_{The Effects of Additives on Lipid Bilayers}

_{Introduction and Prior Research:}

_{I am currently researching the effects of small molecules on lipid vesicle phase ratios. These lipid vesicles are comprised of a lipid bilayer that forms in three general structures, the fluid liquid disordered phase, the less fluid and more rigid gel phase, and the “in-between” ordered but still fluid liquid ordered phase. Clozapine was additive analyzed with the lipid vesicle system. To analyze the experimental small molecule, it is mixed into a solution of equimolar DOPC and DPPC. The mixture also includes DiD, a lipophilic dye, known to incorporate only into the liquid disordered regions of lipid bilayers.}

_{The mixture undergoes electrolysis to form lipid vesicles. The resultant solution is then examined using a Zeiss LSM 510 confocal fluorescent microscope. The fluorochrome DiD is known to incorporate specifically into the liquid disordered phase of vesicles, allowing confirmation of the disordered phase. Using confocal microscopy allows for three-dimensional accuracy, creating a 3-D rendering of the vesicle. Additionally, the vesicle is analyzed through its Z-axis at X-Y plane slices of the vesicles.}

_{X-Y Slices of a lipid vesicle}