Functional one-dimensional lipid bilayers on carbon nanotube templates

J Am Chem Soc. 2005 May 25;127(20):7538-42. doi: 10.1021/ja043431g.

Abstract

Use of biological machines and environments in novel bioinorganic nanostructures is critical for development of new types of biosensors, bio-NEMS devices, and functional materials. Lipid bilayers that mimic a cell membrane have already played an important role in such applications. We present supported lipid bilayers that spontaneously assemble in a continuous nanoshell around a template of a carbon nanotube wrapped with hydrophilic polymer cushion layers. We demonstrate that such 1-D lipid membranes are fluid and can heal defects, even over repeated damage-recovery cycles. A simple diffusion model can describe mobility of lipid molecules in these 1-D nanoshells. These structures could lead to the development of new classes of biosensors and bioelectronic devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemical synthesis
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Nanotubes, Carbon