Structural Modifications and Clustering of Low-Density Lipoproteins in Solution Induced by Heating

This work presents a systematic study of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in solutions subjected to subtle temperature changes, monitored by small angle X-ray scattering. From the data analysis, information about the equilibrium aggregation of the particles, as well as changes on the internal structure of the lipoproteins, were observed. The electron density profiles of the LDL particles were retrieved with a recently developed deconvolution method. Our results indicate that LDL particles keep their structure in the temperature range from about 22 degrees C up to 60 degrees C. Moreover, the formation of aggregates and their evolution as a function of time were monitored. Interestingly, when the temperature is raised to 80 degrees C, the results indicate the rupture of the particle and unspecific aggregation.