Membrane biophysics [recurso electrónico] as viewed from experimental bilayer lipid membranes (planar lipid bilayers and spherical liposomes)

This book summarizes the current status of research on bilayer lipid membranes (planar lipid bilayers and spherical liposomes). In addition to describing the properties of lipid bilayers and examining biomembrane phenomena, the book has two other objectives. The first is to present practical methods for the formation and study of lipid bilayers with either aqueous or metal-lipid bilayer interfaces. The second aim is to treat planar lipid bilayers as a new type of interfacial adsorption phenomena. The first nine chapters cover properties of biomembranes, basic principles of membrane biophysics, transport, electrochemistry, physiology, bioenergetics, and photobiology. Chapter 10 presents the following topics: lipid bilayers in medicine, supported lipid bilayers as sensors, a short discussion of liposomes, and solar energy transduction via semiconductor septum photovoltaic cells based on natural photosynthesis. Content: Preface Page vii Acknowledgement Page viii Chapter 1 Membrane biophysics: An overview Original Research Article Pages 1-22 Chapter 2 Fundamental aspects of biological membranes Original Research Article Pages 23-82 Chapter 3 Membrane biophysic—basic principles Original Research Article Pages 83-148 Chapter 4 Experimental models of biomembranes Original Research Article Pages 149-220 Chapter 5 Membrane transport Original Research Article Pages 221-282 Chapter 6 Membrane electrochemistry Original Research Article Pages 283-348 Chapter 7 Membrane physiology Original Research Article Pages 349-442 Chapter 8 Membrane bioenergetics Original Research Article Pages 443-492 Chapter 9 Membrane photobiophysics and photobiology Original Research Article Pages 493-576 Chapter 10 Applications Original Research Article Pages 577-637 Index Pages 639-640 Because of its interdisciplinary focus, biophysics transcends the traditional boundaries between disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Engineering.