Evaluation of the Interaction between Pesticides and a Cell Membrane Model by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy Analysis

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy analysis was used for the characterization of the interaction between pesticides and a cell membrane model. A liposome was immobilized onto the surface of the SPR sensor chip (L1), and the lipid bilayer membrane formed on the sensor chip was regarded as the cell membrane model. The solution containing a pesticide was flowed onto the sensor chip, and an SPR sensorgram, which reflected the interaction between the pesticide and the lipid bilayer membrane, was obtained. As the results, the pattern and strength of the interaction of the pesticides with the cell membrane model were visualized and quantified. Triflumizole, hexythiazox, and pentachlorophenol showed a strong interaction with the lipid bilayer. It is well-known that triflumizole and pentachlorophenol interact with the membrane and reveal toxicities for cell membranes. In addition, there was a tendency for higher residual ratios to be observed when the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) values for chronic toxicity (1 year toxicity study in dogs) were lower. We suggest that a novel parameter for the evaluation or presumption of the behaviors and chronic toxicities of pesticides is obtained by the presented method.