General description

Lipodisq^® reagents are novel polymers derived from styrene and maleic acid. Lipodisq^® polymers are capable of forming nanosized lipid-based discoidal particles capable of incorporating membrane proteins. Lipodisqs typically have a diameter of 9-10 nm at pH 7.4.

Application

Lipodisq^® reagents are novel polymers derived from styrene and maleic acid. Lipodisq polymers are capable of forming nanosized lipid-based discoidal particles capable of incorporating membrane proteins. The Lipodisq technology can solubilize commonly used lipids such as dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) without the use of detergents. In general, Lipodisq polymers are potentially useful in mitigating the use of detergents for the solubilization of membrane proteins. Lipodisqs typically have a diameter of 9-10 nm at pH 7.4.

The Lipodisq technology can solubilize commonly used lipids such as dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) without the use of detergents.

Functional pH range: 6.0 - 9.0

Biochem/physiol Actions

Lipodisq^® polymers are potentially useful in mitigating the use of detergents for solubilization of membrane proteins. Dissolving this product in an aqueous solution, with sufficient base (e.g. KOH, NaOH), causes hydrolysis of each anhydride moiety into two carboxylic acid/carboxylate groups. This action renders the SMA polymer soluble in aqueous media. Lipodisq^® acts as a potential membrane mimic system.