  Morphological changes in a dry phospholipid film on a solid substrate were
studied below and above the main transition temperature, between the gel and
liquid-crystalline phases by phase-contrast microscopy and AFM. A Phospholipid
film in the liquid-crystalline phase exhibits flat, smooth layering, whereas
that in the gel phase shows rough, random layering. These film morphologies are
discussed in relation to the ability to form giant vesicles through the natural
swelling method.
