INVESTIGATION OF THE INCORPORATION OF AMPHIPHILIC MODEL PEPTIDES IN MODEL MEMBRANES

Amphiphilic oligopeptides containing a hydrophobic alpha-helical amino acid sequence were prepared and studied with respect to their ability to be integrated into the lipid double layer of phospholipid liposome s, The incorporation of the amphiphilic peptides was determined from t he disturbance of the characteristic ripple phase of liposomes by mean s of freeze-fracture electron microscopy, from the decrease in mobilit y of fluorophoric groups by means of fluorescence anisotropy decay mea surements, and from the formation of porous areas in black lipid membr anes. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.