Biomimetic fluidity

In this context it is interesting to note that archaea, which possess S-layers as exclusive cell wall components outside the cytoplasmic membrane (Fig. 14), exist under extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high temperatures, hydrostatic pressure, and salt concentrations, low pH values). Thus, it is obvious one should study the effect of proteinaceous S-layer lattices on the fluidity, integrity, structure, and stability of lipid membranes. This section focuses on the generation and characterization of composite structures that mimic the supramolecular assembly of archaeal cell envelope structures composed of a cytoplasmic membrane and a closely associated S-layer. In this biomimetic structure, either a tetraether... 

A lyotropic L.C. consists of two or more components that exhibit L.C. properties in certain concentration ranges. In the lyotropic phases, solvent molecules fill the space around the compounds to provide fluidity to the system. In contrast to thermotropic L.C.s, these lyotropics have another degree of freedom, i.e., the concentration, which enables them to induce a variety of different phases. Since lyotropic L.C.s rely on a subtle balance of intermolecular interactions, it is often more difficult to analyse their structures and properties than those of thermotropic L.C.s. Lyotropic L.C. nanostructures are abundant in living systems. Accordingly, lyotropic L.C.s attract particular attention in the field of biomimetic chemistry. In particular, biological membranes and cell membranes are a form of L.C. Their constituent rod-like molecules e.g., phospholipids) are organized perpendicularly to the membrane surface, yet the membrane is fluid and elastic. The constituent molecules can flow in-plane quite easily, but tend not to leave the membrane, and can flip from one side of the membrane to the other with some difficulty. These... 

---