Eur. Phys. J. B 8, 583-593 (1999)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100510050725

Adsorbed and free lipid bilayers at the solid-liquid interface

¹ Spectrométrie Physique (CNRS-UMR 5588) , Université Grenoble I, B.P. 87, 38402 St Martin d'Hères Cedex, France
² Université Grenoble I, LENSC, Maison des Magistères, 25 avenue des Martyrs, B.P. 166 X, 38042 Grenoble Cedex, France
³ Institut Laue-Langevin, B.P. 156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex, France

Received: 17 July 1998
Published online: 15 April 1999

Abstract

Single and double phosphocholine (DPPC and DSPC) bilayers adsorbed at the silicon-water interface have been prepared and characterised. The second bilayer, called "free bilayer" , is a novel highly hydrated system floating at 20 to 30 Å above the first one. Robust and reproducible preparation has been possible thanks to a combination of Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaeffer techniques. Carefully optimised neutron reflectivity measurements have allowed a precise non-destructive characterisation of the structure, hydration and roughness of the layers. This work opens new possibilities for the investigation of the interaction between membrane lipids and soluble proteins, in particular peptides too small to be visible with other techniques.