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Direct method to study membrane rigidity of small vesicles based on atomic force microscope force spectroscopy

N. Delorme and A. Fery
Phys. Rev. E 74, 030901(R) – Published 5 September 2006

Abstract

Mechanical properties of lipidic membranes such as their bending rigidity are governing liposome morphology and play an important role in processes like membrane fusion and adhesion. Force versus deformation measurements are the most direct means to determine this, but so far experimental data is scarce and mainly stems from techniques that are limited to giant vesicles. We present atomic force microscope force spectroscopy as a method allowing force-deformation measurements of submicron vesicles. Bending rigidities of small unilamellar dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes (R<200nm) can be derived from the force-deformation data using analytical models based on shell theory and are in good agreement with independent measurements.

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  • Received 9 May 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.74.030901

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

N. Delorme and A. Fery*

  • Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Wissenschaftpark Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany

  • *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed

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Issue

Vol. 74, Iss. 3 — September 2006

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