I am preparing liposomes with mixture of DPPC and another photopolymerizable lipid. When I Did DSC measurements, before polymerization I have two peaks which is logic. After polymerization I have only one broad peak. Which is interesting but I dont know how to explain it. Do you have any idea? Thanks in advance
Probably you should repeat the experiment using different heating and cooling rates, maybe you can separate the peaks, and even see a third one related to your new compound mixture. If you give the DSC image would be easier to evaluate any trend.
I agree with Segio that seeing the before and after DSC traces would be good.
However, going with your description, there will be three materials in your mixture after polymerization: polymer, unreacted monomer and DPPC. Each may have their own contribution to the broad peak you observe. Also I looked up DPPC and it seems like it is a surfactant. This means you could have a micellar structure forming where the polymer is surrounded by DPPC. The micelles will have their own order-disorder transition that might be seen in the DSC. It is likely you would require other techniques to fully understand what happened in your experiment.
Good Luck.
It is quiet general to get a broad peak. Or there are two peaks which merge together. This question can be answered with perspective to resolution. My suggestion would be:
1. Reduce the heating rate (to 1degree per minute). Your will get two or more peaks.
2. Perform a MDSC measurement. Which would clearly tell what type of transitions are happening with your samples.
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