Interconnected Networks: Structural and Dynamic Characterization of Aqueous Dispersions of Dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine

Lo Nostro, Pierandrea; Murgia, Sergio; Lagi, Marco; Fratini, Emiliano; Karlsson, Goran; Almgren, Mats; Monduzzi, Maura; Ninham, Barry; Baglioni, Piero

Interconnected Networks: Structural and Dynamic Characterization of Aqueous Dispersions of Dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine

Date

2008

Authors

Lo Nostro, Pierandrea

Murgia, Sergio

Lagi, Marco

Fratini, Emiliano

Karlsson, Goran

Almgren, Mats

Monduzzi, Maura

Ninham, Barry

Baglioni, Piero

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Abstract

Aqueous dispersions of the phospholipid dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine (diCsPC) phase-separate below a cloud-point temperature, depending on lipid concentration. The lower phase is viscous and rich in lipid. The structure and dynamics of this system were explored via cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and NMR. The lower phase comprises a highly interconnected tridimensional network of wormlike micelles. A molecular mechanism for the phase separation is suggested.