Spherical Nanoparticle Supported Lipid Bilayers: A Tool for Modeling Protein Interactions with Curved Membranes

: Mechanistic studies of protein-membrane interactions can be complicated by the limitations of the membrane model system chosen. Many of these limitations can be overcome by using a spherical silica nanoparticle to support the membrane. In this chapter, we present a detailed protocol for the construction of spherical nanoparticle supported lipid bilayers (SSLBs), with discussion of methods to improve production.