Parameters influencing the liposome-mediated insertion of fluorescein diacetate into plant protoplasts.

Maximum uptake of liposome-encapsulated fluorescein diacetate by Daucus carota protoplasts was observed when 6 x 10(6) protoplasts per milliliter were incubated with 2.4 x 10(7) liposomes per milliliter for 1 hour. In the case of Nicotiana glutinosa protoplasts, optimum ratio of protoplasts to liposomes was 1:10, where 2.3 x 10(5) protoplasts per milliliter were provided. Neutral and positive liposomes were found to be efficient vehicles to transfer their contents into plant protoplasts. When protoplasts treated with liposomes were cultured in a synthetic medium for 1 week, 20% resumed cell divisions.