Chapter 3. Polymorphism of lipid-water systems

J.M. Seddon and R.H. Templer
Department of Chemistry, Imperial College,
Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AY, U.K.

1. Introduction

2. Interfacialcurvature

3. Structure of lyotropic phases

3.1. Phase identification
3.2. Topology determination
3.3. Phase dimensions
3.4. Nomenclature for phase structures
3.5. Crystalline phases
3.6. Ordered lamellar phases
3.7. Fluid phases
3.8. Isotropic solution phases

4.1. Lyotropic phase diagrams
4.2. Phase stability
4.3. Packing geometry and frustration
4.4. Curvature elastic energy
4.5. Lateral stress profile
4.6. Defects and epitaxiality in phase transitions

5.1. Types of transition
5.2. Effect of lipid chemical structure
5.3. Lipid mixtures
5.4. Solution effects
5.5. Solute effects
5.6. Phase metastability
5.7. Transition kinetics

6.1. Non-lamellar phases in biology
6.2. Membrane fusion and cell signal transduction
6.3. Homeostatic control of 'phase stability'
6.4. Bilayer stress profile and regulation of membrane protein activity
6.5. Protein/lipid mixtures

Acknowledgements

References