Self-Assembly of Hybrid Lipid Membranes Doped with Hydrophobic Organic Molecules at the Water/Air Interface

J Vis Exp. 2020 May 1:(159). doi: 10.3791/60957.

Abstract

Because of their unique properties, including an ultrathin thickness (3-4 nm), ultrahigh resistivity, fluidity and self-assembly ability, lipid bilayers can be readily functionalized and have been used in various applications such as bio-sensors and bio-devices. In this study, we introduced a planar organic molecule: copper (II) 2,9,16,23-tetra-tert-butyl-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (CuPc) to dope lipid membranes. The CuPc/lipid hybrid membrane forms at the water/air interface by self-assembly. In this membrane, the hydrophobic CuPc molecules are located between the hydrophobic tails of lipid molecules, forming a lipid/CuPc/lipid sandwich structure. Interestingly, an air-stable hybrid lipid bilayer can be readily formed by transferring the hybrid membrane onto a Si substrate. We report a straightforward method for incorporating nanomaterials into a lipid bilayer system, which represents a new methodology for the fabrication of biosensors and biodevices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Air*
  • Copper / chemistry
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions*
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Isoindoles
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Silicon / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Isoindoles
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Water
  • Copper
  • phthalocyanine
  • Silicon