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Related Concept Videos

Membrane Fluidity01:23

Membrane Fluidity

Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.Fatty acids tails of phospholipids can be either saturated or...
Membrane Fluidity01:26

Membrane Fluidity

Membrane fluidity is explained by the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character.
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Membrane Lipids01:32

Membrane Lipids

Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer01:35

Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

Biological membranes show uneven distribution of different types of lipids in the inner and outer layers, resulting in transverse asymmetric membranes. The treatment of the erythrocyte membrane with the enzyme phospholipase confirmed the asymmetric nature of the lipid bilayer. The enzyme hydrolyzes lipids into fatty acids and hydrophilic groups. The phospholipase acts only on the outer layer of the membrane, while the inner layer remains intact. The phospholipase treatment resulted in 80%...
Lipids as Anchors01:32

Lipids as Anchors

In the plasma membrane, the lipids forming the bilayer can also act as an anchor to tether proteins to the membrane. The three main types of lipid anchors found in eukaryotes are – prenyl groups, fatty acyl groups, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol or GPI groups. Prenyl and fatty acyl groups act as anchors on the cytosolic surface of the membrane, whereas GPI anchors proteins on the extracellular side.
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains the...
Membrane Lipids01:32

Membrane Lipids

Lipids are an essential component of all biological membranes. The average lipid content in mammalian membranes is 50%, though it can be as low as 20% in the inner mitochondrial membrane or as high as 80% in the myelin sheath present around the nerve cells.
Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin are the most common phospholipids present in mammalian membranes. At physiological pH, phosphatidylserine is negatively charged, while the other three...

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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Automated Lipid Bilayer Membrane Formation Using a Polydimethylsiloxane Thin Film
08:23

Automated Lipid Bilayer Membrane Formation Using a Polydimethylsiloxane Thin Film

Published on: July 10, 2016

Artificial Lipid Membranes: Past, Present, and Future.

Christina G Siontorou1, Georgia-Paraskevi Nikoleli2, Dimitrios P Nikolelis3

  • 1Laboratory of Simulation of Industrial Processes, Department of Industrial Management and Technology, School of Maritime and Industry, University of Piraeus, 18534 Piraeus, Greece. csiontor@unipi.gr.

Membranes
|September 22, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Artificial lipid membranes, mimicking biological ones, are crucial for sensor engineering and drug discovery. This review covers their construction, diverse applications, and future potential in artificial cells.

Keywords:
Langmuir-Blodgett filmsartificial cellsartificial lipid membranesbiosensorsdrug deliveryion channel monitoringliposomesnanoelectrodesself-assemblytethered membranes

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Last Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Automated Lipid Bilayer Membrane Formation Using a Polydimethylsiloxane Thin Film
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Automated Lipid Bilayer Membrane Formation Using a Polydimethylsiloxane Thin Film

Published on: July 10, 2016

Construction of Model Lipid Membranes Incorporating G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
09:45

Construction of Model Lipid Membranes Incorporating G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

Published on: February 5, 2022

Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies
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Realistic Membrane Modeling Using Complex Lipid Mixtures in Simulation Studies

Published on: September 1, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Biological membranes perform vital functions, driving the creation of artificial lipid models for in vitro studies.
  • Early models focused on reconstituting natural functions for sensor engineering and chemoreception.
  • Advancements have expanded the scope of artificial lipid membranes beyond initial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the state-of-the-art in artificial lipid membranes.
  • To discuss the diverse applications of these membranes.
  • To present future perspectives and emerging fields like artificial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of artificial lipid membranes using various methods.
  • Stabilization and functionalization of lipid membranes.
  • Experimental investigation and utilization in diverse applications.

Main Results:

  • A broad range of knowledge on artificial lipid membranes (suspended/supported films, liposomes) has been established.
  • Artificial membranes are utilized in sensor development, drug testing, and drug discovery.
  • They serve as molecular tools for elucidating biological membrane mechanics.

Conclusions:

  • Artificial lipid membranes are versatile tools with expanding applications.
  • Their use in artificial cells opens new avenues for studying life's evolution.
  • Continued research promises further innovation in biomimetic technologies.