Dynamic and reversible control of 2D membrane protein concentration in a droplet interface bilayer.

Journal article

We form an artificial lipid bilayer between a nanolitre aqueous droplet and a supporting hydrogel immersed in an oil/lipid solution. Manipulation of the axial position of the droplet relative to the hydrogel controls the size of the bilayer formed at the interface; this enables the surface density of integral membrane proteins to be controlled. We are able to modulate the surface density of the β-barrel pore-forming toxin α-hemolysin over a range of 4 orders of magnitude within a time frame of a few seconds. The concentration changes are fully reversible. Membrane protein function and diffusion are unaltered, as measured by single molecule microscopy and single channel electrical recording.

Authors: Gross, L; Castell, O; Wallace, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Nano letters
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 3324-3328
• Publication date: 2011-08-01
• DOI: 10.1021/nl201689v
• EISSN: 1530-6992
• ISSN: 1530-6984
• Language: English
• Keywords: Membrane Proteins; Lipid Bilayers