Quantitative membrane electrostatics with the atomic force microscope

Biophys J. 2007 Mar 15;92(6):1966-74. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.106.093328. Epub 2006 Dec 8.

Abstract

The atomic force microscope (AFM) is sensitive to electric double layer interactions in electrolyte solutions, but provides only a qualitative view of interfacial electrostatics. We have fully characterized silicon nitride probe tips and other experimental parameters to allow a quantitative electrostatic analysis by AFM, and we have tested the validity of a simple analytical force expression through numerical simulations. As a test sample, we have measured the effective surface charge density of supported zwitterionic dioleoylphosphatidylcholine membranes with a variable fraction of anionic dioleoylphosphatidylserine. The resulting surface charge density and surface potential values are in quantitative agreement with those predicted by the Gouy-Chapman-Stern model of membrane charge regulation, but only when the numerical analysis is employed. In addition, we demonstrate that the AFM can detect double layer forces at a separation of several screening lengths, and that the probe only perturbs the membrane surface potential by <2%. Finally, we demonstrate 50-nm resolution electrostatic mapping on heterogeneous model membranes with the AFM. This novel combination of capabilities demonstrates that the AFM is a unique and powerful probe of membrane electrostatics.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry*
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Potentials*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Phospholipids / chemistry*
  • Static Electricity*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Phospholipids