Characterization of the PEG layer of sterically stabilized liposomes: a SAXS study

Z Varga; A Wacha; U Vainio; J Gummel; A Bóta

doi:10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2011.12.011

Characterization of the PEG layer of sterically stabilized liposomes: a SAXS study

Chem Phys Lipids. 2012 May;165(4):387-92. doi: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2011.12.011. Epub 2011 Dec 27.

Authors

Z Varga¹, A Wacha, U Vainio, J Gummel, A Bóta

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biological Nanochemistry, Institute of Nanochemistry and Catalysis, Chemical Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Pusztaszeri út 59-67, H-1025 Budapest, Hungary. [email protected]

PMID: 22227108
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2011.12.011

Abstract

Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of the bilayer structure of a pharmacologically relevant sterically stabilized liposome system is presented. Describing the electron density profile of the bilayer with the superposition of Gaussian functions, the contribution of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) layers to the total electron density was identified. The changes in the thickness of the PEG layer as well as the distribution of the PEG chains among the outer and inner leaflets of the bilayers were followed by changing the molar ratio of the PEG-lipid and the molar weight of the PEG molecule.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Electrons
Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
Liposomes / chemistry*
Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
Quantum Theory
Scattering, Small Angle
X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

Lipid Bilayers
Liposomes
Polyethylene Glycols