Monomolecular Films at Saline/Fluorocarbon Interfaces

Abstract

Biologists concerned with the structure and function of cellular membranes have often obtained useful ideas and pertinent information by studying the analogous physical and chemical properties of phosphatide and lipoprotein films. Generally, the properties of films at aqueous/air interfaces are investigated, while very few parallel experiments are carried out at aqueous/oil interfaces. In the former case the van der Waals interactions between the fatty acid chains of the phosphatides are considerable; in the latter case, these interactions are markedly reduced. As indicated by Davieis and Rideal [1] additional information concerning the inter-molecular forces among molecules comprising monomolecular films can be obtained by studying both experimental situations. This preliminary report summarizes some measurements on pure and mixed films of phosphatides spread at aqueous/air and aqueous/fluorocarbon interfaces. The latter system has the ‘additional advantage in that the behaviour of living ceils in contact with the monomolecular films can be observed.

Formerly Career Scientist of the Health Research Council of the City of New York. This research was supported in part by grants from the National Institute of Health.