Recent developments in the field of bending rigidity measurements on membranes

• Published in: Advances in colloid and interface science Vol. 208; pp. 225 - 234
• Main Author: Dimova, Rumiana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.06.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Bathing; Bend tests; Bending; Bending rigidity; Biophysical Phenomena; Biophysics - methods; Biophysics - trends; Cell Membrane - chemistry; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell Shape; Chemistry; Cholesterol; Colloidal state and disperse state; Composition effects; Elasticity; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Exact sciences and technology; Fluctuation spectroscopy; General and physical chemistry; Giant vesicles; Humans; Intracellular Membranes - chemistry; Intracellular Membranes - metabolism; Membranes; Micropipette aspiration; Models, Biological; Organelle Shape; Proteins; Rigidity; Surface Properties; Unilamellar Liposomes - chemistry; Unilamellar Liposomes - metabolism; Vesicle electrodeformation; Vesicles; Micropipette aspiration; Giant vesicles; Vesicle electrodeformation; Bending rigidity; Fluctuation spectroscopy; Cholesterol; Vesicle; Fluctuations; Aspiration; Bending; Membrane
• ISSN: 0001-8686; 1873-3727; 1873-3727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2014.03.003

This review gives a brief overview of experimental approaches used to assess the bending rigidity of membranes. Emphasis is placed on techniques based on the use of giant unilamellar vesicles. We summarize the effect on the bending rigidity of membranes as a function of membrane composition, presence of various inclusions in the bilayer and molecules and ions in the bathing solutions. Examples for the impact of temperature, cholesterol, some peptides and proteins, sugars and salts are provided and the literature data are discussed critically. Future directions, open questions and possible developments in this research field are also included. [Display omitted] •A number of techniques have been developed to assess the membrane bending rigidity.•Presumably, the most popular experimental approach is fluctuation spectroscopy.•The bending rigidity exhibits anomalous decrease close to the main phase transition.•Cholesterol affects the membrane stiffness in a lipid-specific manner.•Charged species increasing the surface charge of the bilayer stiffen the membrane.•Salts and sugars act to soften the membrane.