As a result of their unique physical properties, biological membrane mimetics, such as liposomes, are used in a broad range of scientific and technological applications. Liposomes, Lipid Bilayers and Model Membranes: From Basic Research to Application describes state-of-the-art research and future directions in the field of membranes, which has evo

Advances in Planar Lipid Bilayers and Liposomes volumes cover a broad range of topics, including main arrangements of the reconstituted system, namely planar lipid bilayers as well as spherical liposomes. The invited authors present the latest results of their own research groups in this exciting multidisciplinary field. Incorporates contributions from newcomers and established and experienced researchers Explores the planar lipid bilayer systems and spherical liposomes from both theoretical and experimental perspectives Serves as an indispensable source of information for new scientists

As a result of their unique physical properties, biological membrane mimetics, such as liposomes, are used in a broad range of scientific and technological applications. Liposomes, Lipid Bilayers and Model Membranes: From Basic Research to Application describes state-of-the-art research and future directions in the field of membranes, which has evolved from basic studies of the physicochemical properties of amphiphiles to their application in industry and medicine. Written by leading researchers in their fields, this book describes basic and applied research, and serves as a useful reference for both the novice and the expert. Part one covers a range of basic research topics, from theory and computational simulations to some of the most up-to-date experimental research. Topics discussed include soft matter physics of membranes, nonlamellar phases, extraction of molecules by amphiphiles, lipid models for membrane rafts, membrane dynamics, nanodiscs, microemulsions, active membranes, as well as interactions of bilayers with drugs or DNA to treat disease or for gene transfer, respectively. Part two of the book focuses on technological applications of amphiphiles, such as liposome-based nanoparticles for drug delivery, formulation of liposomes for prolonged in vivo circulation and functionalization for medical purposes, novel drug delivery systems for increased drug loading, and the use of tethered membranes for bio-sensing applications. Chapters also describe the use of liposomes in textile dyeing and how lipidic nanoparticles are used by the food industry.

The first volume of the Handbook deals with the amazing world of biomembranes and lipid bilayers. Part A describes all aspects related to the morphology of these membranes, beginning with the complex architecture of biomembranes, continues with a description of the bizarre morphology of lipid bilayers and concludes with technological applications of these membranes. The first two chapters deal with biomembranes, providing an introduction to the membranes of eucaryotes and a description of the evolution of membranes. The following chapters are concerned with different aspects of lipids including the physical properties of model membranes composed of lipid-protein mixtures, lateralphase separation of lipids and proteins and measurement of lipid-protein bilayer diffusion. Other chapters deal with the flexibility of fluid bilayers, the closure of bilayers into vesicles which attain a large variety of different shapes, and applications of lipid vesicles and liposomes. Part B covers membrane adhesion, membrane fusion and the interaction of biomembranes withpolymer networks such as the cytoskeleton. The first two chapters of this part discuss the generic interactions of membranes from the conceptual point of view. The following two chapters summarize the experimental work on two different bilayer systems. The next chapter deals with the process ofcontact formation, focal bounding and macroscopic contacts between cells. The cytoskeleton within eucaryotic cells consists of a network of relatively stiff filaments of which three different types of filaments have been identified. As explained in the next chapter much has been recently learned aboutthe interaction of these filaments with the cell membrane. The final two chapters deal with membrane fusion.

Provides the reader with an up to date insight of the current state of the art in the field of lipid bilayer research and the important insights derived for the understanding of the complex and varied behaviour of biological membranes and its function.

This detailed book explores examples of current in vitro and in silico techniques that are at the forefront of lipid membrane research today. Beginning with methods and strategies associated with the creation and use of lipid membrane models in various research settings, the volume continues with electrical impedance spectroscopy strategies and methods to identify how ions and proteins interact with model lipid bilayers, guidance on lipid bilayer in silico molecular dynamics modeling, novel techniques to explore lipid bilayer characteristics using neutron scattering, IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as unique fluorescence techniques. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series style, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Membrane Lipids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to further investigate the often complicated world of lipid membrane biophysics.