The Impact of O-Glycosylation on Cyanidin Interaction with RBCs and HMEC-1 Cells-Structure⁻Activity Relationships.

With the aim of contributing to the knowledge about their potential therapeutic activity, we determined the biological activities of cyanidin and its selected O-glycosides in relation to erythrocytes (RBCs) and human dermal vascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Furthermore, on the basis of changes in the physical/functional properties of the cells, the structure-activity relationships of the compounds were determined. Concerning erythrocytes, we analyzed the antioxidant activity of the compounds and their impact on the RBCs' shape and transmembrane potential. The compounds' cytotoxic activity, ability to modulate apoptosis, cell cycle, and intracellular ROS generation, as well as inhibitory activity against AAPH-inducted oxidative stress, were determined in relation to HMEC-1 cells. We demonstrated that biological activity of cyanidin and its O-glycosides strongly depends on the number and type of sugar substituents, and varies depending on the extracellular environment and type of cells. The compounds are practically non-cytotoxic, and do not induce apoptosis or disturb the progression of the cell cycle. Additionally, the compounds alter the shape of RBCs, but they do not affect their transmembrane potential. They effectively protect erythrocytes against free radicals and affect intracellular reactive oxygen spices (ROS) generation under physiological and AAPH-induced oxidative stress conditions. Our results suggest a potential beneficial effect of cyanidin on the cardiovascular system.

Preparation of Enantiomeric ß-(2',5'-Dimethylphenyl)Bromolactones, Their Antiproliferative Activity and Effect on Biological Membranes.

Three novel enantiomeric pairs of bromolactones possesing a 2,5-dimethylphenyl substituent at the ß-position of the lactone ring have been synthesized from corresponding enantiomeric (E)-3-(2',5'-dimethylphenyl)hex-4-enoic acids (4) by kinetically controlled bromolactonization with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). γ-Bromo-δ-lactones (5) were isolated as the major products. Absolute configurations of stereogenic centers of γ-bromo-δ-lactones (5) were assigned based on X-ray analysis; configurations of cis δ-bromo-γ-lactones (6) and trans δ-bromo-γ-lactones (7) were determined based on mechanism of bromolactonization. Synthesized compounds exhibited significant antiproliferative activity towards the four canine cancer cell lines (D17, CLBL-1, CLB70, and GL-1) and one human cancer line (Jurkat). Classifying the compounds in terms of activity, the most active were enantiomers of trans δ-bromo-γ-lactones (7) followed by enantiomers of cis isomer (6) and enantiomeric γ-bromo-δ-lactones (5). Higher activity was observed for all stereoisomers with S configuration at C-4 in comparison with their enantiomers with 4R configuration. Synthesized compounds did not induce hemolysis of erythrocytes. The results of the interaction of bromolactones with red blood cell membranes suggest that these compounds incorporate into biological membranes, concentrating mainly in the hydrophilic part of the bilayer but have practically no influence on fluidity in the hydrophobic region. The differences in interactions with the membrane between particular enantiomers were observed only for γ-lactones: stronger interactions were found for enantiomer 4R,5R,6S of cis γ-lactone (6) and for enantiomer 4S,5R,6S of trans γ-lactone (7).

An In Vitro Study of the Effect of Cytotoxic Triorganotin Dimethylaminophenylazobenzoate Complexes on Red Blood Cells.

Interactions of tributyltin (TBTA) and triphenyltin (TPhTA) 2-[4 (dimethylamino)phenylazo]benzoates, showing promising cytostatic activity against tumor cells, with erythrocytes and with erythrocyte membranes and model lipid membranes have been investigated. The effect of TBTA and TPhTA on the erythrocyte and its model membrane was investigated by the microscopic and spectroscopic methods. Interaction of tin complexes with the membrane was determined on the basis of hemolytic activity, changes induced in the shape of erythrocytes, as well as physicochemical parameters of the membrane, such as fluidity. The studies showed that the compounds in higher concentration induce hemolysis; however, TBTA is more toxic than TPhTA. Both TBTA and TPhTA induce morphological alterations in red blood cells-from discocytes to spherocytes and from discocytes to echinocytes. The results suggest that investigated complexes interact with the erythrocyte membrane, change its properties, and probably locate themselves in the hydrophilic part of the membrane, which agrees with conclusions drawn from investigation of erythrocyte membranes and model lipid membranes with the help of fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy.

The Impact of O-Glycosylation on Cyanidin Interaction with POPC Membranes: Structure-Activity Relationship.

Cyanidin and its O-glycosides have many important physiological functions in plants and beneficial effects on human health. Their biological activity is not entirely clear and depends on the structure of the molecule, in particular, on the number and type of sugar substituents. Therefore, in this study the detailed structure-activity relationship (SARs) of the anthocyanins/anthocyanidins in relation to their interactions with lipid bilayer was determined. On the basis of their antioxidant activity and the changes induced by them in size and Zeta potential of lipid vesicles, and mobility and order of lipid acyl chains, the impact of the number and type of sugar substituents on the biological activity of the compounds was evaluated. The obtained results have shown, that 3-O-glycosylation changes the interaction of cyanidin with lipid bilayer entirely. The 3-O-glycosides containing a monosaccharide induces greater changes in physical properties of the lipid membrane than those containing disaccharides. The presence of additional sugar significantly reduces glycoside interaction with model lipid membrane. Furthermore, O-glycosylation alters the ability of cyanidin to scavenge free radicals. This alteration depends on the type of free radicals and the sensitivity of the method used for their determination.

Interaction of procyanidin B3 with membrane lipids - Fluorescence, DSC and FTIR studies.

Procyanidins, contained in many products abundant in human diet, exhibit high biological activity. However, this activity has not been fully explained at cellular and molecular levels. In this study, we determine the mechanism of interaction of procyanidin B3 with model lipid membrane. This mechanism was established on the basis of changes induced by B3 in the physical properties of lipid bilayer. The changes were investigated using steady state and time-resolved fluorescence, DSC, and FTIR. We show that procyanidin B3 causes changes in the arrangement of the polar heads of lipids, order of their acyl chains and the main lipid phase transition temperature. Furthermore, its presence in the membrane leads to a reduction in membrane dipole potential. Procyanidin B3 is anchored to membrane via hydrogen bonds formed between its OH groups and the PO2- and CO groups of lipids, causing changes in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the membrane.

POLYPHENOL CONTENT AND BIOACTIVITY OF SASKATOON (AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA NUTT.) LEAVES AND BERRIES.

The studies were designed to determine the polyphenolic composition and biological activity of extracts from fruits (SFE) and leaves (SLE) of Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) in relation to erythrocyte membranes. A detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of extracts was conducted, using the chro- matographic (UPLC-DAD, UPLC-ESI-MS) and spectrophotometric (Folin-Ciocalteu) methods. The biological activity of the extracts was investigated in relation to erythrocytes and isolated membranes of erythrocytes by using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric and microscopic methods and determined on the basis of hemolytic and antioxidant activity of the extracts and their impact on physical properties of the membrane such as: osmotic resistance, shape of erythrocytes, packing order of the polar head of lipids and fluidity of the membrane. The results showed that the tested extracts are rich sources of polyphenols, primarily from the group of flavonoids; in leaves dominating flavonols and anthocyanins in fruits. The SFE and SLE extracts to varying degree modify the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane, causing formation of echinocytes, an increase in osmotic resistance and changes in the polar part of the membrane. Furthermore, the substances markedly protect erythrocytes and their membranes against oxidation induced by different physico-chemical factors. The findings indicate that the polyphenolic compounds contained in extracts of Saskatoon do not destroy biological membranes but effectively protect them against oxidation by way of interacting with the membrane surface. The extracts could effectively protect the organism and food products from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Physical Effects of Buckwheat Extract on Biological Membrane In Vitro and Its Protective Properties.

Buckwheat is a valuable source of many biologically active compounds and nutrients. It has properties that reduce blood cholesterol levels, and so reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, seals the capillaries, and lowers blood pressure. The aim of the study was to determine quantitative and qualitative characteristics of polyphenols contained in extracts from buckwheat husks and stalks, the biological activity of the extracts, and biophysical effects of their interaction with the erythrocyte membrane, treated as a model of the cell. An analysis of the extract's composition has shown that buckwheat husk and stalk extracts are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, the stalk extracts showing more compounds than the husk extract. The study allowed to determine the location which incorporated polyphenols occupy in the erythrocyte membrane and changes in the membrane properties caused by them. It was found that the extracts do not induce hemolysis of red blood cells, causing an increase in osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. They affect mainly the hydrophilic region by changing the degree of order of the polar heads of lipids, but do little to change the fluidity of the membrane and its hydration. The results showed also that polyphenolic substances included in the extracts well protect the membranes of red blood cells against oxidation and exhibit anti-inflammatory effect.

Molecular mechanism of action of chlorogenic acid on erythrocyte and lipid membranes.

The high antioxidant capacity of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in respect to biological systems is commonly known, though the molecular mechanism underlying that activity is not known. The aim of the study was to determine that mechanism at the molecular and cell level, in particular with regard to the erythrocyte and the lipid phase of its membrane. The effect of CGA on erythrocytes and lipid membranes was studied using microscopic, spectrophotometric and electric methods. The biological activity of the acid was determined on the basis of changes in the physical parameters of the membrane, in particular its osmotic resistance and shapes of erythrocytes, polar head packing order and fluidity of erythrocyte membrane as well as capacity and resistivity of black lipid membrane (BLM). The study showed that CGA becomes localized mainly in the outer part of membrane, does not induce hemolysis or change the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes, and induces formation of echinocytes. The values of generalized polarization and fluorescence anisotropy indicate that CGA alters the hydrophilic region of the membrane, practically without changing the fluidity in the hydrophobic region. The assay of electric parameters showed that CGA causes decreased capacity and resistivity of black lipid membranes. The overall result is that CGA takes position mainly in the hydrophilic region of the membrane, modifying its properties. Such localization allows the acid to reduce free radicals in the immediate vicinity of the cell and hinders their diffusion into the membrane interior.

Modification of the properties of biological membrane and its protection against oxidation by Actinidia arguta leaf extract.

The aim of the study was to determine the polyphenol composition and biological activity of an extract from the leaves of kiwi. Antioxidant and hemolytic activity of the extract were examined, as well as its effect on the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane such as osmotic resistance, membrane fluidity, and packing order of its hydrophilic area. Antioxidant activity of the extract was determined in relation to the erythrocyte membrane oxidized with free radicals induced by UVB and UVC radiation and the compound AAPH. Chromatographic, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods were applied in the research. The obtained results showed that kiwi leaves are a rich source of polyphenolic substances, mainly catechins and their dimers, which do not induce red blood cell hemolysis but make them stronger and more resistant to changes in medium tonicity. Substances contained in the extract effectively protect erythrocyte membranes against oxidation induced by physicochemical factors, the effectiveness of the protection depending on the concentration and type of free radical inducer. In addition, the study showed that the kiwi extract increases fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane and causes an increase in packing disorder in the hydrophilic membrane area. The changes seem to be due to the presence of polyphenolic substances in the extract, mainly in the region of the polar heads of lipids, where they can form a barrier protecting the membrane against diffusion of free radicals to the membrane interior. The effects of the extract evidenced by the present research, in particular protection of the biological membrane against free radicals induced by physicochemical agents, make it a potential valuable food additive, to enrich it with polyphenolic compounds that inhibit lipid oxidation in food exposed to UVB radiation. Supplementing the organism with substances contained in kiwi leaves is expected to provide protection against many diseases that develop as a result of oxidative stress.

Role of structural changes induced in biological membranes by hydrolysable tannins from sumac leaves (Rhus typhina L.) in their antihemolytic and antibacterial effects.

In this study, we found that the sumac tannins (Rhus typhina L.) exert to a various extent antihemolytic effects and antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa depending on structural specificity of bacteria and different mechanisms of their toxic action. The sumac tannins exert the most expressed activity against B. cereus. The antihemolytic effect of the sumac tannins seems to be connected to a greater extent with their modifying action on the erythrocyte membrane structure. It was found that the sumac tannins are incorporated into the erythrocyte membrane, causing transformation of discocytes into echinocytes and enhancing the rigidity of the hydrophilic region of the lipid bilayer. We suggest that the embedding of sumac tannins into the membrane of erythrocytes alters their physical properties and, as a consequence, can limit their interaction with bacterial toxins.

Biological activity of blackcurrant Extracts (Ribes nigrum L.) in relation to erythrocyte membranes.

Compounds contained in fruits and leaves of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) are known as agents acting preventively and therapeutically on the organism. The HPLC analysis showed they are rich in polyphenol anthocyanins in fruits and flavonoids in leaves, that have antioxidant activity and are beneficial for health. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of blackcurrant fruit and leaf extracts on the physical properties of the erythrocyte membranes and assess their antioxidant properties. The effect of the extracts on osmotic resistance, shape of erythrocytes and hemolytic and antioxidant activity of the extracts were examined with spectrophotometric methods. The FTIR investigation showed that extracts modify the erythrocyte membrane and protect it against free radicals induced by UV radiation. The results show that the extracts do not induce hemolysis and even protect erythrocytes against the harmful action of UVC radiation, while slightly strengthening the membrane and inducing echinocytes. The compounds contained in the extracts do not penetrate into the hydrophobic region, but bind to the membrane surface inducing small changes in the packing arrangement of the polar head groups of membrane lipids. The extracts have a high antioxidant activity. Their presence on the surface of the erythrocyte membrane entails protection against free radicals.

[The plant anticoagulants with perspective to use in treatment of thrombosis]. / Antykoagulanty pochodzenia roslinnego z perspektywa wykorzystania w leczeniu zakrzepic.

The diseases of blood circulation system--cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality in developing, low and middle-income countries all over the world. The specialists recommend the prophylaxis to avoid the dangerous complications connected with these diseases, what can reduce the final treatment costs. All over the world there is continuous research of novel, therapeutically better, more effective anticoagulant or anti-platelet agents, with multiple targets, without so many side effects. Plant material is a good source to do this kind of research. The authors show the results of their few years research on polyphenolic-polysaccharide plant conjugates, isolated from medicinal plants, popular in Poland, which is continuing in the framework of the project WROVASC--Integrated Center of Cardiovascular Medicine. This research group has been working on isolation, structure characterization and biological activity of these macromolecular compounds. Because of anticoagulant, antioxidant as well as anti-platelet properties of these plant structures they are promising to be a new source of the innovative therapeutic agent.

Activity of hawthorn leaf and bark extracts in relation to biological membrane.

The aim of the study was to identify and determine the percent content of polyphenols in extracts from leaves and hawthorn bark, to examine the effect of the extracts on the properties of the biological membrane as well as to determine their antioxidant activity toward membrane lipids. In particular, a biophysical investigation was conducted on the effect of hawthorn extracts on the osmotic resistance and morphology of erythrocyte cells and on the packing of the heads of membrane lipids. Analysis of the polyphenol content of extracts used the HPLC method. Analysis of the polyphenol composition has shown a dominant share of procyanidins and epicatechin in both extracts. The research showed that the polyphenolic compounds contained in hawthorn extracts are incorporated mainly into the hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte membrane, inducing echinocyte shapes. They also diminish the packing order of the lipid polar heads of the membrane, as evidenced by the lowered generalized polarization values of Laurdan. The substances used induced increased osmotic pressure of erythrocytes, making them less sensitive to changes in osmotic pressure. The presence of the extract compounds in the outer hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte membrane, evidenced by examination of the shapes and packing in the hydrophilic part of membrane, indicates that the substances constitute a kind of barrier that protects the erythrocyte membrane against free radicals, while the membrane-bound extracts do not disturb the membrane structure and, thus, do not cause any side effects.

Gemini ester quat surfactants and their biological activity.

Cationic gemini surfactants are an important class of surface-active compounds that exhibit much higher surface activity than their monomeric counterparts. This type of compound architecture lends itself to the compound being easily adsorbed at interfaces and interacting with the cellular membranes of microorganisms. Conventional cationic surfactants have high chemical stability but poor chemical and biological degradability. One of the main approaches to the design of readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants involves inserting a bond with limited stability into the surfactant molecule to give a cleavable surfactant. The best-known example of such a compound is the family of ester quats, which are cationic surfactants with a labile ester bond inserted into the molecule. As part of this study, a series of gemini ester quat surfactants were synthesized and assayed for their biological activity. Their hemolytic activity and changes in the fluidity and packing order of the lipid polar heads were used as the measures of their biological activity. A clear correlation between the hemolytic activity of the tested compounds and their alkyl chain length was established. It was found that the compounds with a long hydrocarbon chain showed higher activity. Moreover, the compounds with greater spacing between their alkyl chains were more active. This proves that they incorporate more easily into the lipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane and affect its properties to a greater extent. A better understanding of the process of cell lysis by surfactants and of their biological activity may assist in developing surfactants with enhanced selectivity and in widening their range of application.

Interaction of selected anthocyanins with erythrocytes and liposome membranes.

Anthocyanins are one of the main flavonoid groups. They are responsible for, e.g., the color of plants and have antioxidant features and a wide spectrum of medical activity. The subject of the study was the following compounds that belong to the anthocyanins and which can be found, e.g., in strawberries and chokeberries: callistephin chloride (pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside chloride) and ideain chloride (cyanidin-3-O-galactoside chloride). The aim of the study was to determine the compounds' antioxidant activity towards the erythrocyte membrane and changes incurred by the tested anthocyanins in the lipid phase of the erythrocyte membrane, in liposomes composed of erythrocyte lipids and in DPPC, DPPC/cholesterol and egg lecithin liposomes. In particular, we studied the effect of the two selected anthocyanins on red blood cell morphology, on packing order in the lipid hydrophilic phase, on fluidity of the hydrophobic phase, as well as on the temperature of phase transition in DPPC and DPPC/cholesterol liposomes. Fluorimetry with the Laurdan and Prodan probes indicated increased packing density in the hydrophilic phase of the membrane in the presence of anthocyanins. Using the fluorescence probes DPH and TMA-DPH, no effect was noted inside the hydrophobic phase of the membrane, as the lipid bilayer fluidity was not modified. The compounds slightly lowered the phase transition temperature of phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The study has shown that both anthocyanins are incorporated into the outer region of the erythrocyte membrane, affecting its shape and lipid packing order, which is reflected in the increasing number of echinocytes. The investigation proved that the compounds penetrate only the outer part of the external lipid layer of liposomes composed of erythrocyte lipids, DPPC, DPPC/cholesterol and egg lecithin lipids, changing its packing order. Fluorimetry studies with DPH-PA proved that the tested anthocyanins are very effective antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of the compounds was comparable with the activity of Trolox®.

Interaction between plant polyphenols and the erythrocyte membrane.

The purpose of these studies was to determine the effect of polyphenols contained in extracts from apple, strawberry and blackcurrant on the properties of the erythrocyte membrane, treated as a model of the biological membrane. To this end, the effect of the substances used on hemolysis, osmotic resistance and shape of erythrocytes, and on packing order in the hydrophilic region of the erythrocyte membrane was studied. The investigation was performed with spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods, and using the optical microscope. The hemolytic studies have shown that the extracts do not induce hemolysis at the concentrations used. The results obtained from the spectrophotometric measurements of osmotic resistance of erythrocytes showed that the polyphenols contained in the extracts cause an increase in the resistance, rendering them less prone to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions of sodium chloride. The fluorimetric studies indicate that the used substances cause a decrease of packing order in the hydrophilic area of membrane lipids. The observations of erythrocyte shapes in a biological optical microscope have shown that, as a result of the substances' action, the erythrocytes become mostly echinocytes, which means that the polyphenols of the extracts localize in the outer lipid monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane. The results obtained indicate that, in the concentration range used, the plant extracts are incorporated into the hydrophilic area of the membrane, modifying its properties.

The location of organotins within the erythrocyte membrane in relation to their toxicity.

The aim of the present study on organotin compounds, which are toxic to biological systems, was to determine the relationship between the compounds' toxicity and their location in the lipid bilayer of the biological membrane. It was assumed that the degree of disturbance caused within the lipid bilayer of the membrane, which in turn depends on the depth of incorporation, was an appropriate measure of toxicity. Previous results from our studies on the effect of organotin chlorides on membranes, made by using infrared radiation and hemolysis of erythrocytes, indicated that tributyltin (TBT) is the most active in terms of its interaction with the erythrocyte membrane. This compound causes the most severe hemolysis of erythrocytes and dehydration of membrane constituents. In order to connect the changes induced within the membrane structure with the compounds' location, we have investigated erythrocyte shape changes using both microscopic and fluorimetric methods. The microscopic results show that organotin compounds accumulate in the outer monolayer of the membrane. The fluorimetric studies indicate that all the compounds are present in the hydrophilic part of the outer lipid monolayer, and change the order parameter of the layer. However, only tributyltin, by being incorporated into the hydrophobic region of the monolayer, changes the fluidity in the alkyl chain region of the erythrocyte membrane. Furthermore, only TBT is present in both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, as evidenced by the changed order parameter of the polar groups and fluorescence anisotropy of DPH probe in the hydrophobic region, these being connected with its high toxicity.

Changes Caused by Fruit Extracts in the Lipid Phase of Biological and Model Membranes.

The aim of the study was to determine changes incurred by polyphenolic compounds from selected fruits in the lipid phase of the erythrocyte membrane, in liposomes formed of erythrocyte lipids and phosphatidylcholine liposomes. In particular, the effect of extracts from apple, chokeberry, and strawberry on the red blood cell morphology, on packing order in the lipid hydrophilic phase, on fluidity of the hydrophobic phase, as well as on the temperature of phase transition in DPPC liposomes was studied. In the erythrocyte population, the proportions of echinocytes increased due to incorporation of polyphenolic compounds. Fluorimetry with a laurdan probe indicated increased packing density in the hydrophilic phase of the membrane in presence of polyphenolic extracts, the highest effect being observed for the apple extract. Using the fluorescence probes DPH and TMA-DPH, no effect was noted inside the hydrophobic phase of the membrane, as the lipid bilayer fluidity was not modified. The polyphenolic extracts slightly lowered the phase transition temperature of phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The studies have shown that the phenolic compounds contained in the extracts incorporate into the outer region of the erythrocyte membrane, affecting its shape and lipid packing order, which is reflected in the increasing number of echinocytes. The compounds also penetrate the outer part of the external lipid layer of liposomes formed of natural and DPPC lipids, changing its packing order.

Modifications of erythrocyte membrane hydration induced by organic tin compounds.

A study on the effects of selected organic chlorides of tin on the extent of hydration of the lipid bilayer of erythrocyte ghosts from pig blood is presented. The following compounds were used, dibutyltin dichloride (DBT), tributyltin chloride (TBT), diphenyltin dichloride (DPhT) and triphenyltin chloride (TPhT). The degree of membrane hydration was measured by the ATR FTIR technique, which makes it possible to estimate the level of carbonyl and phosphate group hydration in lipids of membranes. Other measurements were made with a fluorescence technique involving a laurdan probe. Tin organic compounds caused dehydration of the lipid bilayer of ghosts in the region of the carbonyl groups. DBT and TBT produced weak dehydration in the region of the phosphate group, whereas DPhT and TPhT increased hydration. The results allow one to determine the location of organotin compounds within a membrane, and show that TBT penetrates the membrane the deepest and DBT the shallowest. Phenyl tin compounds penetrate membranes to an intermediate depth. The results obtained indicate that the destructive properties of the organometallic compounds depend mostly on their effect on hydration of the membrane.

Biological activity of new N-oxides of tertiary amines.

Potential biological properties of newly synthesized single and double alkyl chain N-oxides of tertiary amines (NTA) were studied. Individual compounds in each of the series had alkyl chains of different length. Various experiments were performed to determine a mechanism of the interaction between NTA and model and biological membranes. These were measurements of hemolytic efficiencies of NTA (pig erythrocytes), their influence on the transition temperatures (DPPC liposomes), on potassium leakage from cucumber, its growth and chlorophyll content (Cucumis sativus cv. Krak F1), and on the resting membrane potential in alga cells (Nitellopsis obtusa). Also, prevention of erythrocyte membrane lipid oxidation induced by UV irradiation was studied. Potential antioxidative properties of NTA were additionally tested in radical chromogen (ABTS) experiments in which antioxidative efficiencies of NTA were compared to that of the standard antioxidant Trolox. It was found that NTA readily interacted with erythrocyte membranes. Their hemolyzing efficiency increased with the alkyl chain length. Slightly more intensive interaction was found for double alkyl chain compounds. Similar results were obtained in DSC experiments, where incorporation of NTA into liposomal membranes shifted the main transition temperatures and caused a broadening of the main transition peaks depending on the alkyl chain length. Double alkyl chain compounds were also found more efficiently influencing the growth of cucumber. Influence of NTA on the resting membrane potential of algae cells was not quite following the alkyl chain length rule found in erythrocyte and liposome experiments. Also potassium leakage and chlorophyll content determined in physiological experiments were not following the increase of lipophilicity of compounds. Most efficiently influencing those parameters were NTA having shorter alkyl chains, and efficiencies of single alkyl chain compounds were evidently stronger. Both methods used to test the antioxidative properties of NTA showed that they depended on the alkyl chain lengths of compounds within each series, but double alkyl chain ones exhibited markedly greater efficiency.