Natural channel protein inserts and functions in a completely artificial, solid-supported bilayer membrane.

ABSTRACT: Reconstitution of membrane proteins in artificial membrane systems creates a platform for exploring their potential for pharmacological or biotechnological applications. Previously, we demonstrated amphiphilic block copolymers as promising building blocks for artificial membranes with long-term stability and tailorable structural parameters. However, the insertion of membrane proteins has not previously been realized in a large-area, stable, and solid-supported artificial membrane. Here, we show the first, preliminary model of a channel membrane protein that is functionally incorporated in a completely artificial polymer, tethered, solid-supported bilayer membrane (TSSBM). Unprecedented ionic transport characteristics that differ from previous results on protein insertion into planar, free

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3709162 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature