(June 3, 2015) Natural channel proteins are integrated into artificial
membranes to facilitate the transport of ions and molecules. Researchers at the
University of Basel have now been able to measure the movement of these channel
proteins for the first time. They move up to ten times slower than in their
natural environment, namely the cell membrane. As reported in academic journal
“Nano Letters”, the results may prove useful to the ongoing development of new
applications such as nanoreactors and artificial organelles.
The membranes of the cells in our bodies are only
approximately 4 to 5 nanometers thick and consist of a complex mixture of
lipids and specific membrane proteins, which also include channel proteins.
This kind of cell membrane can be described as a fluid 2-D solution, in which
the components are able to move laterally. These movements within the membrane
are dependent on the flexibility and fluidity of the components and ultimately
determine the functionality of the membrane.