Interaction of liposomes with Zymomonas mobilis cells

Abstract Zymomonas mobilis (strain ZM4), an ethanoltolerant bacterium, interacts efficiently with liposomes consisting of Escherichia coli phospholipids. The parameters of the cell-liposome interaction have been determined. The process depends on temperature, presence of divalent cation, pH, liposome/cell ratio and is insensitive to pre-treatment of ZM4 cells with EDTA. Optimal transfer of exogenous phospholipids into cells was achieved at 37°C and pH 6.6, when the interaction medium contained 20 mM CaCl₂.