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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging and Force Spectroscopy of Supported Lipid Bilayers
Published on: July 22, 2015
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Fluid-Supported Lipid Bilayers
Ian Bruzas, Bruce E Brinson1, Zohre Gorunmez
1Department of Chemistry , Rice University , Houston , Texas 77005 , United States.
Abstract:
Supported lipid bilayers are essential model systems for studying biological membranes and for membrane-based sensor development. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) stands to add considerably to our understanding of the dynamics and interactions of these systems through direct chemical information. Despite this potential, SERS of lipid bilayers is not routinely achieved. Here, we carried out the first measurements of a solid-supported lipid bilayer on a SERS-active substrate and characterized the bilayer using SERS, atomic force microscopy, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The creation of a fluid, SERS-active supported lipid bilayer was accomplished through use of a novel silica-coated silver film-over-nanosphere substrate. These substrates offer a powerful new platform to couple common surface techniques that are challenging on the nanoscale, for example, ellipsometry and FRAP, with SERS for studying biological membranes and their dynamics.
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