PEG-induced fusion of phosphatidylcholine-liposomes with protoplasts and post-fusion evaluation of plating efficiency and enrichment in plasmamembrane phosphatidylcholine of protoplasts in Datura innoxia Mill.

Liposomes entrapping fluorescein diacetate were fused with protoplasts of Datura innoxia Mill by employing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the fusogen. Factors that influence liposome-protoplast fusion were optimized as a function of PEG-concentration and incubation duration, liposome composition and surface charge and liposome:protoplast ratio. Phosphatidylcholine-liposomes were found ideal for the objectives of the study. Fusion index based on per cent fluorescing protoplasts varied among the protoplast types. PEG-incubation duration in the fusion assay and growth ability of protoplasts to form microcalli subsequent to liposome-protoplast fusion was determined based on protoplast plating-efficiency. Plating efficiency of post-fusion protoplasts increased due to incorporation of liposome-phosphatidylcholine in the plasmamembrane of protoplasts. Results are discussed in relation to the application of liposome-protoplast fusion system in selective modification of plasmamembrane phospholipids of protoplasts.