Adhesion, Deformation, and Fusion of Monolayers, Bilayers, and Membranes

在第一个研究阶段(为期两年)，利用新型的电子显微镜和表面力测量，研究了不同的层间力和双层的流动性对粘合和熔合双层的分子尺度变形的影响。这些实验确定了疏水作用力在黏附和融合中的特别重要作用。在这个后续项目中，建议进一步研究疏水、硬脂酸和离子相互作用如何在分子水平上起作用。研究了与疏水力和粘附力相关的各种随时间变化的效应。使用脂类混合物和脂蛋白膜。探讨了融合诱导蛋白如突触素的作用。表面力装置将与各种电子技术、扫描隧道技术和原子力显微镜技术并行使用。这些结果将对(I)发展直接研究真实生物膜的相互作用的能力具有重要意义以及其他生物大分子；(Ii)开发可控制生物技术过程中囊泡、脂质体和生物细胞的黏附或融合的化学品和工艺；以及(Iii)表面活性剂作为分散剂、浮选、泡沫和乳剂的有效性。

In the first (two-year) research period, the roles of different interbilayer forces and bilayer fluidity on the molecular-scale deformations of adhering and fusing bilayer using novel electron microscopy and surface force measurements have been studied. These experiments identified a particularly important role for hydrophobic forces in adhesion and fusion. In this follow-up project, it is further proposed to study how hydrophobic, stearic, and ionic interactions operate at the molecular level. Various time-dependent effects associated with hydrophobic forces and adhesion are investigated. Lipid mixtures and lipid-protein membranes are used. The effects of fusion-inducing proteins, such as Synexin, are probed. The Surface Forces Apparatus will be used in parallel with a variety of Electron, scanning Tunneling, and Atomic Force Microscopy techniques. The results will be important in (i) developing the capability to directly study the interactions of real biological membranes and of other biological macromolecule; (ii) the development of chemicals and processes which can control adhesion or fusion of vesicles, liposomes, and biological cells in biotechnological processes; and (iii) the effectiveness of surfactant as dispersant, in flotation, in foams, and in emulsions.