Fluorescence, absorption and electron spin resonance study of bacteriochlorin a incorporation into membrane models

Analysis of the bacteriochlorin a absorption spectra suggests the existence of a monomer-dimer equilibrium, particularly intense in phosphate buffer and favored by a decrease of the pH. The dye in methanolic solution is predominantly in monomeric form. Fluorescence and electron spin resonance nitroxide spin labeling measurements indicate that incorporation into the lipid phase of dimyristoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine liposomes induces dye monomerization. Moreover, the molecules are bound in the external surface of the vesicles and a complete incorporation is ensured by a lipid-to-dye ratio greater than 125.