Theory of lipid bilayer phase transitions as detected by fluorescent probes

Abstract

We present a quantitative theory that relates the fluorescence intensityvs. temperature (I vs. T) profile of a fluorescent-labeled two-component lipid bilayer to the phase diagram of the bilayer and the partition coefficientK of the fluorophore between fluid and solid phases of the bilayer. We show how the theory can be used to evaluateK from experimentalI vs. T profiles and the appropriate phase diagrams as well as to understand the different shapes ofI vs. T profiles obtained with particular fluorophores and phase diagrams. Using calculatedI vs. T graphs, we discuss the meaning of parameters, such as midpoint of the phase transition and onset and termination of a transition, which are often used to characterize phase transitions on the basis of fluorescence intensityvs. temperature profiles.