As nanowires (NWs) gain momentum in biological applications, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the molecular interactions at these sophisticated interfaces. Membrane-mediated processes play a key role in many biological functions and supported lipid bilayers are excellent model systems for the study of membranes and membrane-integrated proteins. Furthermore, for many cell organelles, membranes are curved. With this in view, we recently developed a hybrid system consisting of membrane-like phospholipid bilayers supported by NW forests, which allows the formation of bilayers with controllable curvature as a matrix for biomolecular interaction. We seek to use the hybrid system to monitor membrane processes, including mechanical properties of the membrane and interactions with biomolecules. This work is funded by the nmC@LU together with the Organizing Molecular Matter (OMM) Linné Centre of Excellence as well as Carl Tryggers Stiftelse.

People: Tommy Nylander, Aleksandra Dabkowska, Christelle Prinz (Solid State Physics, LU), Heiner Linke (Solid State Physics, LU), Hanna Wacklin (ESS AB), Emma Sparr.

Contact person:Tommy Nylander