Adsorption Phenomena and Structures in Lipid Monolayer Systems

Abstract

Spread monolayers of lipids at the air/water interface have been used as simplified cell membrane model systems for studying intermolecular interactions and lipid membrane-related biological phenomena under controlled environments. In addition, the monolayers have also served as biomimetic platforms which allow adsorption and/or self-organization of not only biological molecules but also artificial compounds. In this review, fundamental properties of lipid spread monolayers and features in studies with the monolayers are briefly presented, and then evaluation methods for adsorption phenomena and structures in the monolayer systems are explained with some examples.