Research Centre of Excellence in Mechanobiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Med Biol Eng Comput. 2010 Oct;48(10):955-63. doi: 10.1007/s11517-010-0634-x. Epub 2010 Jun 18.
Cell membranes exhibit multiple layers of complexity, ranging from their specific molecular content to their emergent mechanical properties and dynamic spatial organization. Both compositional and geometrical organizations of membrane components are known to play important roles in life processes, including signal transduction. Supported membranes, comprised of a bilayer assembly of phospholipids on the solid substrate, have been productively served as model systems to study wide range problems in cell biology. Because lateral mobility of membrane components is readily preserved, supported lipid membranes with signaling molecules can be utilized to effectively trigger various intercellular reactions. The spatial organization and mechanical deformation of supported membranes can also be manipulated by patterning underlying substrates with modern micro- and nano-fabrication techniques. This article focuses on various applications and methods to spatially patterned biomembranes by means of curvature modulations and spatial reorganizations, and utilizing them to interface with live cells. The integration of biological components into synthetic devices provides a unique approach to investigate molecular mechanisms in cell biology.
细胞膜表现出多层次的复杂性，从其特定的分子组成到其涌现的力学特性和动态空间组织。众所周知，膜成分的组成和几何组织在生命过程中发挥着重要作用，包括信号转导。由磷脂双层组装在固体基底上组成的支撑膜已被有效地用作模型系统，以研究细胞生物学中的广泛问题。由于膜成分的横向流动性容易被保留，因此带有信号分子的支撑脂质膜可用于有效触发各种细胞间反应。通过利用现代微纳加工技术对基底进行图案化，还可以操纵支撑膜的空间组织和力学变形。本文重点介绍了通过曲率调制和空间重排对生物膜进行空间图案化的各种应用和方法，并利用它们与活细胞进行接口。将生物成分整合到合成器件中为研究细胞生物学中的分子机制提供了一种独特的方法。
