Structures and properties of liposome by atomic force microscope

Bilayer structure and morphology of 1,2-Dioleoy-sy-Glycero-3-[phospho-rac-1-Glycerol (DOPG) liposomes has been investigated by atomic force microscope(AFM). Results of studies on the interaction between the tip of an atomic force microscope and the liposomes adheres on the silicon wafers are also reported. Experiments demonstrated that there are some spherical and elliptic relief in the AFM image, which they can be regarded as the vesicles of DOPG liposome in the liquid crystalline state. When the operating force of interaction between AFM tip and the surface of liposome are beyond critical values, the liposomes rupture into bilayers. Experiments show that a single DOPG second layer adhered on the DOPG first layer. The membranous thickness in the topographic image is about 5.0 nm.