Abstract
AbstractIn response to exogenous stress some plant species synthesize the phytoalexin resveratrol (3, 5, 4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene). Found in the skins and seeds of red grapes, red wines, peanuts and other nutrients this polyphenolic compound has been recognized as beneficial in the prevention of oxidative damage in the human organism. The mechanism by which resveratrol exerts its pleiotropic effects is still unclear. Here we study its influence on the structure, mechanics and electrical properties of biomimetic lipid systems composed of the monounsaturated lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). The degree of hydration of lipid molecules in the bilayers is assessed by means of Laurdan fluorescence spectroscopy of large unilamellar vesicles. In POPC vesicles, we report enhanced lipid ordering at all concentrations of the polyphenol studied. The increased degree of lipid order in the POPC-containing matrix supports the hypothesis that resveratrol can be considered as a “filler”, located parallel to the lipid molecules. Thermal shape fluctuation analysis of nearly spherical giant unilamellar vesicles is applied to probe the membrane mechanics in the presence of resveratrol. Higher bending elasticity modulus of POPC bilayers is measured at increasing the polyphenol concentration. At 200 μmol/L of resveratrol the membrane bending rigidity is reported to increase by nearly 20% compared to its value in bidistilled water. This finding is coherent with the results from fluorescence spectroscopy testifying to the denser packing of POPC molecules induced by resveratrol. The reported results provide knowledge about the phytoalexin’s effect on the structural organization of membrane lipids as well as on the bilayer mechanical properties. Revealing the molecular basis of resveratrol-membrane interactions helps developing future applications of the polyphenol in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.KeywordsResveratrolLipid bilayersVesicles
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