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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/D05561X/1
Title: Self-Organisation of Phospholipid Films on Au Electrodes Studied with In Situ Infrared Spectroscopy
Principal Investigator: Horswell, Dr SL
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: School of Chemistry
Organisation: University of Birmingham
Scheme: First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC
Starts: 15 March 2006 Ends: 14 September 2009 Value (£): 121,352
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Chemical Structure Electrochemical Science & Eng.
Surfaces & Interfaces
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This proposal seeks to investigate the physicochemical properties of phospholipid bilayers formed at electrode surfaces, using powerful in situ infrared spectroscopic techniques. Lipid bilayers are particularly attractive models for biological cell membranes and the proposed research will provide a quantitative understanding of the structure and organisation of lipid films, which can be exploited to study binding and function of proteins and to manufacture biosensors. The strategy of this project is to progress from simple models towards more complex and physiologically realistic systems. Its essence is the combination of the control of an electric field and the simultaneous acquisition of structural information at the molecular level to probe biomimetic films. The electric field is controlled by varying the potential applied to the electrode and is of intensity comparable with those experienced by biological membranes. The following key issues will be addressed: the effect of lipid headgroup on molecular packing of the films, the influence of the applied electric field on the organisation of the films and the structural effect of protein binding on the membrane.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bham.ac.uk