Functional molecular films at charged interfaces

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The objective of our research is to build functional model membranes at an electrode surface that could be used to study the mechanism of voltage gated phenomena such as transport through ion channels and to study the effect of various drugs on the function of the ion channels.  To achieve these goals we will employ electrochemical methods, scanning probe microscopies such as scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy, in situ refelection  spectroscopies in the infrared, ultraviolet and visible range of radiation and neutron reflectivity technique. The metal electrode surface, covered by a film of surfactants or phospholipids, can be charged and electric fields on the order of 108V/m can be applied to these supported films. These fields have comparable magnitude to the fields acting on biological membranes. The field may be conveniently used to manipulate organic molecules within the membrane.  IR reflection absorption spectroscopy can then be used to determine the orientation and conformation of the bio-molecule in the membrane and their changes in response to the applied field.  Neutron reflectivity and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements will provide information about the thickness of the bilayer and the water content in the bilayer.  Our research has always been driven by the development of new methods.  To keep up with this tradition we are planning to develop a technique allowing combined patch clamp and IR spectroscopic studies of the mechanism and kinetics of voltage gated ion channel opening.  Our studies provide basic knowledge that is essential to control the stability of sensors and biosensors and for the use of supported bilayers in biomimetic research.