Prenner, Elmar J.Mundle, Robyn Louise2018-04-032018-04-032018-03-26Mundle, R. L. (2018). Lead Interactions Affect the Fluidity and Lateral Organization of Complex Lipid Membranes (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/31755http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106463Elevated levels of the heavy metal lead are associated with various toxic effects which may also be due to interactions with lipid membranes. Bilayer and monolayer techniques were used to monitor lead interactions with biomimetic and polar lipid extracts. Anionic and zwitterionic lipids as well as saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were compared. Permeabilization of model membranes by lead was assessed by quantifying fluorescent dye release, whereby leakage readily occurred upon Pb2+ incubation. Fluidity and phase transition changes were investigated by laurdan generalized polarization and dynamic light scattering. Electrostatic lipid targeting by lead induced membrane rigidification which varied with the negative charges within lipid structures. Lead effects on the lateral organization of monolayers were characterized by surface pressure- and surface potential – area isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy. Pb – induced domain formation depends on the number and localization of the phosphate groups on various phosphatidylinositols.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.LipidsFluorescence SpectroscopyLiposomesLaurdanMonolayersBrewster Angle MicroscopyLeadLangmuir TroughBiochemistrymaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/31755