Generation of S-Layer Supported Functionalized Lipid Bilayers

Abstract

Protein-stabilized functional lipid membranes on solid supports are a preferred target for pharmaceutical and technological applications. The vast interest of such systems is attributed to the fact that nearly one third of all proteins are membrane proteins.In our study we present the characterization of bacterial surface layer (S-layer) supported lipid bilayers as well as the insertion of membrane proteins or peptides. Common methods to build up a lipid double layer structure are by the rapid solvent exchange (RSE) mechanism or by vesicle fusion. Both techniques lead to a dense lipid bilayer. One approach in this study is the direct insertion of channel forming peptides which has been determined by several surface sensitive and biophysical methods. The second approach is the live extraction and transfer of membrane fragments from living cells by so called smart droplet micro (SDM) tools within an optical tweezer manipulation set up. The main results advocate that the physical and chemical properties of S-layers and slightly chemically modified S-layers trigger lipid membrane generation as well as the insertion of membrane proteins. Overall, S-layers provide a useful scaffold for biomimetic membranes due to its functional properties and biological nature.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide