Building a biomimetic membrane for neutron reflectivity investigation: Complexity, asymmetry and contrast

Biophysical Chemistry
Valeria RondelliLaura Cantù

Abstract

The preparation and investigation of model membranes is deserving growing interest both for the physics of complex systems, and for biology. The need of simplified models should preserve mimicking the qualifying characteristics of biological membranes, and keep non-invasive and detailed description. As a main feature, biological membranes are non-homogeneous in the disposition of components, both in the lateral and in the transverse direction. We prepared asymmetric supported membranes containing GM1 ganglioside in biomimetic proportion according to different protocols. Then, we studied their internal structure by neutron reflectometry, providing few-Angstrom sensitivity in the cross direction meanwhile avoiding radiation damage. This technique can also be profitably applied to study interactions at the membrane surface. The best protocol has proven to be the Langmuir-Blodgett/Langmuir-Schaefer depositions. Notably, also the simpler and most accessible protocol of vesicle fusion was found to be suitable for straightforward and good quality deposition of compositionally asymmetric membranes.

Citations

Aug 1, 2019·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Valeria RondelliPaola Brocca
May 22, 2021·Frontiers in Chemistry·Benjamin KrugmannAndreas M Stadler
Jul 7, 2018·Chemical Reviews·Carmanah D HunterChristopher W Cairo
Oct 19, 2017·Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids·Samantha MicciullaEmanuel Schneck

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