NIRT - Nanoscale Engineering of Bilaterally Accessible Biomembrane Mimics

本提案是对NSF 02-148 NIRT类纳米科学与工程倡议的响应。S层蛋白是一种位于多种微生物细胞外膜上的分子薄层蛋白质片状晶体，其性质和应用是本研究的重点。晶格结合了位于重复晶格位置上的纳米孔，可以作为天然的超滤装置。增强的S层类脂膜杂化结构将在介孔宏观基质上实现，从而获得可从两侧通过小分子物种访问的功能、宏观稳定的生物膜模拟物。纳米多孔黄金将提供通往宏观世界的界面。作为生物膜功能化的模型，溶血素将组装成S层，用于测量单分子的通道。有了这些结构，就有可能将单链DNA穿过毛孔，并将蛋白质附着到DNA的末端，从而设计出从毛孔捕获和释放DNA的工程。就更广泛的影响而言，这些结构可能会在包括膜和传感器在内的各种设备中得到应用。与NIST的合作和跨大西洋的教育项目也在计划之中。

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.