Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Giant Liposome Preparation for Imaging and Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology
Published on: June 21, 2013
Size and stability of liposomes: a possible role of hydration and osmotic forces
1Biophysics and Interfaces Group, Department of Applied Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Abstract:
Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility measurements have been used to characterize the size, size distribution and zeta potentials (zeta-potentials) of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) liposomes in the presence of monovalent ions ( Na(+) and K(+)). To study the stability of liposomes the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory has been extended by introducing the hydrated radius of the adsorbed ions onto the liposome surfaces. The decrease of liposome size is explained on the basis of the membrane impermeability to some ions which generate osmotic forces, which leads to evacuate water from liposome inside.
Related Concept Videos
Membrane Fluidity
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
The Colloidal State
Micelles
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Surface Active Agents

