Model-free analysis of binding at lipid membranes employing micro-calorimetric measurements

Based on universal thermodynamic principles (Schwarz in Biophys Chem 86:119–129, 2000) it is shown how measured enthalpy changes can be utilized to determine the relevant binding isotherm as well as the variation of the molar enthalpy change. This is carried out in a novel way involving multiple titration experiments whose evaluation requires no beforehand assumptions or models whatever. An appropriate specific model mechanism may be discussed afterwards and developed in view of the given experimental results. The pertinent procedure is demonstrated using micro-calorimetric data obtained in the case of the local anesthetic dibucaine as it associates with POPC liposomes. Mutual interactions of the bound ligand molecules could be described in terms of repulsive enthalpic and entropic activity coefficients. Apparently these are induced by electrostatic forces and by the finite size of binding sites, respectively.