Lipid Translocation (Flip-Flop) As One of the Least Understood Dynamical Processes in Articular Cartilage Membrane

Zenon Pawlak

doi:10.31579/2690-1919/087

Abstract

The lipids molecules translocation in phospholipid membrane is named the (flip-flop) event. For this purpose, the translocation may take place in vivo with the surface of articular cartilage. Flip-flops are one of the least understood dynamical processes in vivo in cartilage membranes. In this work, we explain the molecular mechanism lipid translocation (flip-flop) in vivo during the drying process cartilage surface. Wettability of cartilage surface vs. drying time was determined. Our findings strongly support the idea that the process of translocation lipid (flip-flop) transformed hydrophilic surface in hydrophobic in dry-air condition for healthy and osteoarthritic cartilage. Such material can be classified cartilage as “smart material” and this fact is poorly known in the literature.

Highlights

Phospholipids molecules in aqueous media spontaneously arrange into a bilayer on the surface of articular cartilage
The formation of a transient water pore in the membrane inevitably leads to diffusive translocation of lipids through the pore, which is driven by thermal fluctuations
Formation of structural defects is the result of an increase in the lateral surface tension induced by the evaporation surface water. This surface tension produced by formation of a transient water dehydration in the membrane inevitably leads to diffusive translocation of lipids can in turn induce changes from bilayer to monolayer (Fig. 2)

Summary

Introduction

Phospholipids molecules in aqueous media spontaneously arrange into a bilayer on the surface of articular cartilage. The lipids molecules translocation in phospholipid membrane is named the (flip-flop) event. The translocation may take place in vivo with the surface of articular cartilage. Flip-flops are one of the least understood dynamical processes in vivo in cartilage membranes.

Results

Conclusion