Experimental and computational studies of the effects of free DHA on a model phosphatidylcholine membrane

Chem Phys Lipids. 2018 Dec:217:12-18. doi: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2018.10.003. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) is a natural active compound that has raised considerable interest due to its several biological effects. In this work, effects of free DHA on the physicochemical properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes are investigated in terms of lipid membrane structure, by means of temperature-dependent zeta potential measurements, density studies and molecular dynamics simulations. Experimental results predict, in good agreement with simulations that DHA readily incorporates into DPPC liposomes, localizing at the lipid headgroup region. These data show that DHA induces changes in the lipid bilayer structure as well as in membrane fluidity.

Keywords: DHA; DPPC liposome; Fluidity; Membrane structure; Molecular dynamics simulations; Zeta potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine / chemistry
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / chemistry*
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Membrane Fluidity
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Transition Temperature
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Liposomes
  • Water
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine