Lipid membrane structure by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS): chemical group scattering density profiles.

In this project we aim to use the Scattering Density Profile (MSDP) method to simulate and analyse experimental and theoretical SAXS curves of symmetrical and assymetrical model membranes (lipid bilayers) composed of different lipids, including POPC, sphingomyelin, cholesterol, etc., simulating plasma membranes. To do this, we set up a database of chemical groups constituting the different lipids integrated into a programme for analysing SAXS curves (GENFIT) of flat bilayers and large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). In addition, to improve our understanding of liposomes, we also carried out optical microscopy measurements to analyse GUVs (giant unilamellar vesicles) composed of the same lipids studied by LUVs subjected to the SAXS technique