Ethanol effects on binary and ternary supported lipid bilayers with gel/fluid domains and lipid rafts

► Gel/fluid and raft-like domains affect distinctly ethanol-membrane interactions. ► Liquid ordered and disordered undergo large thickness reduction at low ethanol levels. ► Moderate ethanol levels induce only a small thickness reduction (tilting) of the gel. ► The liquid disordered phase always goes through a marked lateral expansion. ► Lipid rafts and ethanol effects are clearly observed on silicon surface by liquid AFM.