Abstract
We have probed the mechanical properties of purple membrane (PM) in a physiological environment using the atomic force microscope (AFM). By suspending PM over nano-trenches, the elastic properties of PM can be evaluated free from the interaction with the substrate. Force-displacement curves were obtained on the suspended membrane and the data was compared to that of a simple model of a thin film over a trench. By fitting the data to the model, the elastic modulus of PM was estimated to be 8 MPa. When the membrane is repeatedly indented, we observed a change in the force-distance data consistent with damage to the two-dimensional crystal of PM. In this paper we demonstrate that the AFM allows us to evaluate the mechanics of biological membranes in their native conditions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 7877-7880 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Applied Surface Science |
Volume | 254 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 Sep 30 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Elastic modulus
- Membrane protein
- Nanobiotechnology
- Scanning probe microscopy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- Surfaces and Interfaces
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films