Sucralose-induced stabilization of lamellar phases in hydrated monoolein and phosphatidylethanolamine systems revealed by X-ray diffraction

Abstract Sucralose has recently been reported to influence immune function and gut microbiota, possibly through interactions with cell membranes. To investigate its molecular effects, we examined the phase behavior of model biomembranes composed of monoolein (MO) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) using X-ray diffraction. Unlike sucrose, sucralose expanded the lattice constant of the cubic phase in MO and destabilized non-lamellar phases in both lipid systems, promoting lamellar structures. These results suggest that sucralose interacts with lipid headgroups, increasing the effective interfacial area.