Electrochemiluminescence microscopy for the investigation of peptide interactions within planar lipid membranes

Understanding the interactions between lipid membranes and peptides is crucial for controlling bacterial and viral infections, and developing effective drugs. In this study, we proposed the use of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy in a solution of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and tri-n-propylamine to monitor alterations in the lipid membranes due to peptide action. A planar artificial lipid membrane served as a model platform, and its surface was observed using ECL microscopy during exposure to melittin, a representative membrane lytic peptide. Upon exposure to melittin, the light-emitting process of the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺/tri-n-propylamine system through the lipid membrane exhibited complex changes, suggesting that stepwise peptide actions can be monitored through the system. Furthermore, wide-field imaging with ECL microscopy provided an effective means of elucidating the membrane surface at the submicron level and revealing heterogeneous changes upon exposure to melittin. This complemented the spatiotemporal information that could not be obtained using conventional electrochemical measurements.