A Novel Process to Create Lipid Bilayer Membranes on Gold & TiO2 Solid Supports

Stanford University scientists have developed a novel method to create lipid bilayer membranes on a variety of surfaces, including gold and titanium-oxide (TiO2). This technology uses amphipathic α-helical peptides to penetrate, destabilize, and rupture the outer leaflet of intact vesicles, thereby fusing the vesicles into planar bilayers on preferred solid substrates. Previously, supported lipid bilayers were limited to silicon oxide or organic film-modified surfaces. With this invention, researchers have the flexibility to capitalize on the advantages of other substrates, such as the favorable electrical properties of gold or the beneficial biocompatibility TiO2. This technology can be used for a wide range of membrane-associated biological, physiological, or electrochemical applications.

Related Technology
The inventors have developed a related technology that uses amphipathic a-helical peptides as an antiviral agent for prevention and disinfection (see Stanford Docket S07-204).