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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Effect of ascorbic acid based amphiphiles on human erythrocytes membrane
M Rasia1, M I Spengler, S Palma
1Cátedra de Biofísica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, CP 2000 Rosario, Argentina. mrasia@lycos.com
6-O-alkyl ascorbic acid esters (ASCn) act as surfactants with properties dependent on alkyl chain length. These amphiphilic molecules influence human erythrocyte membrane properties like osmotic resistance and shape, highlighting structure-dependent interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Membrane Biophysics
Background:
- 6-O-alkyl ascorbic acid esters (ASCn) are amphiphilic surfactants.
- Their properties vary with alkyl chain length, pH, and temperature.
- ASCn exhibit potential as drug carriers due to physical and rheological characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ASCn on human erythrocyte membranes.
- To analyze how ASCn interact with biological membranes.
- To understand the influence of molecular structure on these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Studied osmotic resistance of erythrocytes in hypotonic media.
- Observed erythrocyte shape transformations.
- Assessed vesicle release at lytic concentrations.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte membrane properties were significantly affected by ASCn.
- Observed effects were dependent on the length of the hydrophobic alkyl chain.
- The influence of ASCn on membrane properties did not show a monotonic trend.
Conclusions:
- ASCn interact with erythrocyte membranes in a structure-dependent manner.
- Molecular structure critically influences amphiphile-membrane interactions and their resulting effects.
- Findings contribute to understanding amphiphile behavior with biological membranes.
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