Structural changes induced by Triton X-100 on sonicated phosphatidylcholine liposomes

Solubilization of sonicated unilamellar vesicles by Triton X-100 is a complex process. Solubilization starts at low detergent concentrations, as compared to the case of large vesicles, and is accompanied by the simultaneous rapid formation of large multilamellar liposomes. Measurements of lipid and detergent distribution indicate that, at a 1:1 lipid:detergent mole ratio, about one-third of the lipid, with most of the detergent, is solubilized in the form of mixed micelles. The remaining two-thirds are in the form of multilamellar liposomes, virtually free of detergent. Higher detergent concentrations also bring about the solubilization of these liposomes.