Ascertaining the optimal lipid packing parameters and lipid head-group selection for the Phospholipase A2 tethered bilayer lipid membrane sensor

Start year: 2024

Summary: In order to optimise the tBLM biosensor, an understanding of the ideal phospholipid substrate is required. This project will seek to identify the phospholipid mix best suited to mammalian PLA2 isoforms. We will also attempt to answer whether the products of phospholipid hydrolysis persist in the membrane or are released into the aqueous phase surrounding the membrane. This information will provide a greater understanding the steric interactions between this key enzyme and lipid bilayers. This work builds on previous studies of Vacklin et al (2005), who recorded 10 – 20 minutes of neutron scattering snapshots of PC bilayer hydrolysation in response to cobra venom PLA2.