Atomic force microscopy of supported lipid bilayers.
Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are widely used in biophysical research to investigate the properties of biological membranes and offer exciting prospects in nanobiotechnology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become a well-established technique for imaging SLBs at nanometer resolution. A unique feature of AFM is its ability to monitor dynamic processes, such as the interaction of bilayers with proteins and drugs. Here, we present protocols for preparing dioleoylphosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC/DPPC) bilayers supported on mica using small unilamellar vesicles and for imaging their nanoscale interaction with the antibiotic azithromycin using AFM. The entire protocol can be completed in 10 h.
Mingeot-Leclercq
Marie-Paule
MP
Unité de Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Deleu
Magali
M
Brasseur
Robert
R
Dufrêne
Yves F
YF
D003902:Detergents; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties
D003902:Detergents; D008051:Lipid Bilayers