Abstract
A phospholipid molecule has been synthesised, bearing an azobenzene linkage within one acyl chain. The lipid has been incorporated into vesicles of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and the effects of photoisomerisation on the vesicle permeability and phase behaviour studied by light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy. The phase transition temperature of DPPC is reduced, and the transition is broadened by the trans Azo-lipid. After photolysis the transition temperature is further reduced, and non-equilibrium effects are evident. Vesicles containing the Azo-lipid can sustain a pH gradient before photolysis, but pH slowly equilibrates following irradiation. Results indicate that photoisomerisation causes no loss of bilayer integrity. Electron microscopy shows that the Azo-lipid alone forms vesicles on dispersion using an ethanol injection technique.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
