The effect of electrostatic interactions and water polarization on the properties of charged lipid membranes: a theoretical approach

Abstract

We describe the physical properties of a planar interface between an electrolyte and a charged lipid membrane. The model differs from the usual Gouy–Chapman–Debye–Huckel theory for electrolytes in that the dipolar nature of the water molecules is explicitly included. The polarization, dielectric constant, and electric potential of the electrolyte are calculated as functions of distance from the interface. The change in gel – liquid-crystal transition temperature is obtained as a function of pH and salt concentration from the free energy of the system. The results are compared to previous calculations using the Gouy–Chapman–Debye–Huckel theory and to experimental data for dimyristoyl-methylphosphoric acid.