Self-Organisation of Phospholipid Films on Au Electrodes Studied with In Situ Infrared Spectroscopy
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Chemistry
Abstract
This proposal seeks to investigate the physicochemical properties of phospholipid bilayers formed at electrode surfaces, using powerful in situ infrared spectroscopic techniques. Lipid bilayers are particularly attractive models for biological cell membranes and the proposed research will provide a quantitative understanding of the structure and organisation of lipid films, which can be exploited to study binding and function of proteins and to manufacture biosensors. The strategy of this project is to progress from simple models towards more complex and physiologically realistic systems. Its essence is the combination of the control of an electric field and the simultaneous acquisition of structural information at the molecular level to probe biomimetic films. The electric field is controlled by varying the potential applied to the electrode and is of intensity comparable with those experienced by biological membranes. The following key issues will be addressed: the effect of lipid headgroup on molecular packing of the films, the influence of the applied electric field on the organisation of the films and the structural effect of protein binding on the membrane.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Sarah Horswell (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Hillman A
(2010)
Structure and dynamics of phospholipid bilayer films under electrochemical control
in Faraday Discuss.
Madrid E
(2014)
Effect of Electric Field on Structure and Dynamics of Bilayers Formed From Anionic Phospholipids
in Electrochimica Acta
Madrid E
(2013)
Effect of headgroup on the physicochemical properties of phospholipid bilayers in electric fields: size matters.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Martin AL
(2023)
Effect of Anionic Lipids on Mammalian Plasma Cell Membrane Properties.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
| Description | The headgroup of a phospholipid molecule has been shown to have a strong impact on how molecules pack in bilayers, which are models of biological cell membranes. The choice of headgroup influences both the shape of the molecule and interactions between molecules. By choosing a smaller headgroup than that commonly employed to make model biological membranes, which also has stronger intermolecular interactions, it has been possible to form tightly packed, highly organised bilayers that are slightly thicker and have improved electrical barrier properties. These films also differ in their response to an electric field, which was applied to simulate the effects of differing ion concentrations on either side of a natural membrane. Films formed from more loosely packed molecules have greater response to the electric field. These properties have been determined by combining electrochemical methods with in situ infrared spectroscopy and neutron reflectivity. Very few studies using these methods have been reported previously and the infrared spectroscopic method was developed at Birmingham as part of the project. The technique has wide applicability to other electrochemical systems and studies of the solid-liquid interface and is being used in further projects. |
| Exploitation Route | Long-term: knowledge would be useful in sensor design and drug screening. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network |
| Amount | € 293,740 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 214936-2 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 08/2008 |
| End | 08/2012 |
| Description | Marie Curie Incoming International Fellowship |
| Amount | £173,130 (GBP) |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 12/2014 |
| End | 11/2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with University of Leicester |
| Organisation | University of Leicester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We contributed Physical Chemistry knowledge, electrochemical measurements and spectroscopic measurements. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Leicester contributed expertise in neutron reflectivity measurements of electrochemical interfaces |
| Impact | Successful applications for neutron beamtime. Journal article in Faraday Discussions. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Phospholipid Layers Supported on Au(111) Surfaces |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at the 63rd Annual meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Prague, Czech Republic, 2012. Questions and discussion afterwards. Invited to submit paper for journal issue (refereed). A paper was invited and has been published (on-line, no page numbers yet), see outcomes section. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Phospholipid Layers Supported on Au(111) Surfaces |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at conference "Electrochem 2011". Follow-up questions and discussion. Request received to visit laboratory and work with equipment that was funded by the award. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Phospholipid Layers at Au(111) Surfaces |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Type Of Presentation | paper presentation |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at the 61st Annual meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Nice, France, 2010. Talk provoked interesting questions and discussions and increased visibility of the research. Further contacts made (important for establishing this research group and increasing visibility internationally). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |