The lactosyl carborane [1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecarboran(12)-1-ylmethyl](β-d-galactopyranosyl)-(1→4)-β-gluco-pyranoside (LCOB) is an amphipilic boron-containing compound intended for boron neutron capture
therapy. In this study cryogenic transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the effects of
LCOB on the structure and properties of extruded egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The results showed
that LCOB concentrations up to at least x
LCOB = 0.25 could be included in the preparations without any
noticeable effects on the liposomal size or structure. Inclusion of LCOB concentrations corresponding to
x
LCOB = 0.44 or more gave, however, rise to significant changes in the liposome size distribution and the
overall sample structure. In fresh samples no signs of phospholipid solubilization were detected until the
molar fraction of LCOB reached 0.82. At this concentration the boronated compound induced, however,
formation of open liposomes and threadlike micelles and, furthermore, with time the sample displayed
a macroscopic phase separation. More details on the molecular interaction between LCOB and the liposome
membranes were obtained by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Two different n-doxyl stearic acid spin
probes were used to measure the dynamics and the degree of order in the mixed systems. The results
indicated that LCOB insertion into the phospholipid bilayer increased the packing order in the vicinity
of the water/hydrocarbon interface whereas the inner hydrophobic region of the bilayer was unaffected.