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.
Stability and fusion of lipid layers on polyelectrolyte multilayer supports studied by colloidal force spectroscopy
Leporatti S;
2007
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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
