Interfacial Interactions of Nanoparticles and Molecular Nanostructures with Model Membrane Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Ever since Singer and Nicolson introduced the membrane model over half a century ago, the complex structural organization of the cell membrane has been hinted at, including its lipid heterogeneity, asymmetry, and the presence of integral, peripheral, and other proteins embedded within its structure. From that time to the present day, studying cell membranes and developing adequate molecular models that mimic their structure and functions have remained some of the most significant challenges in biophysical science.

Theoretical and experimental approaches have driven progress in understanding and interpreting the physicochemical properties governing these processes. Simplified model membrane systems have been proposed that reveal the nature of the interactions of various molecular structures with cell membranes at the nanoscale level. The most commonly used and well-known model membrane systems include monolayers, bilayers, liposomes, and membranes formed on solid substrates, such as Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films. These systems imitate the lipid composition, curvature, domains, rafts, and physicochemical properties of cellular membranes.

Over the years, technological progress has led to the development of numerous sensitive experimental methods applicable to liquid surfaces, such as atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, Brewster angle microscopy, X-ray and neutron scattering, ellipsometry, FTIR spectroscopy, and nonlinear optical spectroscopy. Combined with new, more powerful computational methods, these advancements have created opportunities for us to understand the changes that occur in cell membranes when they interact with nanoparticles, enzymes, other macromolecules, or drug formulations. These interactions involve chemical reactions or processes at their interfaces, leading to reorganization and changes in membrane structure.

In light of the above, this Special Issue aims to provide an opportunity for researchers working in the aforementioned scientific fields to publish original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications focused on aspects of the interactions between model membrane systems (monolayers, bilayers, liposomes, LB films, etc.) and nanoscale structures (nanoparticles, molecularly organized structures, enzymes, macromolecules, etc.). We hope that with the combined efforts of scientists from various fields of the life and physical sciences, new horizons will open in the study and understanding of vital phenomena related to the structure and molecular organization of cell membranes.

Prof. Dr. Konstantin T. Balashev
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• monolayers
• bilayers
• liposomes
• atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• fluorescence microscopy
• X-ray and neutron scattering
• nanoparticles
• macromolecules
• enzymes
• protein–lipid interactions