Interaction of capsaicinoids with cell membrane models does not correlate with pungency of peppers

Author(s)

Geraldo, Vananelia P. N. ; Ziglio, Analine C. ; Goncalves, Debora ; Oliveira, Jr., Osvaldo N.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Chemical Physics Letters; v. 673, p. 78-83, APR 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Mixed monolayers were prepared using phospholipids in order to mimic cell membranes and fractions of capsaicinoids (extracted from Malagueta, Caps-M, and Bhut Jolokia, Caps-B, peppers). According to their surface-pressure isotherms and polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectra (PM-IRRAS), weak molecular-level interactions were observed between Caps and phospholipids. Both Caps-M and Caps-B penetrated into the alkyl tail region of the monolayer, interacted with the phosphate group of the phospholipids and affected hydration of their C=O groups. Since the physiological activity of Caps is not governed solely by interaction with cell membranes, it should require participation of a neuronal membrane receptor, e.g. vanilloid receptor (TRPV1). (C)2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/14262-7 - Nanostructured films from biologically-relevant materials
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/04246-4 - Immobilization of dapsone in biomimetic systems: self-assembled, Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films
• Grantee: Vananélia Pereira Nunes Geraldo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral