Influence of some bioactive molecules on the structure and phase behavior of lipid membranes

Abstract

This thesis deals with investigations on the influence of some biologically relevant molecules, such as uridine monophosphate (UMP), acetic acid, cholesterol and hydroxycholesterol, on the structure and phase behavior of phosphocholine (PC) bilayers. We have used a variety of experimental techniques including x-ray scattering, optical and electron microscopy, spectroscopy and calorimetry to probe the underlying interactions present in the aforementioned systems. We also present a novel method for the preparation of solid supported lipid bilayers (SSLB) by the addition of acetic acid to a suspension of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs).