The Preparation and Properties of Large Lecithin Bilayer Vesicles

Author: Hurley, John Neal

Year: 1974

Degree: Master's thesis

Advisor: Chan, Sunney I.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Chemistry

DOI: 10.7907/M7HY-MS72

Abstract

Sonicated lecithin vesicles of an "average" diameter of 1200 Å were prepared. PMR studies show a higher phase transition temperature than that found for small (300 - 500 Å) vesicles. Osmotic pressure collapses the vesicle but does not change the PMR linewidth. This differs from the effect found in small vesicles. Upon addition of a cyclic polyether (cyclohexyl-15-crown-5) to a solution of large vesicles, the water diffusion rate is found to increase by a factor of 5 to 10. The internal water volume also increases significantly, suggesting that the crown compound is incorporated into the bilayer.

Files