Investigating Peptide-Lipid Membrane Interactions Using Small Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering

Many structural characterization techniques either require a solid sample or for the sample to be placed on a substrate. This can be a challenge when the structure depends on the concentration of environmental parameters such as pH and salt. Small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) is an excellent tool that can be used for in situ, non-invasive, structural characterization of soft matter and biological systems in solution. In this chapter, we present how to prepare lipid vesicles as a relevant model system for cell membranes and their interactions with surface-active agents. We include a brief introduction of scattering theory and the basics of SAXS/SANS, how to analyze and interpret the data, as well as discussing some complementary techniques that can elucidate different aspects/properties of your sample.