The Durability of Lipid Bilayers Modified with a Minimal Actin Cortex (MAC) for Nanopore Sensing and Ion Channel Electrophysiology

Abstract

A minimal actin cortex (MACs) employs a thin layer of polymerized actin that is chemically coupled to a lipid membrane. Recently, we have shown that MACs can enhance the mechanical resilience of black lipid membranes containing biological nanopores, without blocking access to bulk solution. Our ongoing work explores the creation of actin multilayers for enhanced support using cross-linked filaments. We observe a density and thickness increase following layering and cross-linking procedures. We also investigate the durability of MAC-coated lipid bilayers formed on chips after exposure to non-ambient conditions of temperature, hydration, and mechanical stress. The actin network and filaments dynamics are imaged using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and the fluidity of the lipid bilayers is probed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Results from these studies impact the development of biological nanopore sensors and ion channel electrophysiology.