Differential Scanning Calorimetry in the Study of Lipid Phase Transitions in Model and Biological Membranes: Practical Considerations

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a relatively rapid, straightforward, and nonperturbing technique for studying the thermotropic phase behavior of hydrated lipid dispersions and of reconstituted lipid model or biological membranes. However, because of the diversity of lipid thermotropic phase behavior, data-acquisition and data-analysis protocols must be modified according to the nature of the phase transition under investigation. In this chapter, the theoretical basis of the DSC experiment is examined and, with the aid of specific examples, also how the information content of DSC thermograms is affected by the nature of the lipid phase transition examined. The overall goal is to provide practical guidelines for the development of data-acquisition and data-analysis protocols, which are compatible with the instrumentation available and the nature of the lipid phase transition under investigation.