Liquid crystalline properties of erythrocyte membranes

Abstract

Lyotropic liquid crystals are mixtures of amphiphilic compounds and a polar solvent, most often water. An example of such a mixture found in living systems is the cell membrane. Using physical techniques, we hope to determine the liquid crystalline properties of membranes of normal and abnormal human erythrocytes. The analysis of differences in the structure, function, and dynamics of normal and abnormal cell membranes is of value in the study of disease processes, and could prove useful in the search for preventive and curative medicine.