Interaction of poloxamine block copolymers with lipid membranes: Role of copolymer structure and membrane cholesterol content

- Poloxamine-DPPC interactions are stronger at low pressure and low lipid proportion.
- Cholesterol favors interaction with poloxamines having large PEO blocks.
- Hydrophobic copolymers with short PEO blocks expand lipid monolayer surface area.
- Poloxamines with long PEO blocks cause monolayer contraction and cell sealing.
- Long PEOs protect intact and cholesterol-depleted erythrocytes against haemolysis.