Spontaneous and reversible switch from amphiphilic to oil-like structures

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Nov 18;95(21):218101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.218101. Epub 2005 Nov 15.

Abstract

Current theories assume that the amphiphilicity of biological membranes is always preserved. We observed that two hydrogen-bonding lipid layers in contact can spontaneously and reversibly lose their amphiphilic structure and turn into an assembly of oily complexes. This result opens a new angle for understanding the reorganization of lipids during membrane fusion, since similar complexes could fill the troubling hydrophobic voids displayed in the current models. The unique tribological properties described here may also find application in the development of novel nanolubricants.

MeSH terms

  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Fusion
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nitrilotriacetic Acid / chemistry
  • Oils / chemistry
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / chemistry
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Oils
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • Nitrilotriacetic Acid
  • 1,2-dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine