Interaction of a β-lactam calixarene derivative with a model eukaryotic membrane affects the activity of PLA2

In this research, the interaction between a membrane phospholipid, 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), and a p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivative bearing 6-aminopenicillanic acid (Calix), conceived as a possible drug carrier, was studied. The Langmuir film balance technique was used to measure surface pressure and electrical surface potential of pure and mixed Calix/DLPC monolayers spread on water at different temperatures. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity was used as well to detect the impact of the calixarene derivative on the monolayer properties. Interaction between the molecules in mixed monolayers has been described quantitatively using thermodynamic functions. Interestingly, low amounts of Calix introduce ordering in the lipid film. This effect may be analogous to that of cholesterol interacting with phospholipids. A lower activity of PLA2 observed with the Calix/DLPC films compared to pure DLPC may be related to structural modifications of the mixed systems.

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► A study on a prodrug calixarene derivative – model eukaryotic membrane interaction.
► The calixarene derivative introduces ordering in the membrane.
► Phospholipase A2 is less active in the presence of the calixarene derivative.
► Membrane ordering prevents enzymatic lipolysis.