Detection of protein-free lipoprotein analogues with an apolar lipid core by freeze-etch electron microscopy

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of protein-free lipoprotein analogues consisting of polar phospholipids with neutral lipid cores shows that these systems can exhibit novel, smooth crossfracture faces. Resolution of these features can be enhanced by etching techniques. This novel particle morphology provides a new procedure to characterize microemulsions composed of polar and neutral lipids.