Surface and Structure of Phosphatidylcholine Membranes Reconstructed with CoFe 2 O 4 Nanoparticles.

Structural changes in phosphatidylcholine lipid membranes caused by the introduction of insoluble CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) are analyzed. Changes in nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, infrared spectrum, and ionic conductivity of membranes are observed with the addition of NPs. The presence of NPs in membranes is proved by atomic force and magnetic force microscopy. Structural changes in the membranes in the vicinity of the lipid C-O bonds caused by NPs are observed by Scanning near-field optical microscopy. Analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra allowed us to identify the affected atomic groups in the membrane surface layers. Conductivity measurements of the bilayer membranes were performed in DC as well as in time-resolved modes. Hydrophobic NPs stimulate surface distortion and creation of pores, which depending on NP concentration leads to an increase in the ionic conductivity of membranes. Concentration dependence demonstrating percolation threshold was analyzed in the frame of the fractal theory approach.