Sequential detection of multiple phase transitions in model biological membranes using a red-emitting conjugated polyelectrolyte.
The anionic conjugated polyelectrolyte, poly[3-(6-sulfothioatehexyl)thiophene] (P3Anionic), functions as a highly sensitive probe of membrane order, uniquely capable of sequentially detecting the three key phase transitions occurring within model phospholipid bilayers. The observed sensitivity is the result of charge-mediated, selective localisation of P3Anionic within the head-groups of the phospholipid bilayer.
School of Chemistry, University of Dublin, Trinity College, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. raevans@tcd.ie.
Judith E
JE
Houston
Mario
M
Kraft
Ullrich
U
Scherf
Rachel C
RC
Evans
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry*; D003116:Color; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D044367:Phase Transition; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013451:Sulfonic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000737:chemistry*
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011108:Polymers; D013451:Sulfonic Acids; D013876:Thiophenes; C000616898:poly(3-(6-sulfothioatehexyl)thiophene)