Unraveling Interactions between Ionic Liquids and Phospholipid Vesicles Using Nanoplasmonic Sensing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit unique properties and increasing applications.
• Understanding ILs' interactions with biological membranes is crucial.
• Phospholipid vesicles serve as essential biomimicking systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of amidinium- and phosphonium-based ILs on phospholipid vesicles.
• To develop a method for immobilizing large unilamellar vesicles on nanolayers.
• To analyze IL-vesicle interactions using nanoplasmonic sensing.

Main Methods:

• Developed a method for immobilizing large unilamellar vesicles on TiO2 and SiN nanolayers.
• Utilized HEPES buffer with NaOH and CaCl2 for vesicle attachment.
• Employed nanoplasmonic sensing to monitor IL interactions with immobilized vesicles in real-time.

Main Results:

• [DBNH][OAc] (amidinium-based IL) showed no significant effect on vesicles.
• [P14444][OAc] (phosphonium-based IL) caused significant vesicle deformation and aggregation.
• [P4441][OAc] (phosphonium-based IL) had a mild effect at high concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Phosphonium-based ILs can disrupt phospholipid vesicle structure.
• Nanoplasmonic sensing is effective for studying nanoscale interactions with vesicles.
• Results provide insights into ILs' impact on biomembranes and biomimicking systems.