Matrix effect in oleate micelles-vesicles transformation.
It is accepted by many authors that the formation of closed molecular structures is a key step in the evolution of life. Oleate vesicles represent a good model system in this framework due to the fact that they self-assemble spontaneously and that fatty acids are considered as possible prebiotic structures. In this contribution, we will focus the attention on the transition from oleate micelles to oleic acid/oleate vesicles induced by a pH change. This transformation is strongly influenced by the presence of pre-formed vesicles. We called this phenomenon the matrix effect. The influence of pre-added POPC liposomes (POPC = 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine) and oleic acid/oleate vesicles on the process rate and on the final size distribution will be discussed elucidating the main differences between these two systems.
Institute of Polymers Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Z) Zürich, Switzerland.
Silvia
S
Rasi
Fabio
F
Mavelli
Pier Luigi
PL
Luisi
D008823:Micelles; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
D008823:Micelles; D019301:Oleic Acid