About this Research Topic
Organized membrane domains are suggested to be essential for the coordination of specific functions that can be modulated by composition, structure, and dynamics of the lipid membrane. Specific physical parameters such as the hydrophobic thickness, the ordering, and lateral pressure within the lipid bilayer membrane are altered during the organization of the membrane surface. Furthermore, it is known that membrane proteins can play a role in this organization, both actively and passively, being able to globally alter (mechanical) properties of the system such as tension or bending or even promoting local remodeling of its composition.
A widespread approach towards the understanding of one of the most fundamental aspects of biomembrane-physics is based on the use of colloidal and interfacial models, which have emerged as indispensable for the clarification, observation, and evaluation of different aspects, including the interactions between individual components within the membrane or the interactions between the membrane surface and molecules present in the interior or external surroundings. Colloidal systems also play a central role in the fabrication of artificial cells using lipids or other molecules for the fabrication of the container (or chassis) that incorporates the biomimetic machinery, such as the energy producing cellular electron transport chain, an excellent candidate to operate in physiological environments or microfluidic platforms.
With this Research Topic we want to display state-of-the-art current advances of colloidal and interfacial sciences addressing biomimetic membranes focusing on important aspects such as:
• The mutual interaction of lipids and proteins within the biomimetic membrane
• The influence of the abundance of specific lipids on the physico-chemical properties of the biomimetic membrane
• The composition-dependent formation of lipid and/or protein membrane (micro- or nano-domains
• The mechanical deformation of the membrane effected by the protein complexes and surroundings
Keywords: integral membrane proteins, membranes, nanomaterials, protein dynamics, membrane dynamics
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