Investigating the Interactions of Lipid Interfaces with Nanomaterials Using the Langmuir-Blodgett Technique

Lipids cover a number of important surfaces in our bodies. Prime examples of the surfaces covered by lipids include the lipid tear film that covers the eyes, the pulmonary surfactant lining the deep lungs, and the cell membrane surrounding all mammalian cells. Being at the interface, lipids come into contact with a large number of exogenous particles and molecules. An understanding of how foreign materials alter the structure and stability of lipid films is crucial to a number of different research fields.

The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique is a sensitive method to study the structure and interfacial properties of lipid interfaces. This method has been widely used to study the interactions of lipid interfaces with drug molecules and nanoparticles.

In this webinar Professor Farnoud will:

• Provide a brief overview of the Langmuir-Blodgett technique
• Present two studies where the technique has been used to study the effects of e-cigarette vapor on pulmonary surfactant interfacial properties and the interactions of engineered nanomaterials with membrane models mimicking the cell plasma membrane. 
• Give tips & tricks for successful experimentation and data interpretation