Effect of NO on the adhesion–spreading of DMPC and DOPC liposomes on electrodes, and the partition of NO between an aqueous phase and DMPC liposomes

The effect of NO radicals on the adhesion and spreading of unilamellar DMPC and DOPC liposomes on mercury electrodes were studied by chronoamperometry. NO was either generated in situ from NOC-18 or supplied as an admixture of nitrogen gas. These measurements reveal details of the kinetics of the adhesion and spreading process and provide access to information on the membrane fluidity of lipid bilayer membranes. The results indicate that NO stabilizes the membranes of DMPC liposomes. The effect of NO radicals is most probably caused by their physical association with the polar head groups of DMPC, as indicated by 31-P NMR spectroscopy. This interaction also explains the partition coefficient KDMPC|H2ONO of NO between water and DMPC liposomes of 10.0 ± 2.1.

► The effects of NO on the membrane of liposomes can be studied using chronoamperometry. ► Membrane fluidity is probed by attachment and spriting of liposomes on the electrode. ► Nitric oxide, NO, affects the adhesion and spreading behaviour of DMPC and DOPC liposomes. ► We also report partition data of NO for the liposome membrane–water system.