Atomic force microscopy of model lipid membranes

Sandrine Morandat (1) , Slim Azouzi (1, 2) , E. Beauvais (1, 2) , A. Mastouri (1, 2) , K. El Kirat (2)

1 GEC - Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire
2 BMBI - Biomécanique et Bioingénierie

Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are biomimetic model systems that are now widely used to address the biophysical and biochemical properties of biological membranes. Two main methods are usually employed to form SLBs: the transfer of two successive monolayers by Langmuir-Blodgett or Langmuir-Schaefer techniques, and the fusion of preformed lipid vesicles. The transfer of lipid films on flat solid substrates offers the possibility to apply a wide range of surface analytical techniques that are very sensitive. Among them, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has opened new opportunities for determining the nanoscale organization of SLBs under physiological conditions. In this review, we first focus on the different protocols generally employed to prepare SLBs. Then, we describe AFM studies on the nanoscale lateral organization and mechanical properties of SLBs. Lastly, we survey recent developments in the AFM monitoring of bilayer alteration, remodeling, or digestion, by incubation with exogenous agents such as drugs, proteins, peptides, and nanoparticles.

Mots clés: Atomic force microscopy; Force spectroscopy; Supported lipid bilayers; Biomimetic membranes; Nanoscale organization; Nanomechanics

Domaines: Biomécanique [physics.med-ph]

Sandrine Morandat, Slim Azouzi, E. Beauvais, A. Mastouri, K. El Kirat. Atomic force microscopy of model lipid membranes. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2013, 405, pp.1445-1461. ⟨10.1007/s00216-012-6383-y⟩. ⟨hal-00782691⟩