ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION OF EGG LECITHIN LIPOSOMES DURING SONICATION

When model membranes are prepared by ultrasonic treatment of polyunsat urated phospholipids, radical production can induce a partial degradat ion of the polyunsaturated fatty acyl chains and the formation of lipi d hydroperoxides. A suitable antioxidant employed during liposome prep aration is able to protect them against lipid peroxidation. This work contains the results of studies on egg lecithin liposomes with incorpo rated antioxidants that were supposed to play the protective role ment ioned. As it has been shown the antioxidant compounds used ensured a 4 0-60%, i.e., satisfactory protection of liposomes after 30 min sonicat ion. Possible practical applications are discussed.