Interaction of Myrsinoic acid a with biomembrane models: Differential effects on DPPC and DPPS properties revealed by surface rheology and vibrational spectroscopy.

This study investigates the interactions of Myrsinoic acid A, a natural compound with reported anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, with lipid monolayers composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine (DPPS). Utilizing tensiometry, polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), Brewster Angle Microscopy (BAM), and surface rheology, we analyzed how Myrsinoic acid A affects the structural and mechanical properties of these lipid systems. The PM-IRRAS spectra revealed that Myrsinoic acid A induced disorder in the DPPC monolayer, shifting CH₂ asymmetric stretching peaks and decreasing packing order, while DPPS remained structurally stable. Surface rheology measurements showed reduced elasticity in both lipids, with differential effects on viscosity: a decrease for DPPC and an increase for DPPS, indicating varied molecular interactions. BAM images confirmed that DPPC maintained a homogeneous morphology, while DPPS displayed aggregate formation, suggesting distinct lipid-drug interactions. These findings highlight the importance of lipid composition in modulating the effects of Myrsinoic acid A on membrane properties, providing insights into its potential therapeutic applications in targeting tumorigenic versus non-tumorigenic cells.