Springer Protocols: Abstract: Micropipet Aspiration for Measuring Elastic Properties of Lipid Bilayers

Micropipet Aspiration for Measuring Elastic Properties of Lipid Bilayers

By: Marjorie L. Longo², Hung V. Ly²

Abstract

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Micropipet aspiration of giant unilamellar vesicles can be used to determine the mechanical properties of area compressibility modulus, bending modulus, and lysis tension of lipid bilayers. In this technique, giant (∼25-µm diameter) single bilayered vesicles are aspirated into a pipet of inner diameter ≈8 µm. The changes in projection length of each vesicle inside of the pipet in response to changes in aspiration (suction) pressure are used to determine mechanical moduli. The suction pressure of vesicle rupture (lysis) is used to determine the membrane tension of lysis (lysis tension). Micropipet aspiration of giant unilamellar vesicles is highly specialized, requiring custom laboratory fabrication of most components (e.g., micropipets, chambers, and manometer). Herein, methods for fabrication of each of these components and instructions for measurements are described.

Affiliation(s): (2) Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA

Book Title: Methods in Membrane Lipids

Series: Methods in Molecular Biology | Volume: 400 | Pub. Date: Aug-30-2007 | Page Range: 421-437 | DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-519-0_28

Subject: Biochemistry

Key Words: Area compressibility modulus - bending modulus - giant vesicles - lysis tension - micromechanical properties - micropipet

References

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