Lipid characterisation in droplet interface bilayers for the development of suspended membranes

Bopp, Emma 2025. Lipid characterisation in droplet interface bilayers for the development of suspended membranes. MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

In this project, a method for preparing suspended droplet interface bilayers in a microfluidic device was developed and optimised in order to refine a platform for preparing model cell lipid bilayers. In the process of fulfilling this aim, the behaviour of biologically relevant lipid species intended for these model membrane studies were characterised using droplet-droplet interface bilayers and a developed droplet-shape analysis method. Through this analysis, parameters essential to forming stable bilayers were determined for the relevant lipid solution compositions, narrowing the parameter space needing to be optimised overall to prepare stable, long-lasting bilayer samples. Aqueous droplets were incubated in lipid solutions of varying composition and concentration, and the formation and evolution of their resultant bilayers were imaged using brightfield microscopy. The acquired images were processed and analysed using an in-house droplet shape analysis approach to quantify the dynamics of these bilayers and the conditions which impact their stability. Alongside these lipid studies, a microfluidic device set-up was designed and optimised, along with a method for preparing DIB samples. During this process, the parameters influencing the stability of the suspended bilayer were determined and improved to converge towards a device capable of supporting stable bilayer samples reproducibly. Following on from established droplet interface bilayer microfluidic device designs, a new device was proposed and printed in order to prepared bilayers which are suspended between free flowing aqueous and nonpolar phases. Although a final device design was not determined during the project, the key aspects to device stabilisation were defined and improved. Overall, the foundations of the ambitious aim of preparing a stable, suspended bilayer for advanced microscopic imaging were built upon, creating the future opportunity to advance cell membrane studies.

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 April 2026
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2026 11:08
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186436

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