so-called ''magnetoliposomes'' remains intact and can still Magnetoliposomes, consisting of nanometer-sized superparahost membrane-bound enzymes (10).
magnetic magnetite cores surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer,
The above-mentioned studies were all performed in aquewere subjected to extraction using various organic solvent systems. ous buffer systems. An important new topic in modern bio-When chloroform or n-hexane were used, there was little change technology, however, is that of biocatalysis in organic media in the phospholipid/Fe 3 O 4 ratio. In contrast, upon including short-(11). Before starting to use magnetoliposomes under apolar chain alcohols to these extraction systems, the outer shell of the conditions, a thorough investigation of the structural integbilayer, comprising approximately two-thirds of the original phosrity and behavior of the phospholipid layer is necessary. In pholipid content, was entirely removed. The resistance to extracthe present study, we have therefore checked whether varition of the inner leaflet is due to very strong forces, thought to be chemisorptive in nature. Preliminary experiments demonstrating ous organic solvent systems are able to extract the magnetolithe apolar character of the surface of the remaining monolayer posomal coating, and we have characterized certain features are also presented.