lipophobic
Lipophobic describes substances that exhibit little or no affinity for lipids. In chemistry, lipophobic compounds have low solubility in lipid or nonpolar environments and tend to be more soluble in polar solvents such as water. The term is often used in contrast with lipophilic, which denotes fat-loving or lipid-soluble substances. Lipophobicity is commonly associated with polarity, ionic charge, or strong hydrogen-bonding capability, which discourages dissolution in nonpolar lipid phases.
The behavior of lipophobic substances can be characterized by partitioning measurements, such as the octanol-water partition
In biology and pharmacology, lipophobic compounds may face challenges crossing lipid membranes, potentially limiting systemic distribution
Applications of the concept include the design of lipid-repellent or oil-repellent surfaces, selection of solvents and
See also: lipophilicity, hydrophilicity, oleophobic, partition coefficient.