DHA-Induced Changes of Supported Lipid Membrane Morphology

Dorota Thid,* Jason J. Benkoski, Sofia Svedhem, Bengt Kasemo, and Julie Gold
Department of Applied Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gteborg, Sweden
Langmuir, 2007, 23 (11), pp 5878–5881
DOI: 10.1021/la700523x
Publication Date (Web): April 25, 2007
Copyright © 2007 American Chemical Society
*

 Corresponding author. E-mail:  dorota.thid@chalmers.se. Tel:  +46 31 772 6117. Fax:  +46 31 772 3134.

Abstract

Abstract Image

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a polyunsaturated long fatty acid known to have fundamental effects on cell membrane function. Here, the effect of DHA on phosphocholine-supported lipid bilayers was measured using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) technique. Above a concentration of 60 μM (i.e., near the critical micelle concentration), DHA had drastic effects on the viscoelastic properties of the supported membranes, suggesting a more complex process and structure than simple insertion of molecules in the bilayer. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the spontaneous formation of elongated out-growths from the bilayers, which were remarkable for their length (100 μm) and extensive coverage of the surface. These results demonstrate the applicability of QCM-D as a method to screen for conditions where membrane remodeling occurs but also that complementary techniques are required to describe in more detail the changes in viscoelastic properties of the membrane. These results are highly relevant for the present rapid development in the field of model lipid membranes aiming toward increased knowledge about processes occurring at biological surfaces.

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History

  • Published In Issue May 22, 2007
  • Received February 22, 2007
    Revised April 3, 2007

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