Effects of butanol isomers on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes

Differential Scanning Calorimetry Studies of Phospholipid Membranes: The Interdigitated Gel Phase

“…The shape and magnitude of the Tm biphasic effect is also dependent on the alcohol isomer used as shown in Figure 5 [15,16]. For example, tert-butanol is an effective inducer of interdigitation and has a pronounced biphasic effect [15].…”

“…Increasing the alcohol content well above the threshold concentration lowers the Tm [15,16]. At these concentrations, additional alcohol destabilizes the L I phase relative to the L phase.…”

“…Once the L I phase is formed, ethanol can bind to the exposed hydrocarbon chains, replacing the unfavorable interaction of the acyl chains with water [45]. Also, it is typical for alcohols to increase the main transition enthalpy above the threshold concentration for interdigitation [15,16].…”

“…For example, tert-butanol is an effective inducer of interdigitation and has a pronounced biphasic effect [15]. Other alcohols, such as the pentanol isomers have more "stunted" biphasic behavior [16].…”

“…Chem., 128, Reeves MD, Schawel AK, Wang W, Dea PK, Effects of butanol isomers on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes, Pages No. 13-18, Copyright (2007), with permission from Elsevier [15].…”