| AVS 54th International Symposium | |
| Biomaterial Interfaces | Wednesday Sessions |
| Session BI-WeM |
| Session: | Nano-Engineered Biointerfaces |
| Presenter: | N.A. Melosh, Stanford University |
| Authors: | B.D. Almquist, Stanford University N.A. Melosh, Stanford University |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
The cell membrane is one of the most vital components of a cell, and crossing through this barrier is a crucial component of biotechnology. Integration of inorganic structures with the cell membrane is poorly understood, and current techniques involve creating holes in or puncturing cell membranes to control access into the cell. However, functionalized materials with nanoscale hybrophobic layers may be able to directly fuse the lipid membrane edge to an inorganic structure, enabling non-disruptive electrical and chemical access into the cell. We have tested whether nanoscale inorganic probes integrate into the hydrophobic core of a lipid bilayer using an AFM probe with hydrophobically functionalized bands 5-20 nm thick at the end of the tip. We quantitatively measure the adhesion strength between the probe and the lipid bilayer, and correlate this molecule-membrane force with the molecular structure. We find the thickness of the nanoscale band and the identity of the hydrophobic molecules alters the ability to fuse to the membrane.