Hybrid protein/polymer biomimetic membranes

Protein-functionalized polymers retain dramatically increased stability over lipid membranes and the unique ability to be deposited on solid substrates in the ABA complex. Monolayer arrays of pore proteins have been deposited onto silicon wafers for applications in sensing nanomolecules such as conjugated quantum dots and colloidal gold beads. We have successfully demonstrated the reconstitution of the OmpF porin in triblock copolymer membranes, fabrication of large-area hybrid Langmuir-Blodgett Films, as well as protein insertion via analyte detection using protein/polymer active materials with the goal of buildup towards a multicomponent microsystem while preserving inherent molecular function.