Glossary Terms beginning with L
L
- Lees
-
The sediments obtained from an alcoholic beverage, such as wine, during fermentation and aging.
- Lipid
-
Fat or fat-like substance found in the cells of plants and animals that includes fats, waxes, oils, and related compounds.
- Liposomes
-
A liposome is a spherical vesicle composed of a bilayer membrane
. Liposomes
can be composed of naturally-derived phospholipids with mixed lipid
chains or of pure surfactant
components. Liposomes usually (but not always) contain a core of aqueous solution. Lipid spheres that contain no aqueous material are called micelles. A liposome can encapsulate different substances inside the “droplet” and, in this manner, act like a delivery system. Liposomes are useful for stabilizing ingredients that are sensitive to degradation when exposed to air.
- Lysate
-
The contents released from a cell
that has been broken apart.
- Lytic Agent
-
Substances that help to break down lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides into smaller components, usually by the action of enzymes.