title: New insights into the structure and hydration of a stratum corneum lipid model membrane by neutron diffraction.
abstract: The structure and hydration of a stratum corneum (SC) lipid model membrane composed of N-(alpha-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)-phytosphingosine (CER6)/cholesterol (Ch)/palmitic acid (PA)/cholesterol sulfate (ChS) were characterized by neutron diffraction. The neutron scattering length density across the SC lipid model membrane was calculated from measured diffraction peak intensities. The internal membrane structure and water distribution function across the bilayer were determined. The low hydration of the intermembrane space is a major feature of the SC lipid model membrane. The thickness of the water layer in the SC lipid model membrane is about 1 A at full hydration. For the composition 55% CER6/25% Ch/15% PA/5% ChS, in a partly dehydrated state (60% humidity) and at 32 degrees C, the lamellar repeat distance and the membrane thickness have the same value of 45.6 A . The hydrophobic region of the membrane has a thickness of 31.2 A . A decrease of the Ch content increases the membrane thickness. The water diffusion through the SC lipid model multilamellar membrane is a considerably slow process relative to that through phospholipid membranes. In excess water, the membrane hydration follows an exponential law with two characteristic times of 93 and 44 min. At 81 degrees C and 97% humidity, the membrane separates into two phases with repeat distances of 45.8 and 40.5 A . Possible conformations of CER6 molecules in the dry and hydrated multilayers are discussed.
authors: Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Martin Luther University, Halle, Saale, Germany. kiselev@jinr.ru
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Kiselev
authors: N Y
authors: NY
authors: Ryabova
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Balagurov
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Dante
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Hauss
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Zbytovska
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Wartewig
authors: R H H
authors: RH
authors: Neubert
mesh_terms: D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods; D004817:Epidermis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008954:Models, Biological; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D033363:Neutron Diffraction; D044367:Phase Transition; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014867:Water