X-ray scattering studies of biologically
relevant
lipid membranes
We use x-ray scattering to study the structure of membranes composed of
lipid bilayers. Measurements are performed both in the Physics
Department's
x-ray scattering facility and using
synchrotron radiation at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS).
Measurements at CMU probe the structure of membranes in bulk water
and lying on flat substrates in a hydration cell. Using a moderate
instrumental
resolution, we determine the spacing between membranes and the
structure
along the direction perpendicular to the membrane plane and within the
membrane itself.
Synchrotron measurements use high instrumental resolution to resolve
peak shapes. Quantitative analysis then reveals the effects of
fluctuations
of the membranes about their average configuration. These observations
are critical to the determination of average molecular conformations
and
to the study of fundamental interactions in these systems.
For more information, click here: Biological
Physics Group