Magnetic tubules

Dispersion of tubules made of diacetylenic phospholipids (DC8,9PC), in aqueous colloidal dispersions of magnetic nanoparticles is studied as a function of the sign of particles surface charges. In every case the tubule-vesicle transition temperature is decreased by the presence of the magnetic nanoparticles. Electrophoresis experiments on the tubules in pure water permits to conclude on a negative apparent surface charge. We study the magnetic response of the system to a static or stationary rotating field and to a magnetic field gradient. These experiments reveal an excess or a lack of magnetic permeability between tubules and the surrounding medium. Electron microscopy confirms these results showing an electrostatic interaction between the phospholipidic bilayer and the magnetic particles.