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Chemotactic Response of Marine Micro-Organisms to Micro-Scale Nutrient Layers
Published on: May 28, 2007
Functional bionetworks from nanoliter water droplets
Matthew A Holden1, David Needham, Hagan Bayley
1Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA Oxford, UK. matthew.holden@chem.ox.ac.uk
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 19, 2007
Summary
Researchers created robust bionetworks using droplet-interface bilayers (DIBs). These networks function as coupled protocells and offer stable platforms for ultrasensitive bilayer recordings, enabling rapid screening applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Lipid bilayers are fundamental to cellular function and biomimetic systems.
- Creating stable, functional networks of artificial cells remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for constructing robust, interconnected networks of aqueous droplets using lipid bilayers.
- To investigate the functional capabilities of these droplet networks as bionetworks and recording devices.
Main Methods:
- Forming droplet-interface bilayers (DIBs) by submerging aqueous droplets in an oil/lipid mixture.
- Incorporating protein channels and pores into DIBs for ionic current measurements.
- Assembling linear and branched droplet network geometries.
- Utilizing ion gradients or bacteriorhodopsin for powering the networks.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the formation of stable and robust droplet networks with lipid bilayers at interfaces.
- Showcased the ability to incorporate functional protein channels and measure ionic currents across DIBs.
- Successfully excised and replaced individual droplets within a network without compromising structural integrity.
- Developed methods to power these bionetworks using internal biobatteries.
Conclusions:
- Droplet-interface bilayers provide a stable and versatile platform for creating functional bionetworks.
- These networks can serve as coupled protocells and advanced platforms for ultrastable bilayer recording.
- The technology holds promise for applications in rapid screening and biomimetic systems.
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