Observation of liposomes of differing lipid composition in aqueous medium by means of atomic force microscopy

Liposomes present a challenge for atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation in aqueous medium because they easily collapse. Here, we demonstrate that bovine serum albumin coating of a glass substrate enables AFM observation of various liposomes in aqueous medium. With this AFM system, liposomes can be systematically observed and morphologically analyzed regardless of their surface charge, phase state, degree of lipid acyl chain unsaturation or PEG modification. This system thus has the potential to reveal the mechanical properties of liposomes of various lipid types and contents.