Effect of Ultrashort Electric Pulses on Nanocomposite Liposomes in Aqueous Medium

Nanocomposite liposomes with modified structure containing functional conducting nanoparticles bound to both inner and outer surface of the liposomal membrane are fabricated. Effect of ultrashort electric-field pulses with a duration of less than 10 ns and a field strength of about 10 kV/cm on an aqueous suspension of the liposomes containing encapsulated model substance (NaCl) leads to decapsulation and a corresponding increase in the conductivity of the aqueous medium. Selectivity of the effect is provided by the presence of functional nanoparticles on both surfaces of the liposomal membranes. A theoretical model of a nonthermal effect of ultrashort electric pulses on the nanocomposite liposomes with modified structure is proposed to account for destruction of the liposomal membrane.