Lipid Interactions with Styrene-Maleic Acid Copolymers on Nanoparticles

Polymer stabilized lipid nanodiscs stabilize membrane proteins for structural studies. Previously, we studied nanodisc formation using poly(styrene-maleic acid) (SMA) copolymers synthesised by RAFT techniques, which give defined weights and architectures, and also end groups that may be used for surface binding. We have shown that SMA tethered to oxide nanoparticles will solubilise lipid vesicles. By tethering SMA to relevant nanoparticle surfaces, such as conductive gold nanoparticles or super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, the applications of SMA as a membrane protein support could be broadened towards applications in electronic devices. Here, we aim to use SANS and contrast variation to determine the surface structures that develop in this system, how these compare with known SMALP nanodisc morphologies and vary with the position of the styrene block relative to the surface.