title: Stability and fusion of lipid layers on polyelectrolyte multilayer supports studied by colloidal force spectroscopy.
abstract: The interaction between lipid layers supported by polyelectrolyte multilayer cushions has been studied by means of colloidal force spectroscopy. In a typical experiment, a colloidal probe engineered with a layer-by-layer film and a lipid bilayer on top is approached to a planar surface coated in a symmetrical way. Kinks of a few nanometres in width appear when lipid layers are pressed together--reflecting either fusion processes between lipid layers or membranes, or the penetration of polymer blobs into or through the lipid layers. Retracting curves show a stepwise shape, which results from lipid tether formation or from polymer stretching, the latter suggesting that polyelectrolyte multilayers make contact as a result of penetration or lipid fusion.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. guido.koehler@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.forename: Sergio E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Moya
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leporatti
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bitterlich
authors.forename: Edwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Donath
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D008561:Membrane Fusion; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D004573:Electrolytes; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes