Selective adhesion of endothelial cells to artificial membranes with a synthetic RGD-lipopeptide

A constrained cyclic Arg Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys, abbreviated as cyclo(-RGDfK-), lipopeptide has been synthesized and incorporated into artificial membranes such as giant vesicles with DOPC and solid-supported lipid bilayers, The s elective adhesion and spreading of endothelial cells of the human umbilical cord on solids functionalized by membranes with this RGD-lipopeptide have been observed. Furthermore, we have demonstrated strong selective adhesion of giant vesicles to endothelial cells through local adhesion domains by co mbined application of hydrodynamic flow field and reflection interference c ontrast microscopy (RICM), The adhesion can be inhibited by competition wit h a water-soluble RGD peptide. We suggest that this strategy could improve the efficiency of liposomes targeting used as vectors or as drug carriers t o cells.