Surface and confinement effects on lipid films by NMR

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Dan Eugen Demco
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2004 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5426202

The main goal of this project is to characterize qualitatively and quantitatively the molecular order and dynamics of lipid films induced by the solid supports and the geometrical confinement. The understanding of these effects is important due to their potential applications in biosensing and bioseparations. Various NMR methods working under static and magic angle sample spinning conditions will be used to obtain information about the 1H and 13C-1H residual dipolar couplings that can be correlated with dynamic order parameters and heterogeneity of molecular dynamics. These effects will be investigated for lipid films of controlled thickness equivalent to few monolayers to submonolayers in submicron cylindrical pores. Proton double-quantum (DQ), triple (TQ) quantum coherences as well as 1H DQ and TQ edited spectra and heteronuclear local filed spectroscopy will be used for investigation of surface induced order at different molecular coverage, pore size and temperature. The heterogeneity of molecular dynamics will be investigated using magnetization exchange (spin diffusion) technique. A theoretical model adequate for description of this process for grafted molecules will be developed. Performing NMR experiments under sample orientation will refine the information about dynamics heterogeneities. The heterogeneity of residual dipolar couplings along the biomolecule will be measured using a spy deuterated molecule.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants