Phosphatidyl serine containing liposomes on titania: phase behaviour, bilayer formation, and lipid asymmetry.

Ilya Reviakine (U. of Basque Country, Spain)

Interactions between surfaces of inorganic materials and biological systems are important in numerous technological contexts such as implant integration and biosensor development. They also present basic challenges. For example, the role of surface ion equilibrium in the biological response to the material is not well understood, although a casual link between the two has been proposed. Here, we investigate the behaviour of phosphatidyl serine (PS)- containing liposomes on TiO2 as a function of liposome PS content and solution Ca2+ concentration. We determine a .phase diagram., where a percolation-type transition between adsorbed liposomes and supported bilayers is observed, describe the driving force for this transition, and identify the role of surface heterogeneities in this process. Finally, we quantify the distribution of PS in the resulting supported bilayers by neutron reflectometry. PS is chosen as a model lipid because of its crucial role in blood coagulation.one of the processes involved in the reaction of the body to an implant. Titania, on the other hand, is the material that confers favourable biocompatibility properties to titanium used in numerous implants. from joint replacements to stents and heart valve housings.

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