Calorimetric evidence of interaction of brominated flame retardants with membrane model

• The interaction of brominated biphenyls and biphenyl ethers with model membrane was studied.
• The medium influence on membrane absorption was also assessed.
• The differential scanning calorimetry technique was used.
• The interaction is controlled by compound structural characteristics.
• The membrane absorption is allowed by lipophilic medium but prevented by hydrophilic medium.

The presence of polybrominated flame retardants in the environment seems to be increasing in the past decade. Considering the toxic effects of these pollutants, it is important evaluating the potential interaction with biological membranes for a risk assessment. In this study low and high brominated biphenyls and biphenyl ethers were used to investigate their interaction with biological membrane models constituted by liposomes, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. The medium influence on membrane absorption was also assessed. The findings indicate that membrane interaction is controlled by compound structural characteristics. The membrane absorption is allowed by lipophilic medium; instead hydrophilic medium prevents membrane permeation.