Nanomechanical Properties of Phospholipid Surfaces

 

Phospholipids spontaneously form membrane-mimetic structures in aqueous media. They have the capacity to host a variety of other amphiphilic molecules such as steroids, lipopolymers, polysaccharides, etc. However, these molecules introduce spatial variations in the properties of phospholipid membranes.

 

In our lab, we have been developing techniques to study the nanomechanical properties of phospholipid surfaces, in particular the effect of their composition on local fluidity and permeability. We are also investigating the elastic response of phospholipid surfaces to the intercalation of small and large biomolecules, which may aid in understanding various membrane processes.