PHOSPHOLIPID ADSORPTION ONTO POLYSTYRENE MICROSPHERES

Small unilamellar phospholipid vesicles and polystyrene microspheres interact in aqueous solution to form homodisperse and stable phospholipid covered latexes. First, the bilayer attaches to the latex. Second, the hydrophobic attraction between the phospholipid bilayer and the hydrophobic polystyrene surface induces coverage with one phospholipid monolayer. Thereafter phospholipid bilayer(s) deposits onto the monolayer covered latex. These results may be of importance for reconstitution of the protein function, studies on cell surface recognition, and building-up of immunological kits and biosensors. © 1993 Academic Press, Inc.