Transdisciplinary methods in the study of biological membranes: Laboratory learning by doing and implications for research and education

Abstract

The investigation of the structural features in biological membranes represents a central topic in many aspects of biological science. It involves the study of the collective behavior of a great number of interacting macromolecules, while the study of the structure-function relationship requires the observation and calculation of a large number of key factors. The self-assembly processes involved in biomembranes represent the cornerstone of the biological systems functioning, due to the special role of the complex macromolecular assemblies containing lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and other active components. In this article, we describe the main techniques and approaches employed for the investigation of biological membranes under a multidisciplinary point of view. A special focus will be put on the future challenges in this academic research field and the related academic teaching programs, that must provide the integration of the different research approaches and protocols into a common scientific background based on multi- and trans-disciplinary methods that combine the expertise coming from the different disciplines. In this respect, the laboratory learning by doing can have strong implications for research and education activities, and stimulate both the scientific research community and academia to develop their skills to face the interdisciplinary challenges of modern science.