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

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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.