Characterization of biological thin films at the solid-liquid interface by x-ray reflectivity

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Jun 17;94(23):238104. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.238104. Epub 2005 Jun 16.

Abstract

We demonstrate that 18 keV x-rays can be used to study organic thin films at the solid-liquid interface by x-ray reflectivity. We establish that this is a powerful technique for investigating biological systems in a previously inaccessible manner. Our measurements enabled the density distribution of single phospholipid bilayer membranes in bulk water to be measured with unprecedented precision. Previously, characterization of biomimetic structures normal to a "buried" interface was a domain of neutron reflectivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Phosphatidylcholines / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Phosphatidylcholines