Novel methods for studying lipids and lipases and their mutual interactionat interfaces. Part I. Atomic force microscopy

Mono-layers of lipids and their interaction with surface active enzymes (li pases) have been studied for more than a century. During the past decade ne w insight into this area has been obtained due to the development of scanni ng probe microscopy. This novel method provides direct microscopic informat ion about the system in question and allows in situ investigations under ne ar physiological conditions. In the present review the theory, experimental set-up and sample requirements of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are descri bed. An overview of recent results is also presented with special emphasis on lipase hydrolysis and kinetics investigated in situ using AFM. (C) 2001 Societe francaise de biochimie et biologie moleculaire/Editions scientifiqu es et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.