Biomimetic triblock copolymer membrane arrays: a stable template for functional membrane proteins.
It is demonstrated that biomimetic stable triblock copolymer membrane arrays can be prepared using a scaffold containing 64 apertures of 300 microm diameter each. The membranes were made from a stock solution of block copolymers with decane as a solvent using a new deposition method. By using decane, we avoid low molecular weight solvents such as chloroform and toluene, which are strong protein denaturants. The membranes show a low ionic conductance and a long lifetime at room temperature. Contrast phase microscopy shows the presence of a polymer region delimited by a Plateau-Gibbs border similar to what is observed in black lipid membranes. The ion-channel gramicidin A was successfully incorporated into the membrane in a functional form.
González-Pérez
Alfredo
A
MEMPHYS-Center for Biomembrane Physics, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark. alfredo@memphys.sdu.dk
Stibius
Karin B
KB
Vissing
Thomas
T
Nielsen
Claus H
CH
Mouritsen
Ole G
OG
D000473:Alkanes; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D032701:Biomimetics; D025802:Electric Capacitance; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006096:Gramicidin / Q000378:metabolism; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D040081:Protein Array Analysis / Q000379:methods; D012997:Solvents; D013696:Temperature
D000473:Alkanes; D007473:Ion Channels; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents; D006096:Gramicidin; C012867:decane