Phospholipids, self-assembly

Langmuir-Blodgett films (LB) and self assembled monolayers (SAM) deposited on metal surfaces have been studied by SERS spectroscopy in several investigations. For example, mono- and bilayers of phospholipids and cholesterol deposited on a rutile prism with a silver coating have been analyzed in contact with water. The study showed that in these models of biological membranes the second layer modified the fluidity of the first monolayer, and revealed the conformation of the polar head close to the silver [4.300]. 

Chung YC, Chiu YH, Wu YW, Tao YT (2005) Self-assembled biomimetic monolayers using phospholipid-containing disulfides. Biomaterials 26 2313-2324... 

Other surface-active compounds self-assemble into bilayer structures (schematically illustrated in Fig. 10b), which normally spherilize into structures termed vesicles. When vesicles are formed from phospholipids, the term liposome is used to identify the structures, which also provide useful drug delivery systems [71]. Solutes may be dispersed into the lipid bilayer or into the aqueous interior, to be subsequently delivered through a variety of mechanisms. Liposomes have shown particular promise in their ability to act as modifiers for sustained or controlled release. 

In this chapter, we have surveyed a wide range of chiral molecules that self-assemble into helical structures. The molecules include aldonamides, cere-brosides, amino acid amphiphiles, peptides, phospholipids, gemini surfactants, and biological and synthetic biles. In all of these systems, researchers observe helical ribbons and tubules, often with helical markings. In certain cases, researchers also observe twisted ribbons, which are variations on helical ribbons with Gaussian rather than cylindrical curvature. These structures have a large-scale helicity which manifests the chirality of the constituent molecules. 

Fig. 5 Polydiacetylene self-assembled sensing material examples. PDA materials with phospholipids (or other natural lipids) may have separate domains...

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