Stabilization of self-assembled lipids in exfoliated organo-nanosheets

Layered materials represent interesting 2D confinement matrix for both the preservation of organic compounds and were suggested as carriers for biomolecules. An organoclay was prepared with the use of a clay mineral modified by a cationic surfactant and used as a confinement matrix for assemblies formed by 1-monoolein lipid. Monoolein self assembles in water in various lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystalline phases which were associated to organo-nanosheets resulting from a prior delamination procedure of the organoclay. The lamellar organization confined within the nanosheets displays a different phase sequence than the bulk state with its existence on wide range of temperature.