Studies on monolayers: Mixed films of cholesterol and lecithin with bile acids

Abstract The characteristics of mixed films of cholesterol and lecithin with deoxycholic, lithocholic, and cholanic bile acids were studied. Generally, a mutual solution of mixed monolayer components as well as some type of interaction among the different molecules developed. The results are interpreted in terms of superficial lattices. Changes in the characteristics of the mixed films are ascribed to modifications of intermolecular distances and therefore of the effect of van der Waals' forces between chains. Thus, transitions from one type of lattice to another occurred.