Block Copolymer-Based Biomembranes Functionalized with Energy Transduction Proteins

Abstract

Block copolymer-based membranes can be functionalized with energy transducing proteins to reveal a versatile family of nanoscale materials. Our work has demonstrated the fabrication of protein-functionalized ABA triblock copolymer nanovesicles that possess a broad applicability towards areas like biosensing and energy production. ABA triblock copolymers possess certain advantages over lipid systems. For example, they can mimic biomembrane environments necessary for membrane protein refolding in a single chain (hydrophilic(A)- hydrophobic(B)-hydrophilic(A)), enabling large-area membrane fabrication using methods like Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition. Furthermore, the robustness of the polymer molecules/structure result in spontaneous and rapid protein-functionalized nano-vesicle formation that retains structure as well as protein functionality for up to several months, compared to one to two weeks for the lipid systems (e.g. POPC). The membrane protein, Bacteriorhodopsin (BR), found in Halobacterium Halobium, is a light-actuated proton pump that develops gradients towards the demonstration of coupled functionality with other membrane proteins, such as the production of electricity through Bacteriorhodopsin activity-dependent reversal of Cytochrome C Oxidase (COX), found in Rhodobacter Sphaeroides. Protein-functionalized materials have the exciting potential of serving as the core technology behind a series of fieldable devices that are driven completely by biomolecules.

Vectorial insertion of bacteriorhodopsin for directed orientation assays in various polymeric biomembranes

“…The jDpHj commonly peaked at 30-50 min around to a level around 0.1 (as shown, jDpHjZ 0.0953 at 50 min) and exhibited a large decrease of 57.71% in 2 h. These results indicate that although membrane leakage to ions in non-cross-linked polymer membranes was observed, the polymer membrane stability was far improved over that of the lipid membranes considering the experiments were conducted at room temperature. In addition, the demonstration of protein functionality/reconstitution could be achieved in a matter of hours compared to several days for the lipid systems [10]. By stabilizing the interface between purple membrane and polymers, UV cross-linking not only enabled rapid and easily achievable detection of purple membrane activity, it also preserved the pH gradient across the membrane for over 10 h at room temperature.…”

“…PM has been the subject of much interest due to its unique photocycle intermediates that exist depending on the wavelength of light used to activate the retinal chromophore, which serves as the light-dependent element of the protein (500-650 nm, [2][3][4][5]). Studies have detailed its potential use in molecular electronics [6], optical devices [7], as well as bionanotechnology [8][9][10]. One of the more intriguing aspects of the BR protein lies in the fact that it is a 'vectorial catalyst', meaning that its processes of proton transport ensure that proton translocation is in a unidirectional manner [11].…”

Fabrication of Synaptotagmin II-Functionalized Neuromimetic Copolymeric Nanomembranes

“…4 Promise for these technologies has been indicated by various research groups for applications including biosensors, 5 devices for rapid drug screening, 5 devices for drug delivery, 6 and power sources for bioimplants. 7,8 Due to the well-established method and ease of fabrication of the copolymer membrane, its compatibility with standardized biological assays, and capability for optimizing specific processes and applications, this technology sets a basis for the future development of automated laboratory Original Report diagnostic-device technologies in studying BoNT and its properties. Block copolymer membranes can be regarded as biomimetic membranes due to their innate hydrophilicehydrophobic alternating structure and enhanced robustness; these traits are ideal for potential device-based applications, such as protein biosensors.…”

Polymer-Enabled Carbon Nanotube Deposition for Cellular Interrogation Applications

“…2) the thickness of the PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA materials using atomic force microscopy as well as capacitance measurements C. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Preparation/Depositi of protein spreading across a hydrophobic septum in solution. for Bioelectricity Measurements The resultant thickness of the materials were determined to Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) (Sigma-Aldri( range between 3-4nm [14][15][16][17][18].…”