Light-driven proteins in artificial membranes-a new method for biohybrid systems
Researchers have developed an innovative method to successfully integrate light-controlled membrane proteins, specifically the KR2 sodium-proton pump, into artificial polymer membranes. This breakthrough allows these proteins to convert light energy into ion gradients, which is crucial for energy conversion and sensory applications in biohybrid systems.
Why it matters
This innovation overcomes previous challenges in combining the mechanical stability of polymer membranes with the functional capabilities of light-driven proteins. It opens new avenues for developing advanced biohybrid systems with applications in biosensors, energy conversion, and synthetic biology, pushing the boundaries of materials science and biotechnology.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Researchers have developed an innovative method of incorporating light-controlled membrane proteins into flat and spherical artificial polymer membranes. Credit: University of Basel, Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Light-driven membrane proteins are key components in biohybrid systems because they can convert light energy into ion gradients, enabling energy conversion or sensory applications. While their integration into natural lipid membranes is well studied, embedding them in artificial polymer membranes has proven challenging.
Although polymer membranes are mechanically more stable and durable than lipid membranes, their physicochemical properties (for example, thickness and flexibility) make protein incorporation difficult.
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