AFM for structure and dynamics of biomembranes

We review structure and dynamic measurements of biomembranes by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We focus mainly on studies involving supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), particularly formation by vesicle rupture on flat and corrugated surfaces, nucleation and growth of domains in phase-separated systems,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochimica et biophysica acta 2009, Vol.1788 (1), p.254-266
Main Authors: Goksu, Emel I., Vanegas, Juan M., Blanchette, Craig D., Lin, Wan-Chen, Longo, Marjorie L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Atomic force microscopy
Cell Membrane - chemistry
General anesthetic
Humans
Lipid Bilayers - chemical synthesis
Lipid Bilayers - chemistry
Lipid domain
Membrane protein
Membranes, Artificial
Microscopy, Atomic Force - methods
Models, Biological
Supported lipid bilayer
Thermodynamics
Vesicle rupture
Yeasts - chemistry
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Summary:We review structure and dynamic measurements of biomembranes by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We focus mainly on studies involving supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), particularly formation by vesicle rupture on flat and corrugated surfaces, nucleation and growth of domains in phase-separated systems, anesthetic–lipid interactions, and protein/peptide interactions in multicomponent systems. We show that carefully designed experiments along with real-time AFM imaging with superior lateral and z resolution (0.1 nm) have revealed quantitative details of the mechanisms and factors controlling vesicle rupture, domain shape and size, phase transformations, and some model biological interactions. The AFM tip can also be used as a mechanical transducer and incorporated in electrochemical measurements of membrane components; therefore, we touch on these important applications in both model and cell membranes.
ISSN:0005-2736
0006-3002
1879-2642
DOI:10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.08.021