An overview of peroxidation reactions using liposomes as model systems and analytical methods as monitoring tools

Abstract

Phospholipids are building blocks of biological membranes having a key role in cellular functionality. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids in their conformation makes them prompt to oxidation reactions, leading to dysfunctions of living cells or to instability of lipid containing food products. The aim of this review is to gather together the latest advances on the understanding on lipids' peroxidation, using liposomes as model systems, including the main available analytical methods to monitor peroxidation reactions, with special emphasis on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies. Lipid peroxidation is the most widely studied free radical chain reaction, which occurs in three steps: initiation, propagation and termination, making difficult to determine peroxidation products. Using liposomes as model membrane systems provides a useful tool to investigate the effects of free radicals. Different analytical methods enable the determination of peroxidation primary or secondary products. In particular, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies allow the simultaneous determination of peroxidation products in a non-destructive and easy-to-use manner. A quick monitoring of both reagents and products provides a reliable method for the quality control of industrial products or even for diagnostics, thus underlying the strong potential of vibrational spectroscopic based techniques.