The Structure of Model Membranes Studied by Vibrational Sum Frequency Spectroscopy

The structure and order of insoluble Langmuir monolayers consisting of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC or 18:0 PC) and the surrounding water molecules have been investigated by vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy (VSFS). At surface pressures of 1, 15, and 57 mN/m corresponding to molecular areas of 53, 50, and 43 angstrom(2), respectively, the DSPC molecules formed a well ordered film. Both the VSF signal from the methyl stretching vibrations of the lipid and the surrounding water increased with enhanced surface pressure, as a result of the higher surface density and increased order of the system. Water molecules hydrating the polar parts of the headgroup and in close contact to the hydrocarbon groups of the lipid were observed in all three polarization combinations of the laser beams, and distinguished by their different vibrational frequencies.