AZO-modified lipids bilayer and their dynamics associated with optical stimulation.

POSTER

Abstract


In this work we have studied the dynamics of membranes with azo-modified lipids from molecular scales (atomistic molecular dynamics simulations) to vesicle scale (experimental work), with the aim of increasing understanding regarding steady states, elastic constants and membrane permeability. We have found that vesicles dilate and become flexible and much more permeable as a result of trans-to-cis conversion. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, these are the first studies to look at the membrane dynamics associated with optical stimulation. In addition, the relative energies of cis and trans states were theoretically determined. Finally, it is worth to highlight that this combined studies (computational and experimental work) open new avenues regarding rational molecular design in order to tune response.

*This work was supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-12-1-0435) and the U.S. Army ResearchOffice (W911NF-15-1-0568).

Presenters

  • Cintia Menendez

    • Pritzker School of Molecular Engineerin, The University of Chicago

Authors

  • Cintia Menendez

    • Pritzker School of Molecular Engineerin, The University of Chicago

  • Arash Manafirad

    • Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts

  • Anthony Duprat Dinsmore

    • Univ of Mass - Amherst
    • Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts

  • Juan De Pablo

    • University of Chicago
    • Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago
    • Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago. Argonne National Laboratory
    • Pritzker School of Molecular Engineerin, The University of Chicago
    • Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago