Cholesterol tunes lipid bilayer interactions

RSC Advances 2026 Open access

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Authors: Wei Liu, Jinwei Zhong, Pui Wo Felix Yeung, Xiahui Xiao, Zuwei Zhao, Hang Jiang, Yuwei Zhu, To Ngai
DOI: 10.1039/d5ra08571c
Cited by: 2
References: 79

Abstract

In this study, we prepared SLBs on polystyrene colloids (CSLBs) and planar glass substrates with tunable cholesterol content. Using a fixed DPPC : DOPC molar ratio of 3 : 1 to promote the phase separation, we observed pronounced heterogeneity in CSLB diffusion near planar membranes. Notably, by profiling interbilayer interaction potentials, we found that cholesterol concentrations of ∼11 and ∼30 mol% significantly enhance bilayer adhesion-likely through membrane fusion intermediates. These findings highlight cholesterol's critical role in modulating interbilayer mechanics.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior Polymer Surface Interaction Studies Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
RSC Advances
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
16
Issue
3
Pages
2702–2709
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN