| Solid supported lipid
bilayers of mixed chemical composition |
The
Loesche group studies structural properties of
artificial, planar lipid membrane systems that
mimic biological membranes. These materials are
fluid leaflet that are only 5 nanometers thick.
To incorporate transmembrane proteins into such
systems, the membrane has to include hydrated space
above the solid carrier. This is achieved by supporting
the lipid bilayer using spacer molecules such as
hexa(ethylene glucol) or a polymer cushion (PEG).
In the past few years, the Loesche group has developed
robust and simple protocols for the preparation
of such "tethered" membranes. At the present time,
however, only homogeneous lipid bilayers of one
lipid have been characterized. Membrane protein
incorporation, and thus the formation of systems
that are closer to the 'real' biological structure,
may require the assembly of mixed lipid bilayers
that would include, e.g., cholesterol and sphingomyelin.
The UG student will participate in the proposed
project to systematically extend the existing technology
to create such mixed systems with tailored phyical
properties. First studies by impedance spectroscopy
and fluorescence microscopy will aim at optimizing
the completeness and electrical impermeability
of such bilayers. The electrical sealing is a requirement
for the monitoring of the incorporation of channel-forming
proteins, such as toxins or functional channels,
with EIS. The student will be extensively trained
in the relevant techniques. |
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