Functional tethered bilayer lipid membranes on aluminum oxide

Chemphyschem. 2008 Sep 15;9(13):1920-4. doi: 10.1002/cphc.200800248.

Abstract

Tethered bilayer lipid membranes are established as well-suited model membrane systems adaptable to different surfaces, for example, gold and silicon. These solid supported membranes are highly flexible in their tethering and lipid parts and can thus be optimized for functional incorporation of membrane proteins. The excellent sealing properties of the tethered membranes allow incorporated ion-channel proteins to be investigated. Preparation of ultrasmooth aluminum oxide by sputtering and synthesis of new tethering lipids with phosphonic acid anchor groups enable formation of an electrically sealing membrane on this surface. This process is monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. High sealing performance of the membrane and functional incorporation of the ion carrier valinomycin are demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Oxide / chemistry*
  • Electrons
  • Glyceryl Ethers / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Molecular Structure
  • Valinomycin / chemistry

Substances

  • Glyceryl Ethers
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Valinomycin
  • Aluminum Oxide