Preparation and surface morphology change observation of hybrid bilayer membranes

Hybrid bilayer membrane (HBM) was prepared on solid substrates by coupling self-assembly with vesicle fusion methods. The prepared HBM films were examined by cyclic voltammetry and scanning tunneling microscope (STM) measurements. The HBM films composed of octadecanthiol (C18H37SH) and phosphatidylcholine (C44H88NO8P) showed resistance to chemical-reduced reactions. STM observations revealed a change in the surface morphology of the HBM by an application of external electric field in a manner similar to that observed in biomembranes in solution (the self-healing effect).