Supported Lipid Bilayers for the Generation of Dynamic Cell–Material Interfaces

Abstract

Supported lipid bilayers (SLB) offer unique possibilities for studying cellular membranes and have been used as a synthetic architecture to interact with cells. Here, the state-of-the-art in SLB-based technology is presented. The fabrication, analysis, characteristics and modification of SLBs are described in great detail. Numerous strategies to form SLBs on different substrates, and the means to patteren them, are described. The use of SLBs as model membranes for the study of membrane organization and membrane processes in vitro is highlighted. In addition, the use of SLBs as a substratum for cell analysis is presented, with discrimination between cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicry. The study is concluded with a discussion of the potential for in vivo applications of SLBs.

Small molecule absorption by PDMS in the context of drug response bioassays

“…Next, we coated the PDMS surface with Cellbinder, a lipid-based coating with cell binding properties [22]. To facilitate cell attachment on otherwise zwitterionic, non-fouling and cell repellent surfaces, positive surface charge had been introduced in the Cellbinder coating to promote cell adhesion.…”

“…The coatings are lipid-based and designed to mimic natural cell membrane interface. These types of materials are resistant to surface accumulation of proteins and can also act as barriers, preventing passage of molecules through the layer [22]. Both coatings had similar blocking properties with respect to the absorption by PDMS.…”

“…Toxic thresholds can only be determined accurately if the compound availability to cells is known. We therefore investigated whether cell density affected absorption and tested the ability of two commercial coatings (available on request) to reduce absorption, without affecting biocompatibility or cell plating [22]. Finally, we combined a commercial coating with cell culture to investigate the combined effect on the free drug concentration over time of incubation.…”

Supported lipid bilayer platforms to probe cell mechanobiology

“…We present this material alongside a discussion of literature that applies this platform to characterize integrin and cadherin mechanotransduction. Note that a number of reviews have fully described the SLB technologies and their use in studying cell biology [37, 38]. Nevertheless, our focus is to emphasize recent work that pertains to the study of cell mechanobiology.…”

Interaction of Extracellular Vesicles with Si Surface Studied by Nanomechanical Microcantilever Sensors

“…While spreading of synthetic liposomes and proteoliposomes on flat surfaces to form SLBs is extensively studied [52,53], the present work is among the first attempts to extend this research to EVs. EV layers may be used as novel accurate models to investigate properties of biological membranes.…”