In situ X-ray and neutron diffraction study of lipid membrane swelling

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Liposome suspensions comprising the synthetic cationic lipid DOTAP, the zwitterionic DPPC and the anti-cancer agent Paclitaxel were deposited on solid substrates and investigated by X-ray and neutron reflectivity measurements at ESRF and ILL. Well ordered multilamellar drug/lipid membranes were obtained, such as indicated by the several orders of Bragg reflections in the diffraction pattern. With an excess of Paclitaxel, additional Bragg peaks from the drug crystalline phase could be observed. Changes of the molecular organization in the drug-lipid system were investigated as a function of relative humidity using a custom-built controlled humidity chamber. For DOTAP multilayers the effects of bilayer swelling were much more pronounced than for DPPC undersimilar conditions, while the crystalline peaks of the drug were not affected. The pronounced swelling of DOTAP multilayers might be related to the electrostatic repulsion between the charged lipid headgroups.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Physical Journal: Special Topics
Volume141
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)217-221
Number of pages5
ISSN1951-6355
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2007
Externally publishedYes

ID: 204464210