General hydrophobic interaction potential for surfactant/lipid bilayers from direct force measurements between light-modulated bilayers.

ABSTRACT: We establish and quantify correlations among the molecular structures, interaction forces, and physical processes associated with light-responsive self-assembled surfactant monolayers or bilayers at interfaces. Using the surface forces apparatus (SFA), the interaction forces between adsorbed monolayers and bilayers of an azobenzene-functionalized surfactant can be drastically and controllably altered by light-induced conversion of trans and cis molecular conformations. These reversible conformation changes affect significantly the shape of the molecules, especially in the hydrophobic region, which induces dramatic transformations of molecular packing in self-assembled structures, causing corresponding modulation of electrostatic double layer, steric hydration, and hydrophobic interactions.

SUBMITTER: Donaldson SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3179125 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature