Application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) to Study the Properties of Liposomes

Abstract

The liposomes are well‐known lipid aggregates. The lipid composition and size of the liposomes can be controlled. The method of preparation, lipid composition, temperature, and pH have an influence on the liposome size and bilayer structure. The physicochemical properties of liposomes allow them to various applications. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the methods used to study liposome properties. The abilities of the method are the high sensitivity and high resolution. Moreover, it provides information about dynamics and structure of molecules. 1H and 31P NMR are most convenient methods to study liposomes, because liposomes are typically formed from phospholipids. Additionally, two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy reveals information about the nature of intermolecular and intramolecular interactions (scalar and dipole‐dipole interactions) that makes easier to interpret the structure of molecules. The chapter aims to introduce the NMR phenomenon, interactions between spins in magnetic field, dynamics of molecules and physical parameters of NMR spectra, and the necessary information for analyzing and interpreting high‐resolution NMR spectra. It also aims to show how various changes in the bilayer structure or dynamics of lipid molecules are visible in the NMR spectra.