Multi-Level Characterization of the Membrane Properties of Resveratrol-Incorporated Liposomes

Resveratrol (RES) is a type of polyphenolic compound discovered from grapes and has gained prominence as a possible contributor to many disease treatments. Herein, three different types of liposomes were prepared as model cell membranes, and then the influence of the incorporation of RES on their membrane properties was evaluated by utilizing membrane-binding fluorescent probes. The binding of RES lead to the membrane polarities decreasing slightly, regardless of the phase states of the membrane, while the membrane fluidities decreased only in the case of liquid-disordered phase. In each model membrane system, the incorporation of RES dramatically dehydrated the membrane surface, which could prevent the permeation of water-soluble materials. Fluorescence quenching of Laurdan indicated less accessibility of hydroxyl radial into the inner region of the RES-incorporated membrane. The comparison between the mass spectra of oxidized DOPC molecules treated with hydroxyl radical revealed that the RES-incorporation into DOPC membranes can contribute to prevent lipid oxidation. It is concluded that the binding of RES to the lipid membrane can play a key role in affecting membrane properties and functions.