Organotin biocides XV: Modelling the interactions of triorganotins with cell membranes

The interaction of triorganotins with cell membranes has been examined using synthetic phospholipid membranes (vesicles). Electron microscopy and NMR methods indicate that the organotin is in a five‐coordinate environment at the membrane surface, and is associated weakly with the phosphate headgroups of the vesicle components. Both trimethyl‐ and tributyl‐tin cause extensive modifications to the vesicles including fusion, aggregation, blebbing and total rupture, these effects being initiated at concentrations as low as 25 μmol dm−3.