In order to mimic cell membranes, models are constructed from aqueous droplets in oil that are coated with lipid monolayers and joined at an interface (Droplet Interface Bilayer or DIB). These are useful for measurement of biophysical properties of membranes, such as bilayer tension and free energy of adhesion. In this study, interactions of model bilayers with various common molecules, such as ions, cholesterol, small hydrocarbons, and drug are investigated using tensiometry and contact angle measurement. Using interfacial tensions, measured by a pendant drop tensiometer, combined with the contact angle between a DIB, we determined the free energy of adhesion of bilayer stabilized by lipid (monoolein) in squalane. Our findings suggest that the bilayer tension and free energy of adhesion are sensitive to the structure of the lipids that form the bilayer and other surrounding molecules.

Interaction of small molecules with cell membrane models studied with tensiometry

256th National Meeting (2018)

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