Lipid Bilayers

Provides the reader with an up to date insight of the current state of the art in the field of lipid bilayer research and the important insights derived for the understanding of the complex and varied behaviour of biological membranes and its function.Lipid bilayers represent the fundamental model system for biological membranes. In recent years, we have been presented with a wealth of important insights into the structural and functional abilities of lipid bilayers with real possibilities in understanding the complex and varied behaviour of biological membranes. This volume is intended to give the researcher presently in the field and those wishing to enter the field a comprehensive overview into the current state of the art of lipid bilayer research. Detailed reviews are given on such topics as, lipid bilayer structure and dynamics, hydration of lipid bilayers, the role and behaviour of lipid bilayers on fusion and rupture, interaction of lipid bilayers and monolayers with small organic molecules and other additives such as proteins and finally, on the production and characterization of highly aligned bilayers under biologically relevant conditions. The book, besides being a reference, could be used in a graduate level courses with special emphasis in model membrane systems and physical techniques characterization.