Formation and Nanoscale Characterization of Asymmetric Supported Lipid Bilayers Containing Raft-Like Domains

Abstract

The development of new strategies for achieving stable asymmetric membrane models has turned interleaflet lipid asymmetry into a topic of major interest. Cyclodextrin-mediated lipid exchange constitutes a simple and versatile method for preparing asymmetric membrane models without the need for sophisticated equipment. Here we describe a protocol for preparing asymmetric supported lipid bilayers mimicking membrane rafts by cyclodextrin-mediated lipid exchange and the main guidelines for obtaining structural information and quantitative measures of their mechanical properties using Atomic force microscopy and Force spectroscopy; two powerful techniques that allow membrane characterization at the nanoscale.

Keywords: Atomic force microscopy-Force spectroscopy; Cyclodextrins; Lipid domains; Lipid exchange; Membrane asymmetry; Supported lipid bilayers.