Infrared spectra of 1-monopalmitin- or 1-monostearin-water systems in the gel phase

The infrared spectra of 1-monopalmitin- or 1-monostearin-water systems in t he gel phase were observed at room temperature. In both systems the infrare d intensities of the bands parallel and perpendicular to the paraffin chain are relatively reduced and enhanced, respectively, on going from the cryst alline phase to the gel phase. These spectral changes are explained in term s of the interaction among oscillating dipoles, which is sensitive to the m orphology change From the three-dimensional crystalline phase to the two-di mensional lipid bilayers. The non-planar lipid bilayers are proposed for th e gel phase in monopalmitin-water systems with x greater than or equal to 3 5 (x: wt% water). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.