ABSTRACT
In this chapter tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) will be presented as a model system allowing to mimic important functions of the cell. Due to their complexity and supramolecular architecture, tBLMs touch many other topics of the book, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). After a brief introduction into model membrane systems, the specific components of tBLMs, important for their application, will be addressed, followed by an overview of the different tBLM systems used today, including some examples. Special emphasis will be placed on the question, in which way do the chemical and physical properties of tBLM components determine the membrane properties and quality? A set of necessary components-a toolbox of structures and functions combined with an overview of surface-analytical tools
allowing to analyze tBLMs-as well as their properties impacting the biomimetic membrane in the tBLM format will be presented. This chapter intends to constitute a starting point reflecting on some “essentials” illuminating the entry into the wonderful world of biomimetic systems exemplified by tBLMs.
