Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Nano-discs are nanoscale discoidal phospho-lipid bi-layers encircled by stabilizing amphipathic helical membrane scaffold proteins (MSP). For the synthesis of the nano-discs, the membrane scaffold protein MSP1D1 is used (a genetically engineered, biotechnological produced derivate of the human apo lipoprotein A-1.) In the last few years the use of these reconstitute membranes containing embedded proteins has become increasingly important e.g. for the study of membraneassociated proteins. In the known studies, nano-discs are assembled by adding a micelles- organized detergent- phospholipid mixture to an aqueous system containing the MSPs. Upon removal of detergent, 10nm diameter particles are formed. Unfortunately, the resulting nano-discs are disordered in this solution, and therefore a simple and further processing into an ordered and directed membrane cannot be easily achieved. Therefore the aim of this work is to create biomimetic membranes consistent of cross-linked nano-discs with the translocon SecYEG as embedded protein complex for an active biological transport of potential target proteins. Now the approach should be replaced by a continuous synthesis focused on bio-mimetic active nano-disc membrane. Compared to the previously described method, the synthesis will proceed in an aqueousorganic two-phase system, where the required components such as the MSPs and phospholipids are added continuously. The phospholipids accumulate as amphiphilic molecules in the boundary layer and the MSPs are localized in the hydrophobic layer. As in the discontinuous synthesis, it is assumed that the right MSP-phospholipid ratio occurs as a spontaneous assembly of the nano-discs. These planar aligned nano-discs will be networked via cysteins which are located in the membrane scaffold proteins. These cysteins serve as cross-links for the disulfide bonds. The resulting membrane allows a directed investigation function of membrane proteins and therefore biomimetic membranes consisting of cross-connected nano-discs have the perspective to serve as excellent biotechnological tool and may be applied in the research of directed membrane-associated proteins as well as in method development for selective separation or transport of biomolecules

Biography

Ramona Bosch completed his studies in biology with specialization in Molecular Biology and Microbiology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, KIT. During his Diploma thesis, he investigated the efficiency and classification of antimicrobial substances against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequently, he has started his Doctoral studies at the University of Hohenheim at the Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Bioprocess Engineering. His research focusses on the development of biotechnological processes including all process steps (upstream processing, bio-production, downstream processing) which are necessary for the industrial production of biotechnological products.

Email: r.bosch@uni-hohenheim.de