Direct observation of interactions between supported lipid bilayers and surfactants.

Summary

Using L-α phosphatidylcholine SLBs on APTES-coated silicon, the authors directly visualized real-time morphological transformation and desorption during exposure to different surfactants, including anionic SDS. The work clarifies how surfactant structure governs solubilization dynamics at bio-nano interfaces relevant to skin and mucosal membranes.

Key Findings

• Established an SLB platform (L-α phosphatidylcholine on APTES-coated silicon) to monitor surfactant interactions in real time.
• Directly observed transformation and desorption of SLBs upon exposure to different surfactants, including anionic SDS.
• Demonstrated that surfactant structural class dictates the solubilization dynamics and morphological pathways of membrane disruption.

Clinical Implications

Improved understanding of membrane disruption can guide selection of milder surfactant systems in dermatologic cleansers to reduce irritation and barrier damage.

Limitations

• Model membranes may not capture the full complexity of native skin or mucosal membranes (lipids, proteins, curvature).
• Specific surfactant chemistries beyond SDS are not detailed in the abstract and require full-text review.

Future Directions

Extend to more physiologically complex bilayers (cholesterol, ceramides, proteins), quantify kinetics across surfactant classes, and correlate with in vivo irritation metrics.