Enzyme Catalysis Causes Fluid Flow, Motility, and Directional Transport on Supported Lipid Bilayers

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cellular Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lipid membrane composition critically influences membrane-bound enzyme activity and cellular functions.
• Understanding enzyme catalysis's effect on lipid membrane dynamics is crucial for biosensing platforms.
• Current knowledge gaps exist regarding how enzyme catalysis impacts lateral transport on lipid membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how enzyme catalysis influences motility and lateral transport on lipid membranes.
• To provide direct evidence of enzyme-induced fluid flow in supported lipid bilayers (SLBs).
• To demonstrate the potential of active enzymes in controlling diffusion and transport in 2D environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized enzyme-attached lipids within supported lipid bilayers (SLBs).
• Employed active enzyme patches to observe tracer particle movement.
• Manipulated membrane viscosity by incorporating cholesterol.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated catalysis-induced fluid flow, explaining observed motility on SLBs.
• Showcased directional transport of tracer particles using active enzyme patches.
• Confirmed that increased membrane viscosity (via cholesterol) suppresses movement.

Conclusions:

• Enzyme catalysis actively drives fluid flow and transport on lipid membranes.
• Active enzymes can be harnessed to control diffusion and transport in confined 2D systems.
• This research offers insights into out-of-equilibrium processes fundamental to living systems and biosensing.