engleski

A biomimetic model for the study of the free radical-induced lipid modification processes

The interest in the study of lipid peroxidation processes in model systems has been motivated by aspects of the adverse consequences associated with peroxidation of unsaturated lipids in different natural and biological systems. In an attempt to elucidate the complex process responsible for lipid peroxidation in these systems, various simple model systems including those with surfactants were used. Surfactant supramolecules (micelles, vesicles, lyotropic mesophases) generally serve as models mimicking complex biological systems.1 An additional advantage of the surfactant supramolecules used as a model system is the possibility to investigate lipid peroxidation under acidic conditions. Low fatty acid solubility under acidic conditions can be bypassed by lipid solubilization into surfactant supramolecules using them as nanoreactors. We have chosen a nonionic surfactant, TWEEN®-20, whose stability and relative non-toxicity allows for its use as a suitable model system for biological media.2 This model system allows lipid reactivity to be studied in the context of the organization of the lipid molecules within the system, as well as their possible interactions with other types of molecules in their immediate vicinity, which can influence the lipid processes.3 A simple system with mixed nonionic surfactants TWEEN®-20/LA micelles as the model for the PUFA oxidation susceptibility assay, also as a very useful tool for studying thiyl radical-catalyzed cis-trans isomerization of unsaturated lipids will be described.

model system; lipid peroxidation; cis-trans isomerization

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