How to control the molecular architecture of a monolayer of proteins supported by a lipid bilayer

In this work, we report the spontaneous formation of a new structure composed of two lipid layers surrounding a dense monolayer of soluble proteins (lysozyme). We extend a process, initially discovered with nonionic surfactants to phospholipids (DMPC and DOPC). The motor of the protein insertion process is the difference between the protein chemical potential in the solution and in the freshly formed Newton black film (NBF). This process is completely controlled by adjusting the protein chemical potential in the solution. By means of x-ray reflectivity, we follow the evolution of the freestanding sandwich structure until a stable equilibrium state is reached. Depending on the lipid concentration with respect to the protein concentration, we observe two different behaviors of the film leading to the formation of such unique structure: at the highest lipid concentration, the usual protein diffusion into the NBF, and, at the lowest lipid concentration, the spontaneous formation of a sandwich structure immediately obtained after the drainage. Finally, we show that the insertion process is reversible, because, if the lipid concentration varies in the bulk solution, a "deswelling" of the film can be observed.