Aluminum ions are a well-known neurotoxin. They derive toxicity from the structural changes they induces in lipid membranes upon binding.  Al3+ is known to increase bilayer rigidity, facilitate vesicle fusion, and induce vesicle rupture.  However, the mechanisms for these processes are not fully understood.  We implement the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) technique to study the effects of aqueous Al3+ ions on 1:1 POPC-POPG Supported Lipid Bilayers (SLBs).  The QCM-D provides real-time monitoring of changes in mass and viscoelasticity of thin films, allowing one to determine the kinetics of binding processes. We combine these findings with molecular dynamics simulations to better understand the mechanism of the system.  Understanding Al3+-bilayer interactions is important for a better understanding of mechanism of toxicity of aluminum in biological systems.

QCM-D and computational study of Al<sup>3+</sup> effects on supported lipid bilayer structure

247th National Meeting (2014)

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QCM-D and computational study of Al3+ effects on supported lipid bilayer structure

QCM-D and computational study of Al³⁺ effects on supported lipid bilayer structure