Nonintercalating nanosubstrates create asymmetry between bilayer leaflets.

ABSTRACT: The physical properties of lipid bilayers can be remodeled by a variety of environmental factors. Here we investigate using molecular dynamics simulations the specific effects of nanoscopic substrates or external contact points on lipid membranes. We expose palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers unilaterally and separately to various model nanosized substrates differing in surface hydroxyl densities. We find that a surface hydroxyl density as low as 10% is sufficient to keep the bilayer juxtaposed to the substrate. The bilayer interacts with the substrate indirectly through multiple layers of water molecules; however, despite such buffered interaction, the bilayers exhibit certain properties different from unsupported bilayers. The substrates modify transverse lipid fluctuations, ch

SUBMITTER: Varma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6488221 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature