Relationship between structure and molecular interactions in monolayers of specially designed aminolipids

Artificial cationic lipids are already recognized as highly efficient gene therapy tools. Here, we focus on another potential use of aminolipids, in their electrically-uncharged state, for the formation of covalently cross-linked, one-molecule-thin films at interfaces. Such films are envisioned for future (bio-)materials applications. To this end, Langmuir monolayers of structurally different aminolipids are comprehensively characterized with the help of highly sensitive surface characterization techniques. Pressure-area isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy, grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction and infrared reflection–absorption spectrometry experiments provide a detailed, comparative molecular picture of the formed monolayers. This physico-chemical study highlights the relationship between chemical structures and intermolecular interactions, which can serve as a basis for the rational design of cross-linked thin films with precisely controlled properties

A Comparative Structural Study in Monolayers of GPI Fragments and Their Binary Mixtures

Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs), natural complex glycolipids essential for a range of biological functions, are poorly understood with regard to their interactions and arrangements in cellular membranes. To evaluate the role of the head group in the structure formation in 2D model membranes (monolayers formed at the soft air/liquid interface), we employed the highly surface sensitive grazing incidence X-ray diffraction technique to investigate three GPI-fragments bearing the same hydrophobic part but different head groups. Condensed monolayers of simple GPI fragments are defined only by ordered alkyl chains. The monolayers of more complex fragments are additionally characterized by highly ordered head groups. Due to the strong H-bond network formed by the head groups, GPI-fragment 3 both segregates and induces order into a model membrane phospholipid (POPC) that mimics the liquid-disordered phase of cell membranes. Here, we show that the strong van der Waals interactions between hydrophobic chains overcome the head group interactions and dominate the structure formation in mixtures of GPI-fragment 3 with lipids that form liquid-condensed phases. This behaviour can be linked to the GPIs affinity for the lipid rafts