Stability and fusion of lipid layers on polyelectrolyte multilayer supports studied by colloidal force spectroscopy.
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.
Köhler
Guido
G
Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. guido.koehler@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Moya
Sergio E
SE
Leporatti
Stefano
S
Bitterlich
Christian
C
Donath
Edwin
E
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
D003102:Colloids; D004573:Electrolytes; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008081:Liposomes