The Effect of Selected Anions on Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Phase Transitions

The effect of three anions, Cl-, Br- and I-, on the phase transitions of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was measured. Main phase transition was modestly affected by these anions in the salt concentration range 0.2 M. For Cl- and Br- the temperature of main phase transition was lower (by about 0.5 °C), its half-width modestly larger and enthalpy practically unchanged, all three parameters were altered to a much larger degree. Main phase transition temperature was 1.5 °C lower and the peak half-width significantly smaller. These changes were not accompanied by any alteration in main phase transition enthalpy. Iodide shifted the pretransition temperature toward lower values and increased its half-width to such an extent that at concentrations above 100 mm it was practically undetectable. Besides cations, the presence of anions also has a distinct effect on lipid bilayer interface properties.