Membrane phospholipid structure and phase transitions studied by far infrared spectroscopy

Start year: 2025

Summary: Our study aims to explore how phospholipid bilayers, which are essential components of cell membranes, change their structure under different conditions using far-infrared spectroscopy. We will build on our successful development of an ATR technique for characterising lipid packing by using improved temperature and humidity controls to gain clearer insights into lipid bilayer behavior. This research will improve our understanding of the structure and phase transitions of lipid membranes. The expected outcomes include detailed knowledge about the stability and arrangement of lipid molecules forming the bilayers, which is crucial for both biological and materials science applications.