Binding of trivalent metal ions (Al3+, In3+, La3+) with phosphatidylcholine liposomal membranes investigated by microelectrophoresis

Interactions between trivalent metal ions (Al3+, In3+, La3+) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes are studied by microelectrophoresis. The dependence of the PC membrane surface charge density and zeta potential on p H ( p H range from 2 to 10) of the aqueous metal chloride solutions is determined. The obtained results indicate the adsorption of Al3+, In3+ and La3+ ions on phosphatidylcholine model membranes, leading to changes in the electrical properties of the membranes. The theoretical considerations on equilibria occurring between phosphatidylcholine liposomal membrane and trivalent metal ions are presented. A mathematical model describing the interactions in a quantitative way is proposed.