Lipid Hydration Research Articles

Insights into dynamic properties of water in lipidic cubic phases by 2D nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) NMR spectroscopy

Two-dimensional NOE (nuclear Overhauser effect) NMR spectroscopy was employed to investigate the dynamic properties of water within lyotropic bicontinuous lipidic cubic phases (LCPs) formed by monoolein (MO). Experiments observed categorically different effective residence times of water molecules: (i) in proximity to the glycerol moiety of MO, and (ii) adjacent to the hydrophobic chain towards the hydrocarbon tail of MO, as evidenced by the opposite signs of intermolecular NOE cross peaks between protons of water and those of MO in 2D 1H–1H NOESY spectra. Spectroscopic data delineating the different effective residence times of water molecules within both the gyroid (QIIG) and diamond (QIID) phase groups corresponding to hydration levels of 35 and 40 wt%, respectively, are presented. Additionally, an increase in effective residence time of water molecules in proximity to the glycerol moiety of MO in LCPs was observed upon storage at ambient temperature and in the presence of an additive lipid, cholesterol. Atom-specific NOE build-up curves for protons of water and those of MO are also given. The results presented herein provide new insight into the physicochemical properties and behaviour of water in LCPs, and demonstrate an additional avenue for experimental study of water–lipid interactions and hydration dynamics in model membranes and nanomaterials using 2D NOE NMR spectroscopy.

Nanoliposome enabled topical gel-based drug delivery system of ivermectin: Fabrication, characterization, in vivo and in vitro investigation

Nanoliposomes loaded with ivermectin possess the ability to deliver the drug to an intended area, ensuring optimal stability and eventual release at that precise location. The nanoliposome's size range results in an expanded surface area, which enables the delivery of the maximum amount of medication to the designed location. This investigation shows that the thin film lipid hydration technique can be employed to formulate nanoliposomes. For the formulation, the amount of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine was chosen applying response surface methodology (RSM). With a range of zeta potentials from −13.4 ​± ​0.14 ​mV to −34.5 ​± ​0.11 ​mV, average dimension of the particles in the different formulation tested in this study is between 93.2 ​nm and 156.4 ​nm. The factorial design optimization demonstrates that the entrapment efficiency (Y3) has a p-value of 0.0160, the percentage of medicament release rate 8 ​h (Y1) has a p-value of 0.0414, and the percentage of medicament release rate 12 ​h (Y2) has a p-value of 0.0119. Therefore, all the models and responses were significant. After the thorough assessment from the present investigation, it was found that F7 batch has the highest R2 value and n exponent, the release kinetics of the ivermectin-loaded nanoliposome accompanied zero-order release model as well as korsmeyer–peppas model. Additionally, the current study demonstrated the histopathological assessments in the course of wound healing in animal model. Investigated results showcased that the ivermectin loaded nanoliposomes has substantial possibility as a nano conveyor for the targeted drug delivery system.

Insight into the hydration friction of lipid bilayers.

Hydration layers formed on charged sites play crucial roles in many hydration lubrication systems in aqueous media. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well understood. Herein, we explored the hydration friction of lipid bilayers with different charged headgroups at the nanoscale through a combination of frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy and friction force microscopy. The nanoscale friction experiments showed that the hydration friction coefficient and frictional energy dissipation of a cationic lipid (DPTAP) were much lower than those of zwitterionic (DPPE) and anionic (DPPG) lipids. The hydration layer probing at the surfaces of different lipid bilayers clearly revealed the relationship between the charged lipid headgroups and hydration layer structures. Our detailed analysis demonstrated that the cationic lipid had the largest hydration force in comparison with zwitterionic and anionic lipids. These friction and hydration force results indicated that the difference of the lipid headgroup charge resulted in different hydration strengths which led to the difference of hydration friction behaviors. The findings in this study provide molecular insights into the hydration friction of lipid bilayers, which has potential implications for the development of efficient hydration lubrication systems with boundary lipid bilayers in aqueous media.

Biological lipid hydration: distinct mechanisms of interfacial water alignment and charge screening for model lipid membranes.

Studying lipid monolayers as model biological membranes, we demonstrate that water molecules interfacing with different model membranes can display preferential orientation for two distinct reasons: due to charges on the membrane, and due to large dipole fields resulting from zwitterionic headgroups. This preferential water orientation caused by the charge or the dipolar field can be effectively neutralized to net-zero water orientation by introducing monolayer counter-charges (i.e. lipids with oppositely charged headgroups). Following the Gouy-Chapman model, the effect of monolayer surface charge on water orientation is furthermore strongly dependent on the electrolyte concentration and thus on the counterions in solution. In contrast, the effect of ions in the subphase on the dipolar alignment of water is zero. As a result, the capability of monolayer counter-charges to null the effect of dipolar orientation is strongly electrolyte-dependent. Notably, the different effects are additive for mixed charged/zwitterionic lipid systems occurring in nature. Specifically, for an E. coli lipid membrane extract consisting of both zwitterionic and negatively charged lipids, the water orientation can be explained by the sum of the constituents. Our results can be quantitatively reproduced using Gouy-Chapman theory, revealing the relatively straightforward electrostatic effects on the hydration of complex membrane interfaces.

RGD-decorated nanoliposomes for combined delivery of arsenic trioxide and curcumin to prostate cancer cells.

Nanotechnology and drug co-delivery offera novel avenue in drug delivery research liposome-based co-delivery of anticancer drugs targeting the apoptosis pathway as a promising new approach to treat cancer. In this study, a co-delivery system of liposomes (arsenic trioxide/curcumin) modified with RGD peptide was designed to aim for enhancing the treatment of prostate cancer cells (PC3 cell line). Liposomal co-loaded curcumin and arsenic trioxide modified by RGD peptide (NLPs-RGD-Cur-ATO) were prepared by thin-layer lipid hydration techniques for the treatment of prostate cancer. The stability of the NLPs-RGD-Cur-ATO was evaluated by particle size analysis through dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The percentage of cytotoxicity and apoptotic effect in PC3 cells treated with NLPs-RGD-Cur-ATO were detected by MTT and Annexin V-FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate)/PI affinity assay, respectively. The particle size of NLPs-RGD-Cur-ATO was approximately 100nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of about 99.52% and 70.61%, for ATO and Cur, respectively. Besides, NLPs-RGD-Cur-ATO displayed an enhanced anti-proliferative effect, increased the percentage of apoptotic cells 98 ± 1.85% (p < 0.0001), and significantly reduced EGFR gene expression level (p < 0.001) in the cell line tested. These results indicated that our NLPs-RGD-Cur-ATO co-delivery system was a promising strategy for prostate cancer therapy.

Formulation and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Glycerosomes Containing Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale Extracts

The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of A. sativum and Z. officinalis extracts mediated glycerosomes formulation by thin film of lipid hydration method. The water content present in the A. sativum and Z. officinale was 42.3 and 27.2 % respectively. The yield of A. sativum and Z. officinale extract using ethanol as solvent through the Soxhlation process was found to be 4.7 ± 1.05 and 12.7 ± 1.108 % respectively. The crude drug of A. sativum and Z. officinale showed foreign organic was found to be 0.2 and 0.21 % and volatile oil was found to be 1.8 and 2.4 % only. The ash study revealed that total, acid-insoluble, water-soluble, and sulfated ash values were for the crude drugs of A. sativum and Z. officinale. The ethanol extracts showed maximum extractive yield. The phytochemicals detected in A. sativum bulb ethanol extract are Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Cardiac glycosides, Phenols, Sterols, Triterpenoids, Saponins, Flavonoids, and Fixed oils and in Z. officinale rhizome ethanol extract are Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Cardiac glycosides, Anthraquinone glycosides, Proteins and Amino acids, Triterpenoids, Saponins, Flavonoid, and Fixed oils. The prepared glycerosome was spherical with a slightly irregular shape. The negative potential of glycerosomes demonstrates the greater stability of the vesicular dispersion. The ASEE glycerosome formulations (F1 and F2) exhibited better antibacterial activity and greater antifungal activity against the gram-negative bacteria in comparison with the ZOEE glycerosome formulations (F3 and F4). The present research work strongly concluded that the A. sativum and Z. officinale and their glycerosome formulations are good candidate drugs and formulations for the safe and effective treatment of microbial infections

Preparation, characterization, and Co-delivery of cisplatin and doxorubicin-loaded liposomes to enhance anticancer Activities

Ovarian cancer stands as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. This malignancy has hindered successful treatment attempts due to its inherent resistance to chemotherapy agents. The utilization of cisplatin and doxorubicin-loaded liposomes emerges as a strategically advantageous approach in the realm of biomedical applications. This strategy holds promise for augmenting drug efficacy, mitigating toxicity, refining pharmacokinetics, and facilitating versatile drug delivery while accommodating combination therapies. In pursuit of scholarly investigations, the eminent databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were meticulously scrutinized. Within this study, a nano-liposomal formulation was meticulously designed to serve as a co-delivery system. This system was optimized by varying lipid concentrations, hydration time, and DSPC: cholesterol molar ratios to efficiently encapsulate and load doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (CIS) to overcome drug resistance problems. The Lipo (CIS + DOX) formulation underwent rigorous characterization including dimensions, entrapment efficiencies and drug release kinetics. Notably, the entrapment efficiency of cisplatin and doxorubicin loaded liposomal nanoparticles was an impressive 85.29 ± 1.45 % and 73.62 ± 1.70 %, respectively. Furthermore, Lipo (CIS + DOX) drug release kinetics exhibited pH-dependent properties, with lower drug release rates at physiological pH (7.4) than acidic (pH 5.4). Subsequent cytotoxicity assays revealed the enhanced biocompatibility of dual-drug liposomes with HFF cells compared to free drug combinations. Impressively, CIS and DOX-loaded liposomes induced significant cytotoxicity against A2780 in comparison to free drugs and combinatorial free drugs. Furthermore, the CIS and DOX-loaded liposome showed induced apoptotic potential and cell cycle arrest in A2780 compared to CIS, DOX, and their combination (CIS + DOX). Combining CIS and DOX via liposomal nanoparticles introduces a promising therapeutic avenue for addressing ovarian cancer. These nano-scale carriers hold the potential for attenuating the untoward effects of singular drugs and their attendant toxicities.

Biomolecular condensates modulate membrane lipid packing and hydration

Membrane wetting by biomolecular condensates recently emerged as a key phenomenon in cell biology, playing an important role in a diverse range of processes across different organisms. However, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind condensate formation and interaction with lipid membranes is still missing. To study this, we exploited the properties of the dyes ACDAN and LAURDAN as nano-environmental sensors in combination with phasor analysis of hyperspectral and lifetime imaging microscopy. Using glycinin as a model condensate-forming protein and giant vesicles as model membranes, we obtained vital information on the process of condensate formation and membrane wetting. Our results reveal that glycinin condensates display differences in water dynamics when changing the salinity of the medium as a consequence of rearrangements in the secondary structure of the protein. Remarkably, analysis of membrane-condensates interaction with protein as well as polymer condensates indicated a correlation between increased wetting affinity and enhanced lipid packing. This is demonstrated by a decrease in the dipolar relaxation of water across all membrane-condensate systems, suggesting a general mechanism to tune membrane packing by condensate wetting.

Altered structure indicating reduced barrier function of lesional compared to non-lesional psoriatic skin-A non-invasive in vivo study of the human stratum corneum with confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy.

Psoriasis, one of the most common skin diseases affecting roughly 2%-3% of the world population, is associated with a reduced skin barrier function (SBF) that might play an important role in its pathophysiology. The SBF is provided primarily by the stratum corneum (SC) of the skin. Previous studies have revealed a higher trans-epidermal water loss, lower hydration, abnormal concentration and composition of intercellular lipids, as well as alterations in secondary keratin structure in the psoriatic SC. We compared on molecular level lesional psoriatic skin (LPS) with non-lesional psoriatic skin (nLPS) from 19 patients non-invasively in vivo, using confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy. By analysing the corresponding Raman spectra, we determined SBF-defining parameters of the SC depth-dependently. Our results revealed a lower total lipid concentration, a shift of lamellar lipid organisation towards more gauche-conformers and an increase of the less dense hexagonal lateral packing of the intercellular lipids in LPS. Furthermore, we observed lower natural moisturising factor concentration, lower total water as well as a strong tendency towards less strongly bound and more weakly bound water molecules in LPS. Finally, we detected a less stable secondary keratin structure with increased β-sheets, in contrast to the tertiary structure, showing a higher degree of folded keratin in LPS. These findings clearly suggest structural differences indicating a reduced SBF in LPS, and are discussed in juxtaposition to preceding outcomes for psoriatic and healthy skin. Understanding the alterations of the psoriatic SC provides insights into the exact pathophysiology of psoriasis and paves the way for optimal future treatments.

Influence of docosahexaenoic acid on the interfacial behavior of cholesterol-containing lipid membranes: Interactions with small amphiphiles and hydration properties

Cholesterol is known to significantly modify both the structural and the dynamical properties of lipid membranes. On one side, the presence of free cholesterol molecules has been determined to stiffen the membrane bilayer by stretching the hydrophobic tails. Additionally, recent experimental and computational findings have made evident the fact that cholesterol also alters the dynamics and the hydration properties of the polar head groups of DPPC model lipid membranes. In turn, we have recently shown that the Omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, counteracts the effect of cholesterol on DPPC membrane's mechanical properties by fluidizing the bilayer. However, such behavior represents in fact a global outcome dominated by the larger lipid hydrophobic tails that neither discriminates between the different parts of the membrane nor elucidates the effect on membrane hydration and binding properties. Thus, we now perform molecular dynamics simulations to scrutinize the influence of DHA on the interfacial behavior of cholesterol-containing lipid membranes by characterizing their hydration properties and their binding to amphiphiles. We find that while cholesterol destabilizes interactions with amphiphiles and slightly weakens the lipid's hydration layer, the incorporation of DHA practically restores the interfacial behavior of pure DPPC.

Effect of diphenylalanine on model phospholipid membrane organization

The influence of peptides over the thermodynamic and mechanic stability of lipid membranes is studied. To this end, diphenylalanine and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine are selected as model systems for peptide and lipid bilayers, respectively. Vesicles at different peptide-lipid ratios were prepared and characterized using different experimental methodologies. Densitometry and differential scanning calorimetry were used to determine the influence of the peptide over the melting transition properties (temperature, volume and enthalpy) for bulk multilamellar vesicles, whereas viscoelastic and nanomechanical properties of supported vesicle layers and supported lipid bilayers were studied using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The influence of the sample preparation methodology -solvents for obtaining the lipid films and hydration media- is also characterized. The analysis of the experimental data reveals that diphenylalanine affects the lipid membrane, decreasing lipid molecular cooperativity in a concentration-dependent manner and inducing an overall weakening of membrane organization.

Lipidation Alters the Structure and Hydration of Myristoylated Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.

Lipidated proteins are an emerging class of hybrid biomaterials that can integrate the functional capabilities of proteins into precisely engineered nano-biomaterials with potential applications in biotechnology, nanoscience, and biomedical engineering. For instance, fatty-acid-modified elastin-like polypeptides (FAMEs) combine the hierarchical assembly of lipids with the thermoresponsive character of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) to form nanocarriers with emergent temperature-dependent structural (shape or size) characteristics. Here, we report the biophysical underpinnings of thermoresponsive behavior of FAMEs using computational nanoscopy, spectroscopy, scattering, and microscopy. This integrated approach revealed that temperature and molecular syntax alter the structure, contact, and hydration of lipid, lipidation site, and protein, aligning with the changes in the nanomorphology of FAMEs. These findings enable a better understanding of the biophysical consequence of lipidation in biology and the rational design of the biomaterials and therapeutics that rival the exquisite hierarchy and capabilities of biological systems.

QbD based antifungal drug-loaded ophthalmic liposomal formulation for the management of fungal keratitis: In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies

An attempt has been made for controlling the drug release of antifungal drug fluconazole (FCZ) thereby formulating nanoliposomes (NLs) with increasing residence time by applying QbD approach. FCZ, an antifungal agent, having a low partition coefficient (logP 0.5) exhibits limited bioavailability due to washing off by tear fluid calls for repeated administration of dose; narrowing patient compliance. Box-Behnken design was applied for formulating thin-film hydration-based liposomes bearing FCZ; considering lipid amount, sonication time, and hydration time as independent variables. FCZ loaded NLs (FCZ-NLs) were optimized on the basis of particle size (268 ± 3.6 nm), ζ potential (−23.15 ± 3.12 mV), and % entrapment efficiency (69.75 ± 4.45%). The amount of cryoprotectant for lyophilization was also optimized. Zero-order release kinetics was close-fitting and higher ex-vivo permeation flux was observed for FCZ-NLs compared to marketed formulation. No hemolysis and ocular irritation were observed in a preclinical study. AUC (0–∞), MRT, and drug availability above the MIC of FCZ-NLs were increased up to 2.36, 3.05, and 4.57 folds, respectively as compared to the marketed formulation. The optimized FCZ-NLs could be further exploited as a potential ocular drug delivery system.

Enhancement of antiproliferative potential of metformin against melanoma mice B16 cells using an optimized liposomal drug delivery system.

Metformin-loaded liposomes were optimized for enhanced antiproliferative activity against melanoma. Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology were employed to optimize entrapment efficiency, ex-vivo permeation and vesicle size. The optimized formulation was prepared by both the lipid hydration method and the modified injection method for comparison. Different concentrations of Pluronic F127 were employed for modification. Selected Pluronic-modified formulation (lipid molar concentration 55 mmol, cholesterol 30% and drug loading 52.9 mg) was characterized for morphology, entrapment efficiency, permeation and vesicle size. The optimized formulation resulted in entrapment efficiency of 41.7 ± 0.01%, vesicle size of 1.405 ± 0.061 µm and percentage of permeation was 67 ± 5.5%. The improved cytotoxic effect of the selected formulation against melanoma mice B16 cell line compared with metformin solution was determined using MTT assay. Compared with the corresponding drug solution, the Pluronic-modified optimized liposomes displayed a highly efficient cytotoxic effect as evidenced by significant lowering in IC50 -887.3 ± 23.2 and 26.71 ± 0.69 μg/ml, respectively, P < 0.0001. This study introduces an optimized liposomal formulation with enhanced cytotoxic effect against melanoma B16 cell line.

Silver nanoparticles synthesis and their effect on the SOPC lipid structure

We focus our attention on the influence of hydrophobic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the 1-Stearoyl-2-oleoylsn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (SOPC) model system. Results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy were compared to their counterpart for lipid systems with incorporated hydrophobic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and pure SOPC lipid in a water environment. The results show a strong effect of hindering the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition for both types of noble metal hydrophobic NPs. The effect of the phase transitions shift to the lower temperatures is more pronounced for the silver particles for the concentrations studied. According to the IR spectral analyses, no negative effect is observed of the NPs on the lipid hydration for the concentration studied, and the plasmon effect of the Ag NPs appears to be more pronounced.

Study on the effect of small alcohol on lipid hydration and liposome formation

Liposomes with precisely controlled composition are usually used as membrane model systems to investigate the fundamental interactions of membrane components under well-defined conditions. Hydration method is the most common method for liposome formation which is found to be influenced by composition of the medium. In this paper, the effects of small alcohol (ethanol) on the hydration of lipid molecules and the formation of liposomes were investigated, as well as its coexistence with sodium chloride. It was found that ethanol showed the opposite effect to that of sodium chloride on the hydration of lipid molecules and the formation of liposomes. The presence of ethanol promoted the formation of liposomes within a certain range of ethanol content, but that of sodium chloride suppressed the liposome formation. By investigating the fluorescence intensity and continuity of the swelled membranes as a function of contents of ethanol and sodium chloride, it was found that sodium chloride and ethanol showed the additive effect on the hydration of lipid molecules when they coexisted in the medium. The results may provide some reference for the efficient preparation of liposomes.

FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF NIFEDIPINE LOADED NANOCARRIERS

Objective: The main aim of this study to formulate a nifedipine-loaded nanocarrier for improving solubility and bioavailability. Methods: To improve the solubility of drug, nifedipine-loaded nanocarrier (lipotomes) were prepared by using the film lipid hydration technique. lipotomes were prepared by using tween 80, which is used for increasing solubility and cetyl alcohol for lipophilic environment. Drug excipients interaction determined by FTIR. lipotomes were characterized for particle size, Entrapment efficiency and zeta potential. lipotomes were optimized by using Design-Expert 12 software. Optimized formula further lyophilized by using different cyroproyectant to improve the stability and oral administration of the drug. Results: FTIR shows there was no interaction between formulation ingredients. Mean particle size, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential was determined and found to be 308.1 nm, 96.7%, 20.1mV, respectively. Surface morphology of lipotomes was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Optimized lipotomes was lyophilized with Mannitol (8% w/v) was the ideal cryoprotectant to retain the physicochemical characteristics of the OLT formulation after lyophilization. Conclusion: Nifedipine loaded nanocarrier was successfully prepared, using film hydration method. Which have good particle size, EE% and zeta potential. After lyophilization no significant changes was observed in particle size with good physical stability, so it could be a good choice for conventional drug delivery system by doing further investigation as in vitro and in vivo study

How Do Urea and Trimethylamine N-Oxide Influence the Dehydration-Induced Phase Transition of a Lipid Membrane?

Living organisms are often exposed to extreme dehydration, which is detrimental to the structure and function of the cell membrane. The lipid membrane undergoes fluid-to-gel phase transition due to dehydration and thus loses fluidity and functionality. To protect the fluid phase of the bilayer these organisms adopt several strategies. Enhanced production of small polar organic solutes (also called osmolytes) is one such strategy. Urea and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are two osmolytes found in different organisms combating osmotic stress. Previous experiments have found that both these osmolytes have strong effects on lipid membrane under different hydration conditions. Urea prevents the dehydration-induced phase transition of the lipid membrane by directly interacting with the lipids, while TMAO does not inhibit the phase transition. To provide atomistic insights, we have carried out all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a lipid membrane under varying hydration levels and studied the effect of these osmolytes on different structural and dynamic properties of the membrane. This study suggests that urea significantly inhibits the dehydration-induced fluid-to-gel phase transition by strongly interacting with the lipid membrane via hydrogen bonds, which balances the reduced lipid hydration due to the decreasing water content. In contrast, TMAO is excluded from the membrane surface due to unfavorable interaction with the lipids. This induces further dehydration of the lipids which reinforces the fluid-to-gel phase transition. We have also studied the counteractive role of TMAO on the effect of urea on lipid membrane when both the osmolytes are present. TMAO draws some urea molecules out of the membrane and thereby reduces the effect of urea on the lipid membrane at lower hydration levels. This is similar to the counteraction of urea's deleterious effects on protein by TMAO. All these observations are consistent with the experimental results and thus provide deep molecular insights into the role of these osmolytes in protecting the fluid phase of the membrane, the key survival strategy against osmotic-stress-induced dehydration.

Mechanism study of how lipid vesicle electroformation is suppressed by the presence of sodium chloride

Giant lipid vesicles (GLVs) are usually adopted as models of cell membranes and electroformation is the most commonly used method for GLV formation. However, GLV electroformation are known to be suppressed by the presence of salt and the mechanism is not clear so far. In this paper, the lipid hydration and GLV electroformation were investigated as a function of the concentration of sodium chloride by depositing the lipids on the bottom substrates and top substrates. In addition, the electrohydrodynamic force generated by the electroosmotic flow (EOF) on the lipid phase was calculated with COMSOL Multiphysics. It was found that the mechanisms for the failure of GLV electroformation in salt solutions are: 1) the presence of sodium chloride decreases the membrane permeability to aqueous solution by accelerating the formation of well-packed membranes, suppressing the swelling and detachment of the lipid membranes; 2) the presence of sodium chloride decreased the electrohydrodynamic force by increasing the medium conductivity.

Formation of Giant Lipid Vesicles in the Presence of Nonelectrolytes—Glucose, Sucrose, Sorbitol and Ethanol

Lipid vesicles, especially giant lipid vesicles (GLVs), are usually adopted as cell membrane models and their preparation has been widely studied. However, the effects of some nonelectrolytes on GLV formation have not been specifically studied so far. In this paper, the effects of the nonelectrolytes, including sucrose, glucose, sorbitol and ethanol, and their coexistence with sodium chloride, on the lipid hydration and GLV formation were investigated. With the hydration method, it was found that the sucrose, glucose and sorbitol showed almost the same effect. Their presence in the medium enhanced the hydrodynamic force on the lipid membranes, promoting the GLV formation. GLV formation was also promoted by the presence of ethanol with ethanol volume fraction in the range of 0 to 20 percent, but higher ethanol content resulted in failure of GLV formation. However, the participation of sodium chloride in sugar solution and ethanol solution stabilized the lipid membranes, suppressing the GLV formation. In addition, the ethanol and the sodium chloride showed the completely opposite effects on lipid hydration. These results could provide some suggestions for the efficient preparation of GLVs.