Start Date

2019

Description

Lipids are fat-soluble molecules that can naturally form bilayers when exposed to water. Lipid bilayers form the outer boundary of cells, providing a way for cells to isolate themselves from their environment. While bilayer membranes are generally impermeable to ions, proteins known as ion channels allow for ion transport across the membrane. Gramicidin A is one such molecule whose behavior has been studied. While some experimental and computational analysis of gramicidin A has been performed1,2,3, more work is needed to systematically study this ion channel’s behavior at high temperatures (above 50 °C) and in bilayers composed of different lipids. We believe a systematic study will give us more insight into the biophysics of lipid bilayers and their interactions with ion channels.

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Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

Demonstration of Single Ion Channel Activity in Lipid Bilayers with Temperature Control

Lipids are fat-soluble molecules that can naturally form bilayers when exposed to water. Lipid bilayers form the outer boundary of cells, providing a way for cells to isolate themselves from their environment. While bilayer membranes are generally impermeable to ions, proteins known as ion channels allow for ion transport across the membrane. Gramicidin A is one such molecule whose behavior has been studied. While some experimental and computational analysis of gramicidin A has been performed1,2,3, more work is needed to systematically study this ion channel’s behavior at high temperatures (above 50 °C) and in bilayers composed of different lipids. We believe a systematic study will give us more insight into the biophysics of lipid bilayers and their interactions with ion channels.