Membrane and droplet-interface bilayer systems and methods
Droplet-interface bilayer and lipid bilayer membrane compositions stabilized with an amphiphilic polymer are disclosed. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
1. A system comprising
a bilayer of amphipathic molecules provided at the interface between
a first droplet of a first aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium, the first droplet comprising a layer of amphipathic molecules around the surface of the first aqueous solution, and containing a eukaryotic transcription/translation extract and a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a membrane polypeptide; and
a second droplet of a second aqueous solution in the hydrophobic medium, the second droplet comprising a layer of amphipathic molecules around the surface of the second aqueous solution;
wherein the bilayer contains a polymer and the membrane polypeptide synthesized within the first droplet from the heterologous polynucleotide by the eukaryotic transcription/translation extract.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the membrane polypeptide is a channel or a pore.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic medium is oil.
4. The pair of droplets of claim 1 , wherein the amphipathic molecules are lipid molecules.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each droplet has a volume of at least about 20 pL and less than about 1000 nL.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the polymer is a silicone.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first or second droplet contains a test compound, a polypeptide, a polymer, or a combination thereof.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bilayer is stable for at least about 30 minutes.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the polymer is present in the first or second aqueous solution.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the membrane polypeptide is a eukaryotic polypeptide.