In previous research, the concentration at which aggregation of fatty acids occurs was dependent on the composition of the membrane. Varying shorter chain lengths with decanoic acid vesicles create a vesicle with mixed composition. Furthermore, when a longer chained fatty acid (&gt;C14) was added into a mixture it significantly lowered the critical aggregation concentration. This research studied the protocell morphology through environmental changes and analyzed the lipid content of both the membrane and surroundings in these dynamic environments. Various length fatty acids were inserted into the membrane through dialysis and examined under a fluorescence microscope for the presence of vesicles. Samples were then derivatized and quantified with a GC-FID method. The optimal vesicle composition for each environment was obtained. By determining the optimal environment for the vesicles the conditions at the origins of life can be better understood on this planet or others, such as Mars.

Vesicle aggregation of varied chain length through dialysis with quantification through GC-FID

251st National Meeting (2016)

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