Formation and characterization of model cell membranes and their interaction with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Ruiz Rincón, Silvia
Cea Mingueza, Pilar (dir.) ; Martínez de la Fuente, Jesús (dir.)

Universidad de Zaragoza, CIEN, 2015
Química Física department, Química Física area

Máster Universitario en Materiales Nanoestructurados para Aplicaciones Nanotecnológicas (Nanostructured Materials for Nanotechnology Applications)

Abstract: In this final master project model cell membranes of a mixture of 1, 2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and cholesterol were transferred onto mica substrates by Langmuir-Blodgett technique (LB) to mimic a real cell membrane. The high quality and chemical structure of the monolayers formed were confirmed by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging and Contact Angle measurements. A study of the stability of the monolayer in liquid media considering the amphiphilic nature of the compounds was carried out, observing as the monolayer re-assembled into bilayer. This behaviour was explained by means of Force Spectroscopy (FS) studies with a noticeable increase in the breakthrough force values. Furthermore, the deposition of MNPs onto monolayer was carried out by LB in a successful way obtaining a well-covered distribution of MNPs with the final purpose of study the membrane response when it is exposed to alternating magnetic fields (Hyperthermia).

Tipo de Trabajo Académico: Trabajo Fin de Master