Effects of cholesterol on phospholipid membranes: Inhibition of the interdigitated gel phase of F-DPPC and F-DPPC/DPPC

► Polar CF bond stabilizes gel phases of F-DPPC. ► Cholesterol inhibits the formation of the interdigitated gel phase. ► Cholesterol affects the crystalline lattice and mobility of the lipids. ► Effects of cholesterol are temperature-dependent. ► Coexisting interdigitated and non-interdigitated gel phases are formed.