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April 1, 2026Open Access

Spatial distribution of lipid headgroups and water molecules at membrane/water interfaces visualized by three-dimensional scanning force microscopy

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Direct visualization reveals the 3D distribution of lipid headgroups and water in membrane interfaces, suggesting significant interactions.

The research aims to understand the spatial distribution of lipid headgroups and water molecules at biological membrane interfaces.
Utilized three-dimensional scanning force microscopy (3D-SFM) to visualize interfacial structures.
Measured 3D force distribution at the interface of a model biological membrane and a buffer solution.
Analyzed vertical cross sections of the 3D images to identify molecular-scale contrasts.
Observed characteristic tilted contrasts in the 3D images corresponding to fluctuating lipid headgroup conformations.
Revealed relationships among hydration structures, headgroup fluctuations, and membrane mechanical strength.
Demonstrated the capability of 3D-SFM to visualize the averaged 3D distribution of surface structures and mobile water.

淺川 et al. (2012) studied this question.

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Direct visualization reveals the 3D distribution of lipid headgroups and water in membrane interfaces, suggesting significant interactions.