Mapping surface charge density of lipid bilayers by quantitative surface conductivity microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Local surface charge density of lipid membranes influences membrane-protein interactions leading to distinct functions in all living cells, and it is a vital parameter in understanding membrane-binding mechanisms, liposome design and drug delivery. Despite the significance, no method has so far been capable of mapping surface charge densities under physiologically relevant conditions. Here, we use a scanning nanopipette setup (scanning ion-conductance microscope) combined with a novel algorithm to investigate the surface conductivity near supported lipid bilayers, and we present a new approach, quantitative surface conductivity microscopy (QSCM), capable of mapping surface charge density with high-quantitative precision and nanoscale resolution. The method is validated through an extensive

SUBMITTER: Klausen LH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5007656 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature