Air-water partitioning coefficient (Kaw)

Amphiphilic molecules adsorb at the air-water interface (a good model for the lipid bilayer), decreasing the surface tension. 

By measuring the air-water partitioning coefficient Kaw (using Gibbs adsorption isotherm), the lipophicility (= hydrophobicity) of a compound can be assessed.

> Too lipophilic compounds will be retained by the cell membrane:

• The air-water partitioning coefficient is a key parameter when investigating molecules and their ADME/Tox properties.
  

• With the high throughput Kibron Delta-8 this parameter is measured easily and rapidly.