Biointerfacial Science of Supported Lipid Membranes: A Nano-Perspective

Supported lipid membranes are an important biomimetic platform to study the structure of membranes and their interactions with biomacromolecules (e.g. enzymes, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids). Some of the most exciting developments cover the nanoscience-based characterization of supported lipid bilayers; there are many types of platforms with applications ranging from biosensors and diagnostics to high-content biomolecular characterization and functional analysis of biomacromolecules. Indeed, in recent years, unique benefits of the platforms for studying biomacromolecules have come to light, and these capabilities are only beginning to be exploited for the biochemical sciences, continually evolving for advanced fundamental and translational research applications. At the same time, our understanding of fundamental chemical concepts such as surface hydration continues to grow through fundamental studies involving supported lipid membranes.

This Research Topic focuses on the biointerfacial science of supported lipid bilayers, with a nano-perspective. A wealth of new lipid bilayer technologies have been developed in recent years, including in the areas of platform design, materials compatibility, measurement analysis, and nanoscale characterization. In addition, surface functionalization strategies based on supported lipid membranes have greatly advanced, enabling increased sensitivity and specificity for biochemical and materials applications. Works presenting novel demonstrations of supported lipid membranes for fundamental and applied studies will be broadly welcome.

We welcome submissions from any area of supported lipid membranes, provided that nanoscience concepts are discussed. Both research papers and review articles will be considered.