I have got lipid A (1mg) in powdered form and would like to study it in vitro using mammalian cells. I have seen papers in which it is dissolved in chloroform and methanol to analyze it using mass spec. However for cell culture use, I worry chloroform maybe toxic for the cells. What can I use to dissolve it in?
Hello Pavithra Badri
You may try any of the below methods.
1. Mix lipid A with a surfactant in an aqueous medium. Use vortexing or sonication to create a uniform suspension of lipid droplets or micelles immediately before use. Surfactants have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. They surround the hydrophobic lipid molecules, forming an emulsion or suspension that can disperse in water.
2. You may complex lipid A with carrier proteins like BSA. The protein acts as a carrier, allowing for limited solubility of the lipid in the aqueous media, particularly at lower concentrations.
3. You may employ cyclodextrins as delivery vehicles. They have a unique toroidal, or donut-like shape with a hydrophilic exterior and a central hydrophobic cavity. This structure allows them to form "inclusion complexes" by encapsulating hydrophobic molecules within their cavities. So, these molecules can form complexes with lipids, allowing them to be suspended and delivered in aqueous solutions for experiments.
Best,
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