Small-Angle Scattering and Electron Microscopy Investigation of Nanotubules Made from a Perfluoroalkylated Glucophospholipid

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 1999-04, Vol.212 (2), p.330-337
• Main Authors: Imae, Toyoko, Funayama, Katsuya, Krafft, Marie Pierre, Giulieri, Francoise, Tada, Toshio, Matsumoto, Takayoshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; fluorinated amphiphiles; fluorosurfactants, glucophospholipids; General and physical chemistry; nanostructures; nanotubules; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; self-assembly; small angle neutron scattering; small angle X-ray scattering; Surface physical chemistry; Surface-active agents: properties; transmission electron microscopy; vesicles
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1006/jcis.1999.6094

Anionic glucophospholipids were recently reported as a new family of tubule-forming lipids. We report here investigations on the structure of nanotubules made from a glucophospholipid with a mixed fluorocarbon–hydrocarbon hydrophobe, using freeze fracture and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray and neutron small angle scattering (SAXS, SANS). The hollow and regularly shaped tubules are very thin: they have an external radius of 140 Å and an internal radius of 35 Å on the average. Their 105 Å-thick wall appears to consist in three bilayers in which the glucophospholipid molecules are probably in a tilted and/or interdigitated configuration. Upon heating these nanotubes convert reversibly into vesicles; transformation is complete at 60°C.