On dynamic molecular and elastic properties of lipid bilayers and biological membranes

E. Sackmann, J. Engelhardt, K. Fricke, H. Gaub

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Membrane dynamics are discussed from the point of view of lateral molecular transport and membrane elasticity. Two methods for the dynamic measurement of elastic and viscous parameters of cells or vesicles are presented. One is based on the frequency analysis of membrane undulations (flickering) and the other on the measurement of the creep function after a transient cellular elongation in an inhomogeneous high-frequency electric field. The first technique gives information about the curvature elasticity and the lateral tension, and the second about the shear and rubber-like elasticity of the cytoskeleton. The second method allows the study of the viscoelastic properties of membranes in the linear range of deformation and for short times (≤ 1 ms). The combination of the two techniques provides information about the coupling of the cytoskeleton and the glycocalix to the lipid-protein bilayer. A potential medical application of the first technique is reported. Finally, the behaviour of cells and vesicles in high-frequency electric fields is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-335
Number of pages15
JournalColloids and Surfaces
Volume10
Issue numberC
DOIs
StatePublished - 1984

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