Studies of biomimetic cellular membranes using neutron reflection
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Date
2013-04-01
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American Scientific Publishers
Abstract
Although neutron reflectometry has been used to study surfaces and interfaces for decades, recent advances in sample preparation and novel data analysis techniques have revolutionised its applicability to the study of biomimetic cellular membranes. Methods for preparing biologically realistic lipid membranes include; molecular self-assembly via tethered phospholipids, the formation of floating hybrid bilayer membranes using Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaeffer techniques and adsorption of phospholipid micelles or vesicles onto hydrophilic surfaces. The formation of lipid monolayers at the air-water interface also provides a very good platform for the study of the interactions of biological agents with cell membranes. Central to the success of each of these studies is the use of selective deuteration of lipid and biological agents as well as contrast matching in the aqueous phase. Emphasis is given to the use neutron reflectometry to study mechanisms of diseases affecting cellular membranes. © 2013, American Scientific Publishers.
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Keywords
Phospholipids, Cell membranes, Lipids, Deuteration, Chemical reactions, Adsorption
Citation
Le Brun, A. P., Darwish, TA, & James, M. (2013). Studies of Biomimetic Cellular Membranes Using Neutron Reflection. Journal of Chemical and Biological Interfaces, 1(1), 3-24. doi:10.1166/jcbi.2013.1005