Calorimetric studies of macromolecular aqueous solutions

Abstract

Both titration and differential scanning microcalorimetric techniques are shown to yield important information concerning the properties of macromolecules in aqueous solution. Application of titration calorimetry is examined in the context of deaggregation of cationic micelles (e.g. hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide), of guest-host interactions and of enzyme-substrate interactions (e.g. CATIII with chloramphenicol). Experimental data obtained using DSC are reviewed with reference to the thermal stability of enzymes (e.g. DNA-Gyrase) and to the gel to liquid crystal transition characterising vesicles formed by dialkylphosphates. In the latter, the dependence of the characteristic melting temperature Tm on chain length, counter cation and added solute is noted.