Poly-L-lysine-induced morphology changes in mixed anionic/zwitterionic and neat zwitterionic-supported phospholipid bilayers

Biophys J. 2006 Oct 15;91(8):2919-27. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.106.082479. Epub 2006 Jul 28.

Abstract

Poly-L-lysine-induced morphological changes in liquid phase supported bilayers consisting of mixed anionic/zwitterionic and neat zwitterionic headgroup phospholipids were studied with atomic force microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy. Results obtained from these studies indicate that poly-L-lysine can induce domains, defects, and aggregate structures on both mixed bilayers and strictly zwitterionic bilayers. The structures formed on liquid phase supported bilayers were observed to be immobile from a timescale of 50 ms to several minutes. We propose that poly-L-lysine of sufficient length interacts with the mica substrate and phospholipids to create the stationary structures noted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Gels
  • Ions
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Phospholipids / chemistry*
  • Polylysine / chemistry*

Substances

  • Gels
  • Ions
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Phospholipids
  • Polylysine