Milk sphingomyelin domains in biomimetic membranes and the role of cholesterol: morphology and nanomechanical properties investigated using AFM and force spectroscopy

Improving the Physicochemical Stability of Soy Phospholipid-Stabilized Emulsions Loaded with Lutein by the Addition of Sphingomyelin and Cholesterol: Inspired by a Milk Fat Globule Membrane

The emulsifying performance of glycerophospholipids alone is inferior to proteins, etc., while the sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol) naturally existing in biological membranes could interact with glycerophospholipids to influence the polar lipid arrangement. Inspired by the natural membranes, the effect of SM and Chol on the physicochemical stability of soy phospholipid (SPL)-stabilized emulsions during storage or under environmental stresses was determined. The results indicated that the addition of SM and/or Chol could improve the storage stability of the emulsions and protective effect on lutein significantly (p < 0.05). Except for UV irradiation, the addition of Chol significantly improved the stability of the emulsions against acid, salt, and heat. The strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds and condensed assembly formed by SM and Chol contributed to the best stability of SPL + SM + Chol-stabilized emulsions. The results gave insight into improving the emulsifying properties of glycerophospholipids with SM and Chol.

Quantitative methods to detect phospholipids at the oil-water interface

Phospholipids are the main constituents of cell membranes and act as natural stabilizers of milk fat globules. Phospholipids are used in a wide range of applications, e.g. as emulsifiers in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food products. While processed emulsion droplets are usually stabilized by a monolayer of phospholipids, cell membranes have a phospholipid bilayer structure and milk fat globules are stabilized by a complex phospholipid trilayer membrane. Despite the broad relevance of phospholipids, there are still many scientific challenges in understanding how their behavior at the fluid-fluid interface affects microstructure, stability, and physico-chemical properties of natural and industrial products. Most of these challenges arise from the experimental difficulties related to the investigation of the molecular arrangement of phospholipids in situ at the fluid-fluid interface and the quantification of their partitioning between the bulk phase and the interface, both under static and flow conditions. This task is further complicated by the presence of other surface-active components, such as proteins, that can interact with phospholipids and compete for space at the interface. Here, we review the methodologies available from the literature to detect and quantify phospholipids, focusing on oil-water interfaces, and highlight current limitations and future perspectives.

Improving Human Health with Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Lactic Acid Bacteria, and Bifidobacteria

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), the component that surrounds fat globules in milk, and its constituents have gained significant attention for their gut function, immune-boosting properties, and cognitive-development roles. The MFGM can directly interact with probiotic bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), through interactions with bacterial surface proteins. With these interactions in mind, increasing evidence supports a synergistic effect between MFGM and probiotics to benefit human health at all ages. This important synergy affects the survival and adhesion of probiotic bacteria through gastrointestinal transit, mucosal immunity, and neurocognitive behavior in developing infants. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the co-supplementation of MFGM and probiotics with a specific emphasis on their interactions and colocalization in dairy foods, supporting in vivo and clinical evidence, and current and future potential applications.

Lipid bilayers: Phase behavior and nanomechanics

Lipid membranes are involved in many physiological processes like recognition, signaling, fusion or remodeling of the cell membrane or some of its internal compartments. Within the cell, they are the ultimate barrier, while maintaining the fluidity or flexibility required for a myriad of processes, including membrane protein assembly. The physical properties of in vitro model membranes as model cell membranes have been extensively studied with a variety of techniques, from classical thermodynamics to advanced modern microscopies. Here we review the nanomechanics of solid-supported lipid membranes with a focus in their phase behavior. Relevant information obtained by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) as complementary techniques in the nano/mesoscale interface is presented. Membrane morphological and mechanical characterization will be discussed in the framework of its phase behavior, phase transitions and coexistence, in simple and complex models, and upon the presence of cholesterol.

Biomimetic Models to Investigate Membrane Biophysics Affecting Lipid-Protein Interaction

Biological membranes are highly dynamic in their ability to orchestrate vital mechanisms including cellular protection, organelle compartmentalization, cellular biomechanics, nutrient transport, molecular/enzymatic recognition, and membrane fusion. Controlling lipid composition of different membranes allows cells to regulate their membrane characteristics, thus modifying their physical properties to permit specific protein interactions and drive structural function (membrane deformation facilitates vesicle budding and fusion) and signal transduction. Yet, how lipids control protein structure and function is still poorly understood and needs systematic investigation. In this review, we explore different in vitro membrane models and summarize our current understanding of the interplay between membrane biophysical properties and lipid-protein interaction, taken as example few proteins involved in muscular activity (dystrophin), digestion and Legionella pneumophila effector protein DrrA. The monolayer model with its movable barriers aims to mimic any membrane deformation while surface pressure modulation imitates lipid packing and membrane curvature changes. It is frequently used to investigate peripheral protein binding to the lipid headgroups. Examples of how lipid lateral pressure modifies protein interaction and organization within the membrane are presented using various biophysical techniques. Interestingly, the shear elasticity and surface viscosity of the monolayer will increase upon specific protein(s) binding, supporting the importance of such mechanical link for membrane stability. The lipid bilayer models such as vesicles are not only used to investigate direct protein binding based on the lipid nature, but more importantly to assess how local membrane curvature (vesicles with different size) influence the binding properties of a protein. Also, supported lipid bilayer model has been used widely to characterize diffusion law of lipids within the bilayer and/or protein/biomolecule binding and diffusion on the membrane. These membrane models continue to elucidate important advances regarding the dynamic properties harmonizing lipid-protein interaction.

Yak milk fat globules from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: Membrane lipid composition and morphological properties

Yak milk fat products constitute the base of Qinghai-Tibetan pastoralists' daily food intake. Despite the great importance of fat in processing and pastoralists' health, studies about yak milk fat are scarce. In this study, the lipid composition and the morphological properties of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) of yak milk were investigated. The results demonstrated that the yak milk had a higher cholesterol and sphingomyelin content compared to cow milk. In situ structural investigations performed at 25 °C by confocal microscopy showed the presence of lipid domains in yak MFGM, with a larger number and wider size range compared to cow milk. Moreover, the simultaneous localization of glycosylated molecules and polar lipids indicated that glycosylated molecules could be integrated into the lipid domains in yak MFGM. Different characteristics in yak MFGM could be related to the lipid composition and may affect the functions of yak milk lipids during processing and digestion.

Diffusion of lipids and GPI-anchored proteins in actin-free plasma membrane vesicles measured by STED-FCS

Diffusion and interaction dynamics of molecules at the plasma membrane play an important role in cellular signaling and are suggested to be strongly associated with the actin cytoskeleton. Here we use superresolution STED microscopy combined with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (STED-FCS) to access and compare the diffusion characteristics of fluorescent lipid analogues and GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) in the live-cell plasma membrane and in actin cytoskeleton-free, cell-derived giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs). Hindered diffusion of phospholipids and sphingolipids is abolished in the GPMVs, whereas transient nanodomain incorporation of ganglioside lipid GM1 is apparent in both the live-cell membrane and GPMVs. For GPI-APs, we detect two molecular pools in living cells; one pool shows high mobility with transient incorporation into nanodomains, and the other pool forms immobile clusters, both of which disappear in GPMVs. Our data underline the crucial role of the actin cortex in maintaining hindered diffusion modes of many but not all of the membrane molecules and highlight a powerful experimental approach to decipher specific influences on molecular plasma membrane dynamics.

Mechanical Properties of Membranes Composed of Gel-Phase or Fluid-Phase Phospholipids Probed on Liposomes by Atomic Force Spectroscopy

In many liposome applications, the nanomechanical properties of the membrane envelope are essential to ensure, e.g., physical stability, protection, or penetration into tissues. Of all factors, the lipid composition and its phase behavior are susceptible to tune the mechanical properties of membranes. To investigate this, small unilamellar vesicles (SUV; diameter < 200 nm), referred to as liposomes, were produced using either unsaturated 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) or saturated 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) in aqueous buffer at pH 6.7. The respective melting temperatures of these phospholipids were -20 and 41 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that at 20 °C DOPC was in the fluid phase and DPPC was in the gel phase. After adsorption of the liposomes onto flat silicon substrates, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to image and probe the mechanical properties of the liposome membrane. The resulting force-distance curves were treated using an analytical model based on the shell theory to yield the Young's modulus (E) and the bending rigidity (k_C) of the curved membranes. The mechanical investigation showed that DPPC membranes were much stiffer (E = 116 ± 45 MPa) than those of DOPC (E = 13 ± 9 MPa) at 20 °C. The study demonstrates that the employed methodology allows discrimination of the respective properties of gel- or fluid-phase membranes when in the shape of liposomes. It opens perspectives to map the mechanical properties of liposomes containing both fluid and gel phases or of biological systems.

Structure and Nanomechanics of Model Membranes by Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectroscopy: Insights into the Role of Cholesterol and Sphingolipids

Biological membranes mediate several biological processes that are directly associated with their physical properties but sometimes difficult to evaluate. Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) are model systems widely used to characterize the structure of biological membranes. Cholesterol (Chol) plays an essential role in the modulation of membrane physical properties. It directly influences the order and mechanical stability of the lipid bilayers, and it is known to laterally segregate in rafts in the outer leaflet of the membrane together with sphingolipids (SLs). Atomic force microscope (AFM) is a powerful tool as it is capable to sense and apply forces with high accuracy, with distance and force resolution at the nanoscale, and in a controlled environment. AFM-based force spectroscopy (AFM-FS) has become a crucial technique to study the nanomechanical stability of SLBs by controlling the liquid media and the temperature variations. In this contribution, we review recent AFM and AFM-FS studies on the effect of Chol on the morphology and mechanical properties of model SLBs, including complex bilayers containing SLs. We also introduce a promising combination of AFM and X-ray (XR) techniques that allows for in situ characterization of dynamic processes, providing structural, morphological, and nanomechanical information.

Cholesterol Decreases the Size and the Mechanical Resistance to Rupture of Sphingomyelin Rich Domains, in Lipid Bilayers Studied as a Model of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane

Sphingomyelin-rich microdomains have been observed in the biological membrane surrounding milk fat globules (MFGM). The role played by cholesterol in these domains and in the physical properties and functions of the MFGM remains poorly understood. The objective of this work was therefore to investigate the phase state, topography, and mechanical properties of MFGM polar lipid bilayers as a function of cholesterol concentration, by combining X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy imaging, and force spectroscopy. At room temperature, i.e. below the phase transition temperature of the MFGM polar lipids, the bilayers showed the formation of sphingomyelin-rich domains in the solid ordered (so) phase that protruded about 1 nm above the liquid disordered (ld) phase. These so phase domains have a higher mechanical resistance to rupture than the ld phase (30 nN versus 15 nN). Addition of cholesterol in the MFGM polar lipid bilayers (i) induced the formation of liquid ordered (lo) phase for up to 27 mol % in the bilayers, (ii) decreased the height difference between the thicker ordered domains and the surrounding ld phase, (iii) promoted the formation of small sized domains, and (iv) decreased the mechanical resistance to rupture of the sphingomyelin-rich domains down to ∼5 nN. The biological and functional relevance of the lo phase cholesterol/sphingomyelin-rich domains in the membrane surrounding fat globules in milk remains to be elucidated. This study brought new insight about the functional role of cholesterol in milk polar lipid ingredients, which can be used in the preparation of food emulsions, e.g. infant milk formulas.

Organization of lipids in milks, infant milk formulas and various dairy products: role of technological processes and potential impacts

The microstructure of milk fat in processed dairy products is poorly known despite its importance in their functional, sensorial and nutritional properties. However, for the last 10 years, several research groups including our laboratory have significantly contributed to increasing knowledge on the organization of lipids in situ in dairy products. This paper provides an overview of recent advances on the organization of lipids in the milk fat globule membrane using microscopy techniques (mainly confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy). Also, this overview brings structural information about the organization of lipids in situ in commercialized milks, infant milk formulas and various dairy products (cream, butter, buttermilk, butter serum and cheeses). The main mechanical treatment used in the dairy industry, homogenization, decreases the size of milk fat globules, changes the architecture (composition and organization) of the fat/water interface and affects the interactions between lipid droplets and the protein network (concept of inert vs active fillers). The potential impacts of the organization of lipids and of the alteration of the milk fat globule membrane are discussed, and technological strategies are proposed, in priority to design biomimetic lipid droplets in infant milk formulas.

Impact of galactosylceramides on the nanomechanical properties of lipid bilayer models: an AFM-force spectroscopy study

Galactosylceramides (GalCer) are glycosphingolipids bound to a monosaccharide group, responsible for inducing extensive hydrogen bonds that yield their alignment and accumulation in the outer leaflet of the biological membrane together with cholesterol (Chol) in rafts. In this work, the influence of GalCer on the nanomechanical properties of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) based on DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and DLPC (1,2-didodecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline) as model systems was assessed. Phosphatidylcholine (PC):GalCer SLBs were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), in both imaging and force spectroscopy (AFM-FS) modes. Comparing both PC systems, we determined that the behaviour of SLB mixtures is governed by the PC phase-like state at the working temperature. While a phase segregated system is observed for DLPC:GalCer SLBs, GalCer are found to be dissolved in DPPC SLBs for GalCer contents up to 20 mol%. In both systems, the incorporation of GalCer intensifies the nanomechanical properties of SLBs. Interestingly, segregated domains of exceptionally high mechanical stability are formed in DLPC:GalCer SLBs. Finally, the role of 20 mol% Chol in GalCer organization and function in the membranes was assessed. Both PC model systems displayed phase segregation and remarkable nanomechanical stability when GalCer and Chol coexist in SLBs.