Effect of sonication and freezing–thawing on the aggregate size and dynamic surface tension of aqueous DPPC dispersions

Abstract The effect of sonication and freezing–thawing on the aggregate size and dynamic surface tension of aqueous dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) dispersions was studied by cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–vis spectroturbidimetry, and surface tensiometry. When 1000 ppm (0.1 wt%) DPPC dispersions were prepared with a certain protocol, including extensive sonication, they contained mostly frozen vesicles and were quite clear, transparent, and stable for at least 30 days. The average dispersed vesicles diameter was 80 nm in water and 90 nm in standard phosphate saline buffer. After a freeze–thaw cycle, this dispersion became turbid, and precipitates of coagulated vesicles were observed with large particles of average size of 1.5 × 10 3 nm . The vesicle coagulation is due to the local salt concentration increase during the freezing of water. This dispersion has much higher equilibrium and dynamic surface tension than those before freezing. When this freeze–thawed dispersion was subjected to a resonication at 55 °C, smaller vesicles with sizes of ca. 70 nm were produced, and a lower surface tension behavior was restored as before freezing. Similar behavior was observed at 30 ppm DPPC. These results indicate that the freeze–thaw cycle causes substantial aggregation and precipitation of the vesicles. These results have implications for designing efficient protocols of lipid dispersion preparation and lung surfactant replacement formulations in treating respiratory disease and for effective administration.