Membrane–Ion Interactions

Abstract

Biomembranes assemble and operate at the interface with electrolyte solutions. Interactions between ions in solutions and the lipid affect the membrane structure, dynamics and electrostatic potential. In this article, I review some of the experimental and computational methods that are used to study membrane–ions interactions. Experimental methods that account for membrane–ion interactions directly and indirectly are presented first. Then, studies in which molecular dynamics simulations were used to gain an understanding of membrane–ion interactions are surveyed. Finally, the current view on membrane–ion interactions and their significance is briefly discussed.