Thiopeptide-Supported Lipid Layers on Solid Substrates

The sequential layer-by-layer formation of peptide-supported bimolecular lipid membranes at solid supports is described. In the first step, thiol-derivatized peptide sequences of 5 and 7 amino acids are assembled on a Au substrate. After activation of their COOH-terminus phospholipid molecules (DMPE) are covalently attached via an amid bond to form a tethered monolayer on the Au electrode. The different preparation steps are analyzed by Fourier transform IR, X-ray reflectometry, and surface plasmon spectroscopy. The latter technique is then also used to on-line monitor at the solid/solution interface the formation of a bilayer by fusion of vesicles prepared from a fluid lipid mixture with a…