobenzene photosurfactants (AzoPS) are light-responsive additives that impart structural control. Upon irradiation with light, the AzoPS within the cubosomes undergo trans-cis photoisomerisation, which squeezes the cubic lattice and releases entrapped model drugs. However, the interaction and uptake of these cubosomes by cells has not been investigated, meaning that it is unclear whether this light-responsive control can be translated into real drug delivery systems. Neutron reflectometry (NR) has recently been employed to determine the real-time kinetics of cubosome-lipid membrane interactions, providing information about the cellular uptake of these materials. However, this understanding does not translate to light-responsive systems, and many questions remain as to whether the time and duration of light irradiation can be used to tune cell membrane penetration. Here, we will use NR to investigate the interactions between AzoPS cubosomes and lipid membranes, to determine whether light-responsive structural control can be used to aid cell penetration and trigger drug release in biological systems.
Principal Investigator: Dr Beatrice Jones
Experimenter: Professor Rachel Evans
Local Contact: Dr Mario Campana
Experimenter: Mr Jack Avery
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610142
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2610142
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610142-1 | INTER | 01 October 2029 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Dr Beatrice Jones et al; (2026): Probing the Interaction between Light-Responsive Cubosomes and Lipid Membranes using Neutron Reflectometry, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610142
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
