Preparation condition of a novel organic-inorganic hybrid vesicle "Cerasome"

We have prepared a novel organic-inorganic hybrid vesicle "Cerasome", which has a silica-like structure on its vesicular surface. A newly synthesized compound bearing a triethoxysilyl head and a dialkyl tail were dispersed in water under various pH conditions. The cerasome was obtained most efficien tly at pH 3, where a gradual and stepwise process of hydrolysis on the trie thoxysilyl head did not disturb vesicle formation. In a dried sample, TEM o bservation revealed formation of a multivesicular assembly.