Large scale model lipid membrane movement induced by a cation switch

A biomembrane sample system where millimolar changes of cations induce reversible large scale (≥ 200 Å) in the membrane-to-surface distance is described. The composes a free-floating bilayer, formed adjacent to self-assembled monolayer (SAM). To examine membrane movements, differently charged floating bilayers presence and absence Ca 2+ Na + , respectively, were examined using neutron reflectivity quartz crystal microbalance measurements, alongside molecular dynamics simulations. In variation concentration enabled precision manipulation distance. Simulations suggest that ions bridge between SAM bilayer whereas more diffuse binding especially bilayers, unable fully overcome repulsion anionic SAM. Reproduced results with demonstrate potential this easily producible become standard analysis tool for e.g. investigating effects, endocytosis cell signaling.