[Tannic acid as a stabilizer of liposomal lipids in electron microscopic research]

Using electron microscopy the action of tannic acid on the morphology of positively charged liposomes were studied in suspension and after adsorption of the surface membrane of human red blood cell in vitro. After treatment with tannic acid and glutaraldehyde followed by postosmication, an irreversible reconstruction of liposome lipid material with formation of many layers with tight packed lamellae was shown. Similar structures were found on the surface of red blood cells. Monolayer microvesicles 30 nm in diameter were seen after glutaraldehyde fixation postosmication, and final treatment with tannic acid. Similar microvesicles were seen adsorbed on the plasma membrane.