A thin layer of water confined between two phospholipid membranes controls the kinetics of membrane fusion. We will present direct measurements of the structure of this thin confined water layer between two phospholipid-coated surfaces using infrared-visible sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG). SFG selectively probes this interface without the need to correct for bulk contributions. Although there is a common consensus on the binding of water to the polar head groups, there is no direct experimental knowledge of the structure of this thin water layer between two phospholipids-coated surfaces. We will present the changes in the structure of this interface upon contact and during sliding. The interaction of zwitterionic and ionic head groups in contact with water will be discussed. Knowledge of this contact interface is important in understanding the crucial role water plays in hydration and fusion of membranes.

Interfacial structure of water confined between phospholipid-coated surfaces probed by infrared-visible Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) spectroscopy

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.