Influence of adhesion-promoting glycolipids on the structure and stability of solid-supported lipid double-bilayers

Soft Matter. 2024 Feb 28;20(9):2113-2125. doi: 10.1039/d3sm01615c.

Abstract

Glycolipids have a considerable influence on the interaction between adjacent biomembranes and can promote membrane adhesion trough favorable sugar-sugar "bonds" even at low glycolipid fractions. Here, in order to obtain structural insights into this phenomenon, we utilize neutron reflectometry in combination with a floating lipid bilayer architecture that brings two glycolipid-loaded lipid bilayers to close proximity. We find that selected glycolipids with di-, or oligosaccharide headgroups affect the inter-bilayer water layer thickness and appear to contribute to the stability of the double-bilayer architecture by promoting adhesion of adjacent bilayers even against induced electrostatic repulsion. However, we do not observe any redistribution of glycolipids that would maximize the density of sugar-sugar contacts. Our results point towards possible strategies for the investigation of interactions between cell surfaces involving specific protein-protein, lipid-lipid, or protein-lipid binding.

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrates
  • Glycolipids* / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers* / chemistry
  • Proteins
  • Sugars

Substances

  • Glycolipids
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Sugars