Lyotropic Mesomorphisms of a Lamellar Liquid Crystalline Phase in Non-hydrous Condition: A Phospholipid Hydrated by Different Polar Solvents

Abstract

The lyotropic mesomorphism of lamellar liquid crystalline phase was examined by observing the swelling behavior of Distearoylphosphatidylcholine(DSPC) in glycerin and panthenol without water. The lyotropic mesomorphism was examined by using DSC, XRDs and Cryo-SEM. Increase of two polar solvents under non-hydrous condition showed distinctive differences in the lyotropic mesomorphism from forming different anisotropic structures with DSPC. Glycerin did not affect to the crystalline region of lamellar phase, whereas typical swelling mesomorphism was shown in the noncrystalline region. In contrast, panthenol showed some effect on the crystalline region, but common swelling mesomorphism was found in the non-crystalline region. In this case, the isopropyl and propyl groups in panthenol were the main factor to affect to the lipophilic domain in the crystalline region of lamellar phase. Also, it was found that the formation of well-arranged lamellar structure only by introducing glycerin and panthenol as a solvent without water, was possible. These results were confirmed by examination of the swelling mesomorphism of liquid crystal membrane triggered by introducing the two polar solvents.