Interconnected networks: structural and dynamic characterization of aqueous dispersions of dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine.
Aqueous dispersions of the phospholipid dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine (diC 8PC) phase-separate below a cloud-point temperature, depending on lipid concentration. The lower phase is viscous and rich in lipid. The structure and dynamics of this system were explored via cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and NMR. The lower phase comprises a highly interconnected tridimensional network of wormlike micelles. A molecular mechanism for the phase separation is suggested.
Lo Nostro
Pierandrea
P
Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy. pln@csgi.unifi.it.
Murgia
Sergio
S
Lagi
Marco
M
Fratini
Emiliano
E
Karlsson
Göran
G
Almgren
Mats
M
Monduzzi
Maura
M
Ninham
Barry W
BW
Baglioni
Piero
P
D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy; D004058:Diffusion; D054709:Lecithins / Q000737:chemistry; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000737:chemistry*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry
D054709:Lecithins; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D013501:Surface-Active Agents