Calorimetric studies of macromolecular aqueous solutions

Both titration and differential scanning microcalorimetric techniques are shown to yield important information concerning the properties of macromolecules in aqueous solution. Application of titration calorimetry is examined in me context of deaggregation of canonic micelles (e.g. hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide), of guest-host interactions and of enzyme-substrate interactions (e.g. CAT(III) with chloramphenicol). Experimental data obtained using DSC are reviewed with reference to me thermal stability of enzymes (e.g. DNA-Gyrase) and to the gel to liquid crystal transition characterising vesicles formed by dialkylphosphates. In the latter, the dependence of the characteristic melting temperature T-m on chain length, counter canon and added solute is noted.