Properties of the Microinterface formed by Phosphatidylcholine and 1-Butanol as Reaction Media of Hydrolysis of Phosphatidylcholine

Microinterface of W/Omicroemulsion prepared by phosphatidylcholine was used as reaction media of hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipaseA$_2$. Phosphatidylcholine was used as an amphiphile and was acted as a substrate. Organic phase of W/Omicroemulsion in this study was prepared by mixed organic solvents i.e. 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane) as a main solvent and 1-butanol as a co-solvent. The effect of added 1-butanol was remarkable not only on reaction beginning but also on high reaction rate. The hydrolysis reaction was dramatically initiated when 1-butanol was injected into the running isooctane/PC system. The enhancement by 1-butanol addition into single organic solvent was our original finding compare with previous conventional organic solvent. The reaction rate was elevated by the added amount of 1-butanol. The enhanced reaction rate was about 150-folds. This enhancement was speculated as 1-butanol adsorption on the microinterface. The adsorbed 1-butanol improved the properties of microinterface, especially its mobility was increased by difference of the chain length between phosphatidylcholine and 1-butanol. PhospholipaseA$_2$ molecules were located on the microinterface due to modified mobility of microinterface. Located phospholipaseA$_2$ on the microinterface reacted easily with phosphatidylcholine molecule. As a result high reaction rate was obtained. Microinterfacial properties were successfully improved by adsorbed 1-butanol molecule, and were favorable to appear higher reactivity of phospholipaseA$_2$.