The program continues a successful existing program into the study of organized, multimolecular assemblies of surfactant molecules. Chemical composition, physical structure and the extent of organization of these assemblies will be investigated. The project aims to measure the fluidity of synthetic phospholipid bilayers as a function of phospholipid structure and surface concentration; to characterize the effect of cholesterol on the membrane fluidity and studies that may lead to a cholesterol sensor; to investigate the electron hopping and proton diffusion in these assemblies; and to develop chiral selectivity and gating properties at electrode surfaces using monolayer films. %%% The research, in the general area of Analytical and Surface Chemistry, focuses on studies of the dynamics of lateral processes in monolayers and bilayers at interfaces. The research is intended to mimic the structures and functions of biological membrane systems. The project continues an important program aimed at developing new methods for the study of model membrane systems at solid-solution and air-water interfaces. The outcome of the research will be important not only in our understanding of electrochemistry and thin films, but will also have considerable importance in the understanding of membrane action in biological systems.
