Biomimetic Membranes of Lipid–Peptide Model Systems Prepared on Solid Support

Author(s): Li, Chenghao, Doru Constantin, Tim Salditt

Journal: J. Phys.: Condens. Matter (2003) 16: s2439-s2453.

Abstract:
The structure of membrane-active peptides and their interaction with lipid bilayers can be studied in oriented lipid membranes deposited on solid substrates. Such systems are desirable for a number of surface-sensitive techniques. Here we focus on structural characterization by x-ray and neutron reflectivity and give an account of recent progress in sample preparation and measurements. We showthat the degree of mesoscopic disorder in the films can significantly influence the scattering curves. Static defects should beminimized by optimization of the preparation techniques and their presence must be taken into account in themodelling. Examples are given for alamethicin and magainin in bilayers of different phosphocholines.