multilamelláris

Multilamellar refers to a structure composed of multiple layers or lamellae. This term is commonly encountered in various scientific disciplines, particularly in materials science, biology, and chemistry, to describe materials or structures that exhibit this layered organization.

In materials science, multilamellar structures can be found in materials like graphite, which consists of stacked layers of carbon atoms. The properties of such materials are often dictated by the interactions between these individual lamellae. Similarly, some composite materials are designed to have a multilamellar arrangement to enhance their strength or other mechanical characteristics.

In biology, cell membranes are a prime example of multilamellar structures. A typical cell membrane is a lipid bilayer, but the term multilamellar can also describe more complex arrangements, such as the myelin sheath that insulates nerve axons, which is formed by multiple concentric layers of glial cell membranes. Certain types of liposomes, which are spherical vesicles used for drug delivery, can also be multilamellar, containing multiple concentric lipid bilayers.

In colloid science, multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) are a type of liposome formed by the sequential addition of lipid bilayers. These structures are of interest for encapsulating and delivering various substances. The precise arrangement and number of lamellae in a multilamellar structure can significantly influence its physical properties, such as permeability, stability, and optical characteristics. Understanding the lamellar organization is crucial for controlling and predicting the behavior of these materials and systems.