Interfacial insights: [6]-Gingerol monolayers at the air-water interface and beyond

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-10, Vol.10 (20), p.e39350, Article e39350
• Main Authors: Adwan, Lara, Dotor, Laura, Pino, María Graciela, Gil, Adriana, Martin, Santiago, Cea, Pilar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gingerol; Langmuir films; Langmuir-Blodgett films; Surface behavior
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39350

Ginger is a culinary spice with a millennia-old tradition due to its extensive therapeutic applications, recently validated by scientific studies. In particular [6]-Gingerol, a key active molecule in ginger, exhibits extraordinary capabilities in addressing a wide spectrum of health issues. However, its therapeutic potential is limited by its rather low bioavailability. The incorporation of [6]-Gingerol into membrane systems of liposomes, micelles, or exosomes is a promising strategy to overcome this limitation. In this contribution, we report the hitherto unexplored surface properties of [6]-Gingerol at the air-water interface. Our comprehensive study, which includes a detailed analysis of surface pressure and surface potential vs. area per molecule isotherms, surface compression modulus, and Brewster Angle Microscopy, demonstrates the capability of [6]-Gingerol to form Langmuir films. These films can be transferred onto solid substrates, forming remarkably homogeneous Langmuir-Blodgett films which have been characterized by Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Atomic Force Microscopy. This study may be of interest as it paves the way for future research on introducing [6]-Gingerol into membrane systems and transporting it into living cells. [Display omitted]