Phase behavior of DSPC/PEG40St mixtures at higher emulsifier contents

Abstract

Phase behaviors of 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and polyoxyethylene(40)stearate (PEG40St) were investigated with Langmuir monolayer isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) imaging at DSPC/PEG40St molar ratios ranging from 9:1 to 5:5. Two plateaus were found in the Langmuir isotherms which were relatively shorter for the 9:1 mixture and extended significantly by increasing the PEG40St content, indicating that the PEG40St squeezed out whereas more emulsifier retained in the monolayer at higher PEG40St contents. A strong hysteresis was observed when the mixed monolayers were subjected to compression-expansion cycles. The degree of hysteresis for the first cycles also increased with increasing PEG40St content in the monolayer. Gray scale intensities in the Brewster angle microscopy images were determined for pure DSPC and pure PEG40St and a scale was established to better interpret the morphologies for the mixtures. Bud and vessels formed during the PEG40St squeezed out upon compression. Upon expansion, PEG40St and DSPC is reappeared on the monolayer. When considered BAM images together with the Langmuir isotherm, PEG40St molecules were found to be well distributed within the DSPC molecules at lower DSPC/PEG40St mole ratios and mostly phase separated at higher mole ratios. It was concluded that higher PEG40St content would be advantageous for the design of an efficient and cheaper ultrasound contrast agents.