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Updated: May 25, 2026

Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
A unique bicellar nanosystem combining two effects on stratum corneum lipids
Gelen Rodríguez1, Mercedes Cócera, Laia Rubio
1Department of Chemical and Surfactants Technology, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, IQAC-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. gelen.rodriguez@cid.csic.es
A novel bicellar system composed of dioleylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and dihexanoylphosphocholine (DHPC) shows varied effects on stratum corneum (SC) lipids. Vesicles adhere to the surface, while other structures enhance lipid organization for potential skincare applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Stratum corneum (SC) lipid organization is crucial for skin barrier function.
- Understanding how novel lipid systems interact with SC lipids is key for developing effective skincare and drug delivery.
- Bicellar systems offer unique nanostructures with potential for modulating skin properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a new dioleylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and dihexanoylphosphocholine (DHPC) bicellar system on stratum corneum (SC) lipids.
- To characterize the nanostructures formed by the DOPC/DHPC system and their interaction with SC.
- To compare two X-ray scattering methods for skin studies.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic light scattering and cryo-transmission electron microscopy to characterize bicellar nanostructures.
- Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, freeze-substitution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray scattering (synchrotron and conventional) to study SC lipid organization.
- Comparison of transmission and grazing incidence X-ray scattering techniques.
Main Results:
- The DOPC/DHPC bicellar system formed unilamellar vesicles and tubular structures.
- Vesicular structures were found to adhere to the SC surface and not penetrate the skin.
- A portion of the bicellar structures interacted with SC lipids, increasing lamellar organization.
- Different nanostructures exhibited distinct effects on SC lipids.
Conclusions:
- The DOPC/DHPC bicellar system presents distinct nanostructures with differential impacts on stratum corneum lipids.
- The observed interactions suggest potential for the DOPC/DHPC system in skincare product development.
- The ability to incorporate drugs further broadens the application scope for this bicellar system in dermatological formulations.
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