NIRT - Nanoscale Engineering of Bilaterally Accessible Biomembrane Mimics

该提案是响应纳米尺度科学与工程计划，NSF 02-148，类别NIRT而收到的。研究重点是s层蛋白的表征和应用，s层蛋白是一种分子薄的蛋白质薄片晶体，位于多种微生物的细胞外包膜上。晶体晶格包含位于重复晶格位置的纳米级孔，可以作为天然超滤装置。增强的s层脂质膜杂化结构将在介孔、宏观的底物上实现，从而产生功能性的、宏观稳定的生物膜模拟物，小分子物质可以从两侧进入。纳米多孔金将为宏观世界提供界面。作为生物膜功能化的模型，溶血素将被组装成s层，用于测量单个分子的通过。有了这些结构，就有可能将单链DNA穿过孔，并将蛋白质附着在DNA的末端，从而设计从孔中捕获和释放DNA。就更广泛的影响而言，这些结构可以在各种设备中找到应用，包括膜和传感器。计划与NIST和跨大西洋教育项目合作。

This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 02-148, category NIRT. The research focuses on the characterization and application of S-layer proteins, which are molecularly thin protein sheet crystals located on the outer cell envelope of a variety of micro-organisms. The crystal lattices incorporate nanoscopic pores located on repetitive lattice sites and can function as natural ultrafiltration devices. Reinforced S-layer lipid membrane hybrid architectures will be implemented on mesoporous, macroscopic substrates leading to functional, macroscopically-stabilized biomembrane mimics, accessible from both sides by small molecular species. Nanoporous gold will provide the interface to the macroscopic world. As a model of biomembrane functionalization, hemolysin will be assembled into the S-layer for use in measuring the passage of a single molecule. With these structures it may be possible to thread single-stranded DNA through the pores and to attach proteins to the ends of the DNA, thus engineering the capture and release of DNA from the pore. In terms of the broader impacts, these structures may find applications in a variety of devices including membranes and sensors. Collaborations with NIST and a transatlantic educational program are planned.