Lipid-Bilayer Dynamics Probed by a Carbon Dot-Phospholipid Conjugate.

Area of Science:

• Membrane biophysics
• Materials science
• Cell biology

Background:

• Understanding cell membrane dynamics is crucial for cellular processes, protein interactions, and drug/virus interactions.
• Current lipid bilayer dynamic studies are limited by the scarcity and physicochemical properties of available molecular probes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, versatile fluorescent carbon dot (C-dot)-phospholipid conjugate as a molecular probe for studying lipid bilayer dynamics.
• To demonstrate the utility of this probe in biomimetic and cellular membranes for investigating molecular interactions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a C-dot covalently attached to a phospholipid.
• Incorporation of the C-dot-phospholipid probe into solid-supported bilayers, vesicles, and cellular membranes.
• Application of various biophysical techniques to analyze bilayer fluidity and lipid dynamics.

Main Results:

• C-dot-modified phospholipids were successfully incorporated into various membrane models and cellular membranes.
• The probe enabled the elucidation of effects of polymyxin-B, valproic acid, and amyloid-β on membrane fluidity and lipid dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The C-dot-phospholipid conjugate is a versatile and effective probe for studying dynamic properties of lipid bilayers.
• This novel probe facilitates research into molecular interactions at the cell surface and their impact on membrane dynamics.