Search for content and authors
 

Viscoelasticity of thin films and affinity interactions at surfaces

Tibor Hianik 

Comenius University, Department of Biophysics and Chemical Physics, Mlynská dolina F1, Bratislava 842 48, Slovakia (Slovak Rep.)

Abstract

The study of the mechanisms of affinity interactions at surfaces is in extensive focus due to their high fundamental and practical significance for cell biology as well as for development of biosensors. The most extensive studied are the interactions between antigens and antibodies, ligand and receptors and recently also between DNA/RNA aptamers and proteins. The receptor is usually immobilized on a solid support covered by thin film composed of lipids, conducting polymers or other compounds. During the interaction of ligand with receptor the properties of the film could change. Among physical properties of the film the viscoelasticity is of special interest. In this contribution the viscoelasticity of free standing and supported lipid films are considered. The principles of the methods of electrostriction, dielectric relaxation and thickness shear mode are explained. Several examples how to use these methods for study the affinity interactions at surfaces are presented.

 

Legal notice
  • Legal notice:
 

Related papers

Presentation: Tutorial lecture at SMCBS'2007 International Workshop, by Tibor Hianik
See On-line Journal of SMCBS'2007 International Workshop

Submitted: 2007-09-07 17:02
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:44