Requirement of charged lipids for the hexadecanol-induced gelation in the phospholipid bilayer system

- The gelation is induced by the homogeneous distribution of the flat-shaped structures.
- Hexadecanol flattens the bilayer, raising the chain packing density and the bilayer elasticity.
- Phosphatidylglycerol increases the charge density and the spontaneous curvature of the bilayer.
- The continuous water layers between flat-shaped structures work as a network in the hydrogel.
- Charged phospholipids in a crude lecithin may play a crucial role in the hydrogel formation.