Abstract
We demonstrate that polymerizable planar membranes permit reconstitution of protein ion channels formed by the bacterial toxins Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin (alphaHL) and Bacillus anthracis protective antigen 63. The alphaHL channel remained functional even after membrane polymerization. Surface pressure measurements suggest that the ease of forming membranes depends on membrane surface elasticity estimated from Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer pressure-area isotherms. The ability to stabilize nanoscale pores in robust ultrathin films may prove useful in single molecule sensing applications.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Antigens, Bacterial / chemistry
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Bacillus anthracis / metabolism
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Bacterial Toxins / chemistry
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Cell Membrane / metabolism
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Cell Membrane Permeability
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Escherichia coli Proteins / chemistry
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Hemolysin Proteins / chemistry
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Ion Channels / chemistry*
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Ions*
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Lipid Bilayers
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Lipids / chemistry
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Membrane Lipids / chemistry*
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Models, Chemical
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Nanotechnology
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Phospholipids / chemistry*
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Polymers / chemistry*
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Pressure
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Staphylococcus aureus / metabolism
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Surface Properties
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Time Factors
Substances
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Antigens, Bacterial
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Bacterial Toxins
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Escherichia coli Proteins
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Hemolysin Proteins
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Hlya protein, E coli
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Ion Channels
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Ions
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Lipid Bilayers
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Lipids
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Membrane Lipids
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Phospholipids
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Polymers
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anthrax toxin