The atomic force microscope as a tool for studying phase separation in lipid membranes (Review)

Authors: Connell, Simon¹; Smith, D. Alastair¹

Source: Molecular Membrane Biology, Volume 23, Number 1, January–February 2006 , pp. 17-28(12)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

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Abstract:

Atomic force microscopy has developed into a powerful tool in the study of phase separation in lipid bilayers. Its ability to image a semi-fluid surface under buffer at nanometre lateral resolution and Angstrom resolution vertically allows us to distinguish phase separated lipid domains, models of the elusive rafts postulated to exist as functional platforms in the cellular membrane, which may only rise 0.3?nm above the surrounding membrane. This review charts the history of this development, and includes a description of sample preparation techniques, factors affecting image contrast mechanisms, its use in the investigation of the pre-transition ripple phase, and in the localization of cell surface proteins.

Keywords: AFM; bilayer; phase separation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09687860500501158

Affiliations: 1: Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

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