The Interaction of DMSO with Model Membranes. II. Direct Evidence of DMSO Binding to Membranes: An NMR Study

Abstract

Modern techniques in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allow investigators to probe molecular interactions with greater sensitivity and speed than ever before. Exploiting the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE), the intermolecular interactions between dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and lipid vesicles were investigated. The DMSO methyl proton signal varies with experimental mixing time suggesting the system behaves in a manner similar to that of a ligand weakly binding to a macromolecule.