Probing membrane transport using plasmonic nanoarrays engineered for surface-enhanced spectroscopies

本研究计划旨在开发一种基于纳米粒子等离子体和表面增强振动光谱的新型工具，用于研究电场驱动的膜传输现象。本研究将用于探索各种电压门控膜传输过程，重点是仿生膜系统。特别令人感兴趣的是蛋白质聚集的程度，如淀粉样蛋白，与生物膜系统相互作用，以及这种相互作用形成了什么样的通道。其他感兴趣的系统包括特定蛋白质毒素跨膜系统的转导，以及通过预先存在的蛋白质跨膜通道更好地理解小分子渗透。

This research proposal seeks to develop a novel tool for the investigation of electric field-driven membrane transport phenomena, based on nanoparticle plasmonics and surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopies. This research will be utilized to probe a variety of voltage-gated membrane transport processes, with an emphasis on biomimetic membrane systems. Of particular interest is the degree to which protein aggregates, such as amyloids, interact with biomembrane systems, and what kind of channels are formed as a result of this interaction. Other systems of interest include the transduction of particular protein toxins across membrane systems, and a better understanding of small molecule permeation through pre-existing protein transmembrane channels. Nanoarray electrodes composed of metal nanoparticles will be designed and engineered to allow for maximum signal attainment in various surface-enhanced spectroscopies, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and surface-enhanced infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (SEIRRAS). The very short decay lengths (i.e. < 10 nm for SERS) of the enhanced electric field generated by metal nanostructures makes it possible to record signal from only those species which cross the membrane and arrive at the nanostructured electrode surface, providing the basis of a new methodology for studying membrane transport phenomena. Of particular value is that this approach does not require special labels or probe molecules, and studies can be done in a real time, in situ manner. This research will contribute to our understanding of the design and development of plasmonic nanoarray electrodes, and will enhance our knowledge of voltage-gated membrane transport, particularly with respect to the interaction between aggregated protein and cellular membranes. Findings from such research will be critical to the understanding of disease processes caused by protein aggregates, and may highlight future avenues of disease research.