Interfacial insights: [6]-Gingerol monolayers at the air-water interface and beyond

Ginger is a culinary spice with a millennia-old tradition due to its extensive therapeutic applications, recently validated by scientific studies. In particular [6]-Gingerol, a key active molecule in ginger, exhibits extraordinary capabilities in addressing a wide spectrum of health issues. However, its therapeutic potential is limited by its rather low bioavailability. The incorporation of [6]-Gingerol into membrane systems of liposomes, micelles, or exosomes is a promising strategy to overcome this limitation. In this contribution, we report the hitherto unexplored surface properties of [6]-Gingerol at the air-water interface. Our comprehensive study, which includes a detailed analysis of surface pressure and surface potential vs. area per molecule isotherms, surface compression modulus, and Brewster Angle Microscopy, demonstrates the capability of [6]-Gingerol to form Langmuir films. These films can be transferred onto solid substrates, forming remarkably homogeneous Langmuir-Blodgett films which have been characterized by Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Atomic Force Microscopy. This study may be of interest as it paves the way for future research on introducing [6]-Gingerol into membrane systems and transporting it into living cells.