title: Cryo-TEM investigation of phase behaviour and aggregate structure in dilute dispersions of monoolein and oleic acid.
abstract: Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) was used to image the microstructure in dilute sonicated dispersions of monoolein and oleic acid. The aim of the study was to explore how different experimental parameters, such as sample composition, total lipid concentration, pH, and ageing affect the phase behaviour and aggregate structure. Our investigations show that a rich variety of lamellar and non-lamellar structures, including liposomes and particles of cubic and inverted hexagonal phase, may form depending on the experimental conditions. The results are analyzed and discussed in relation to existing phase diagrams and earlier investigations concerning phase- and structural behaviour in monoolein/oleic acid/water systems.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Denise Alves
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Maria Vitória L B
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Bentley
authors.forename: Göran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karlsson
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy; D005989:Glycerides / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008081:Liposomes; D050866:Liquid Crystals; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D013010:Sonication; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D005989:Glycerides; D008081:Liposomes; D014867:Water; D019301:Oleic Acid; C005953:monoolein