Dynamic surface properties of mixed monolayers of polystyrene micro- and nanoparticles with DPPC

- Polymer particles form aggregates at the surface of solutions of high ionic strength.
- Properties of mixed monolayers of DPPC and PS particles depend on particle aggregation.
- Non-aggregated particles have stronger impact on the properties of DPPC monolayers.
- Increase of particle size does not influence the properties of mixed monolayers.

The dynamic surface properties of mixed monolayers of 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and negatively charged polystyrene particles (PS) of different size were investigated with the aim to model the interactions of particles with biointerfaces. Special attention was paid to the aggregation of the particles at the water/air interface. The particle aggregates have a weaker influence on the dynamic properties of DPPC monolayers as compared with non-aggregated particles because of a shorter three phase contact line. The incorporation of particles into a DPPC monolayer leads to disordering of the monolayer structure, decreases the changes of surface properties in the course of two-dimensional phase transitions and the dynamic surface elasticity of the condensed lipid film. The influence of particles on the properties of mixed monolayers depends strongly on the ratio of lipid molecules and particles, and decreases with the decrease of particle surface concentration. The Brewster angle microscopy gives direct evidence of the PS particle aggregation in the course of compression of mixed monolayers.

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