Evolution toward the X phase of fatty acid Langmuir monolayers on a divalent cation solution

Inorganic mixed phase templated by a fatty acid monolayer at the air-water interface: the Mn and Mg case

We studied by means of Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXD) coupled with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy the structure of a behenic acid monolayer spread at the surface of Mg²⁺/Mn²⁺ mixed aqueous solutions. For the pure Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ aqueous solutions, the cations induce at the surface different 2D lattice superstructures of the organic monolayer. These superstructures correspond to an inorganic organized monolayer anchored to the hydrophilic group of the ordered behenic acid monolayer. Among the various diffraction peaks, we focused on those characteristics of the behenic acid oblique cell. As the Mg²⁺ mole fraction x increases in the Mg²⁺/Mn²⁺ mixed subphase, a continuous evolution of the oblique cell parameters is observed indicating the insertion of Mg²⁺ cations in the Mn²⁺ ordered monolayer. Then, a further increase leads to the appearance of a coexistence between two oblique surface phases. The cell parameters of both phases evolve continuously along the x range of the transition until a single Mg-rich ordered phase is detected. However, although the intensities of the peaks in the coexistence region are in agreement with a first-order phase transition, the cell parameters evolve simultaneously. Considering a thermodynamics analysis, this evidences that, apart from the concentration, another unidentified intensive parameter is varying. We suggest that it is the ionic strength, which appears to be strongly related to the concentrations.

Langmuir monolayers as models to study processes at membrane surfaces

The use of new sophisticated and highly surface sensitive techniques as synchrotron based X-ray scattering techniques and in-house infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) has revolutionized the monolayer research. Not only the determination of monolayer structures but also interactions between amphiphilic monolayers at the soft air/liquid interface and molecules dissolved in the subphase are important for many areas in material and life sciences. Monolayers are convenient quasi-two-dimensional model systems. This review focuses on interactions between amphiphilic molecules in binary and ternary mixtures as well as on interfacial interactions with interesting biomolecules dissolved in the subphase. The phase state of monolayers can be easily triggered at constant temperature by increasing the packing density of the lipids by compression. Simultaneously the monolayer structure changes are followed in situ by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction or IRRAS. The interactions can be indirectly determined by the observed structure changes. Additionally, the yield of enzymatic reaction can be quantitatively determined, secondary structures of peptides and proteins can be measured and compared with those observed in bulk. In this way, the influence of a confinement on the structural properties of biomolecules can be determined. The adsorption of DNA can be quantified as well as the competing adsorption of ions at charged interfaces. The influence of modified nanoparticles on model membranes can be clearly determined. In this review, the relevance and utility of Langmuir monolayers as suitable models to study physical and chemical interactions at membrane surfaces are clearly demonstrated.

The quantum-chemical approach to calculations of thermodynamic and structural parameters of formation of fatty acid monolayers with hexagonal packing at the air/water interface

The structural parameters of fatty acid (with formula CnH2n+1COOH, n = 7-16) monolayers at the air/water interface were modeled within quantum-chemical semiempirical program complex Mopac 2012 (PM3 method). On the basis of quantum-chemical calculations it was shown that molecules in the highly ordered monolayer can be oriented at the angle ∼16° (tilted monolayer), or at the angle ∼0° to the normal to the air/water interface (untilted monolayer). The structural parameters of both tilted and untilted monolayers correspond well to the experimental data. The parameters of the unit cell of the modelled tilted monolayer are: a = 8.0-8.2 Å and b = 4.2-4.5 Å (with the corresponding experimental data 8.4-8.7 Å and 4.9-5.0 Å). For the modelled untilted monolayer these parameters are: a = 7.7-8.0 Å; b = 4.6 Å (with the corresponding experimental data 8.4 Å and 4.8-4.9 Å). Enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs' energy of clusterization were calculated for both structures. The correlation dependencies of the calculated parameters on the number of pair intermolecular CHHC interactions in the clusters and the pair interactions between functional groups were obtained. It was shown that the spontaneous clusterization of the fatty carboxylic acids at the air/water interface under standard conditions is energetically preferable for molecules which have 13 or more carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and this result also agrees with the corresponding experimental parameters.

Structure and kinetics of fatty acid Langmuir monolayers on zinc salt solutions

The adsorption of zinc cations under behenic acid Langmuir monolayers was investigated by means of isotherm measurements, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Brewster angle microscopy. The structure of the films was characterized as a function of Zn(2+) concentration, for three different counterions (chloride, iodide, bromide) and at two subphase pHs (5.5 and 7.5). At pH 5.5 and in the studied concentration range, Zn(2+) adsorption leads to a condensation of the fatty acid monolayer with the same phase transitions as over pure water. In contrast, at higher pH the organic X-phase is evidenced immediately above a concentration threshold without any ion organization. Even though Cu(2+) and Zn(2+)cations induce both the fatty acid X-phase, the kinetics of its formation appears strongly different. Indeed, as for Mg(2+) and Cd(2+), the intermediate new I-structure is evidenced in the course of Zn(2+) adsorption although superstructures are observed only for Mg(2+) and Cd(2+). However, for Zn(2+), the I-phase evolves to the final state through a new structure called X' and a continuous X'-X transition. Finally, any effect of the counterion is evidenced neither during the kinetic process nor in the final state.

Formation of iron containing aggregates at the liquid-air interface

The early stages of the formation of inorganic aggregates, composed of iron compounds at the solution-air interface, were investigated in situ. The properties of the solution-air interface were changed by using different Langmuir layers. In order to get insight into the evolution of the sample system in situ, the processes were studied by X-ray scattering and spectroscopy techniques. The formation of aggregates was detected under cationic as well as under anionic Langmuir layers. The observed compounds lack long range order which indicates the formation of amorphous structures. This is supported by extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements showing only minor order in the formed aggregates.

Influence of cationic composition and pH on the formation of metal stearates at oil-water interfaces

We study the formation of layers of metal stearates at the interface between a decane solution of stearic acid and aqueous salt solutions of variable composition and pH by monitoring the evolution of their mechanical, optical, and chemical properties as a function of time after formation of the interface. For values of the pH below the pK(a) of stearic acid hardly any interfacial activity is observed. For pH > pK(a), stearic acid deprotonates at the interface and forms metal stearates, eventually leading to the formation of macroscopic solid layers. Dynamic interfacial tension measurements reveal that the process takes place in several stages, which we attribute to the successive formation of dilute and dense monolayers followed by three-dimensional growth. In the presence of divalent ions, the solid layers display a significant increase in the dilatational storage modulus. Experiments performed with an aqueous phase containing multiple cation species (artificial seawater) give rise to particularly pronounced growth of solid layers, which preferentially incorporate Ca(2+) as revealed by X-ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopy. Our results highlight in particular the importance of the complex synergistic effects of simultaneously present monovalent and divalent cation species on the interfacial adsorption.