The synthesis of some lipid-like structures in simulated primeval Earth conditions.
Starting from a simple gas mixture rich in methane, suggested as being a model of the primeval atmosphere for a certain time period, we succeeded in synthesizing lipid-like compounds. The hydrophobic nature of the products was demonstrated by IR, NMR, MS, elementary analysis, gel filtration measurements and solubility tests. The hydrophobic products self-assemble in stable, uniformly sized microspheres possessing membrane-like properties. They can selectively retain biologically active compounds. The wall-membrane of the microspheres shows a supramolecular order.
D001704:Biopolymers / Q000528:radiation effects; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D008055:Lipids / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000528:radiation effects; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008863:Microspheres; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D001704:Biopolymers; D008055:Lipids; D046911:Macromolecular Substances