Physical Properties of Microspheres

Among the physical properties of microspheres, their mechanical properties, stability to pH, to dehydration, and to external potassium ion are relevant in their bioelectrical responses. 

One striking feature of the proteinoid microspheres is that they are long-lasting. When prepared aseptically, they do not disintegrate over many months, or even up to 6 years.Similarly, their ability to maintain membrane potential and the generation of its electrical oscillation persists over at least many months. 

The microspheres can be dehydrated and lyophilized. When dissolved in water they possess the properties they had prior to dehydration. 

The range of pH stability varies with the kinds of proteinoid of which the microspheres are composed. Microspheres composed of acidic polymers can typically tolerate only the 3.0-5.5 pH range, whereas those composed of basic and acidic polymers are not soluble at higher ranges such as pHs 

The broadest range of 2.5-10.5 pH has been observed for microspheres of Anders polymer made of copoly (asp, ser, glu, gly, ala, om, lys, his, arg). Heating of mixed amino acids with sea water salts yields acidic and basic proteinoids, simultaneously, which are stable, as microspheres, in alkaline solution.  

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