Effects of a short length alcohol on dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine system

Simona Rifici (1) , Cristina Crupi (1) , Giovanna d'Angelo (2) , G. Di Marco (3) , Giuseppe Sabatino (4) , Valeria Conti Nibali (1) , Antonio Trimarchi (1) , Ulderico Wanderlingh (1)

1 Physics
2 physics
3 IPCF - CNR Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici
4 Scienze della Terra

We have investigated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine system with a high concentration of butanol (two molecules per phospholipid) by performing X-Ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and density measurements. A lowering of the main transition temperature for the membrane/alcohol system has been observed. The phospholipid bilayer/alcohol system is characterized by a higher density value than the pure membrane as determined by volumetric measurements. The analysis of diffraction patterns has put into evidence the existence of a more packed structure due to the presence of alcohol. The area of polar head has also been estimated.

Mots clés: Physical Sciences

Simona Rifici, Cristina Crupi, Giovanna d'Angelo, G. Di Marco, Giuseppe Sabatino, et al.. Effects of a short length alcohol on dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine system. Philosophical Magazine, 2011, pp.1. ⟨10.1080/14786435.2010.540586⟩. ⟨hal-00662384⟩