Biological process models membrane amphiphiles

Penetration systems at the air-water interface in which a dissolved amphiphile (surfactant, protein) penetrates into a Langmuir monolayer are interesting models for a better understanding of various complex processes. Most of all, penetration systems can simulate properties of biological membranes typically comprised of lipids mixed with proteins. First penetration experiments have been described by Schulman and Hughes in 1935 [110]. In the... 

We felt that our investigations should not be confined to dilute aqueous solutions. Such solutions are rare in biological systems. Many processes take place in or on membranes, or in the gel-like cytoplasm. For that reason an extension to gels, preferably in the form of membranes, is very desirable. These gels should exhibit the necessary amphiphilic behavior in water required for a satisfactory model compound. Gels of poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate) are expected to be excellent candidates, as is discussed in the following section. 

---