Role of nicotinic acid as modulator of liposomal microviscosity.

ABSTRACT

Using the fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5 hexatriene, we have investigated the effect of nicotinic acid, a derivative of the toxic alkaloid nicotine, on the fluidity profile and activation energy of diffusion in the liposomal system of several lipids. We have also studied how the fluidizing property of nicotinic acid affects the intermediate fluid condition induced by cholesterol in these liposomal systems.