What are the differences between a micelle and a liposome?
Posted August 22, 2024
Answer
Liposome:
- Consists of a bilayer of amphipathic molecules with both molecule layers arranged in concentric circles
- Is formed mainly by phospholipid molecules such as cholesterol
- Structurally, the lipid bilayer separates an aqueous internal compartment
- Formation of liposome typically takes place at transition temperature
Micelle:
- Consists of lipid molecules arranged in a spherical form in aqueous solution
- Structurally, the lipid monolayers are closed, with a polar surface and fatty acid core
- Is formed by surfactant molecules such as emulsifiers and detergents
- Formation of micelle requires Kraft temperature as its minimum temperature value
Additional resources
Liposomes: structure, composition, types, and clinical applications☆
Cell Meter™ Intracellular Colorimetric Lipid Peroxidation (MDA) Assay Kit