Characterization of complex gramicidin monolayers by light reflection and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The reflectivities of monomolecular films of water-insoluble fatty alcohols and fatty acid methyl esters are measured at the air/water interface. A correlation between chain length and reflectivity of the monofilm is established which agrees with calculated values derived from a theoretical model. The correlation is used to estimate thickness of a monolecular film of gramicidin A. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is applied to transferred mixed layers of ion-channel-forming gramicidin A and dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide in order to evaluate the structure of gramicidin. Transfer conditions for these monofilms are elaborated. Results of the reflection method and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrate that gramicidin exists as double-stranded beta-helix inside the monolayer at a lateral pressure similar to that found in biomembranes.