Structure and Nanomechanics of Model Membranes by Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectroscopy: Insights into the Role of Cholesterol and Sphingolipids.

摘要: Biological membranes mediate several biological processes that are directly associated with their physical properties but sometimes difficult to evaluate. Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) model systems widely used characterize the structure of membranes. Cholesterol (Chol) plays an essential role in modulation membrane properties. It influences order and mechanical stability bilayers, it is known laterally segregate rafts outer leaflet together sphingolipids (SLs). Atomic force microscope (AFM) a powerful tool as capable sense apply forces high accuracy, distance resolution at nanoscale, controlled environment. AFM-based spectroscopy (AFM-FS) has become crucial technique study nanomechanical SLBs by controlling liquid media temperature variations. In this contribution, we review recent AFM AFM-FS studies on effect Chol morphology SLBs, including complex containing SLs. We also introduce promising combination X-ray (XR) techniques allows for situ characterization dynamic processes, providing structural, morphological, information.