The aggregation kinetics of an electrostatically stabilized dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicle system

Abstract

Two aspects of phospholipid vesicle aggregation are examined: the low rate at which it occurs, even at high electrolyte concentrations, and its unusual temperature dependence. A comparison of experimental data with theoretical calculations suggests that phospholipid vesicles aggregate into a shallow minimum, resulting in weak, reversible aggregation. The incorporation of a hydration effect gives the total interaction potential the necessary features for such behavior. The temperature dependence of the aggregation kinetics appears to result from a temperature dependence of the effective Hamaker constant and the hydration parameters.