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Published on: March 5, 2017
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DMSO induces dehydration near lipid membrane surfaces
Chi-Yuan Cheng1, Jinsuk Song1, Jolien Pas2
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California.
Biophysical Journal
|July 23, 2015
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at low concentrations disrupts water networks near lipid membranes, enhancing its cryoprotectant properties by weakening water-lipid interactions. This effect is crucial for mitigating freeze-thaw stress.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used in biology as a cosolvent and cryoprotectant.
- Its effects on cell membranes and hydration water are assumed to be functionally important.
- The precise mechanism of DMSO's action on lipid membranes and water's role remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of DMSO's effect on lipid membranes.
- To investigate the direct role of water in DMSO-induced membrane alterations.
- To understand how DMSO functions as a cryoprotectant at low concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Direct probing of translational water diffusivity near lipid vesicle surfaces.
- Measurement of lipid headgroup mobility.
- Analysis of repeat distances in multilamellar vesicles.
Main Results:
- DMSO weakens the surface water network near lipid membranes at low concentrations (XDMSO < 0.1).
- It destabilizes hydration water structure and lowers the dehydration energy barrier.
- At higher concentrations (XDMSO > 0.1), DMSO enters the lipid interface and restricts headgroup motion.
Conclusions:
- DMSO acts as an efficient cryoprotectant at low concentrations by disrupting the water network at the lipid membrane surface.
- This disruption weakens water cohesion and adhesion to lipid headgroups.
- This mechanism mitigates stress during freeze-thaw cycles.
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