Self-Assembled Floating Supported Bilayers as a Tool for in situ Studies on Integral Membrane Proteins

We have developed a novel and readily deployable sample system for the study of planar bio-membranes under biologically accurate in vitro conditions. The next conceptual leap in the development of this new novel, sophisticated and relevant sample system is the incorporation of integral membrane proteins (IMPs). Here, using neutron reflectometry, we wish to engage in full study into the deposition and characterisation of a range of IMP containing self-assembled floating supported membranes with differing characteristics to elucidate the range and complexity of samples which are amenable to study using this sample system to aid future developments and applications.