Impact of Polymer Nanoparticles on DPPC Monolayer Properties

Abstract

The application of surface rheology and Brewster angle microscopy on mixed monolayers of DPPC and polymeric nanoparticles (cationic and anionic) showed that the sign of the particle charge affects the dynamic properties of the monolayers less than the nanoparticles’ ability to aggregate. Under almost physiological conditions, the effect of nanoparticles on the elasticity of DPPC monolayer is insignificant. However, the particles prevent the surface tension from decreasing to extremely low values. This effect could affect the functionality of pulmonary surfactants.

Keywords

• DPPC
• nanoparticles
• surface rheology
• Langmuir monolayers