Optimising Cell-derived Lipid Bilayers For Future Biosensors

We have developed a novel class of biological sensors for high throughput studies, using cell-derived vesicles that contain all the proteins naturally found in cell membranes, to create cell-free native membrane models on top of active transducers. The vesicles fuse on top of the desired substrates forming a bilayer. By using hydrated polymer-based transducers, instead of solid supports one can achieve a fluid environment close to the physiologically relevant environment, thus. facilitating mobility of the transmembrane proteins while interrogating with electrochemical and optical approaches. Our electrochemical and optical data shows that there are differences between the types of membrane structures that form on these sensors and within the scope of this work we intend to use neutron reflectivity to elucidate these difference and help the optimisation of our sensor design.