Nanoscale analysis of supported lipid bilayers using atomic force microscopy

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Apr;1798(4):750-65. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.07.026. Epub 2009 Aug 6.

Abstract

During the past 15 years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has opened new opportunities for imaging supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) on the nanoscale. AFM offers a means to visualize the nanoscale structure of SLBs in physiological conditions. A unique feature of AFM is its ability to monitor dynamic events, like bilayer alteration, remodelling or digestion, upon incubation with various external agents such as drugs, detergents, proteins, peptides, nanoparticles, and solvents. Here, we survey recent progress made in the area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry
  • Membrane Lipids / metabolism
  • Membrane Microdomains / chemistry
  • Membrane Microdomains / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Proteins