Shape evolution of lipid bilayer patches adsorbed on mica: An atomic force microscopy study

The events occurring at various stages of bilayer formation via vesicle rupture were monitored by time lapse atomic force microscopy. We found that when the bilayer patch resulted from a newly adsorbed vesicle comes in contact with a previously formed supported bilayer patch, they fuse on the surface. The shape change as a function of time of the fused bilayer patch points to the Line tension as being the driving force behind the lateral reorganization of supported bilayers. From the relaxation times observed, it is clear that the relaxation process is not dominated by the viscous drag but by the interaction between the bilayer and the mica substrate. Our results also help understand the mechanism by which a continuous supported bilayer is formed.