1
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Mereuta L, Park J, Park Y, Luchian T. Repurposing an antimicrobial peptide for the development of a dual ion channel/molecular receptor-like platform for metal ion detection. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:15984-15994. [PMID: 39141323 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02433h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The presence of non-essential metals in the environment as contaminants is prone to cause hazardous health problems following accumulation in the human body and the ensuing toxic effects. This calls for continuous discovery and innovation in the realm of developing easy-to-operate, cheap and sensitive sensors. Herein, we describe the proof of concept approach for designing a molecular receptor-like, chimeric sensor based on the pore-forming peptide alamethicin (Alm), tethered via a linker with an ultrashort peptide nucleic acid (PNA) moiety, capable of generating functional ion channel oligomers in planar lipid membranes. The working principle of the sensor exploits the ability of Hg2+ ions to complex mismatching thymine-thymine sequences between the PNA receptor moiety on Alm oligomers and free, thymine-based, single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) in solution, thus creating a stable base pair at the oligomer entrance. This generates a transducing mechanism which converts the metal ion complexation into a specific electrical signature of the self-assembled Alm oligomers, enabling selective Hg2+ ion detection. The platform is programmable, whereby the simple exchange of the PNA sequence and its ssDNA counterpart in solution rendered the system selective for Cu2+ ion detection. With further optimization, the presented solution has the potential to translate into miniaturized, cost-effective biosensors suitable for the real-time, label-free and continuous detection of metal ions or other biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Mereuta
- Department of Physics, Alexandru I. Cuza University, 700506 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Jonggwan Park
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju, 32588, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Center for Proteinaceous Materials (RCPM), Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tudor Luchian
- Department of Physics, Alexandru I. Cuza University, 700506 Iasi, Romania.
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2
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Yang L, Hu J, Li MC, Xu M, Gu ZY. Solid-state nanopore: chemical modifications, interactions, and functionalities. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200775. [PMID: 36071031 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nanopore technology is a burgeoning detection technology for single-molecular sensing and ion rectification. Solid-state nanopores have attracted more and more attention because of their higher stability and tunability than biological nanopores. However, solid-state nanopores still suffer the drawbacks of low signal-to-noise ratio and low resolution, which hinders their practical applications. Thus, developing operatical and useful methods to overcome the shortages of solid-state nanopores is urgently needed. Here, we summarize the recent research on nanopore modification to achieve this goal. Modifying solid-state nanopores with different coating molecules can improve the selectivity, sensitivity, and stability of nanopores. The modified molecules can introduce different functions into the nanopores, greatly expanding the applications of this novel detection technology. We hope that this review of nanopore modification will provide new ideas for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Nanjing Normal University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, CHINA
| | - Jun Hu
- Nanjing Normal University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, CHINA
| | - Min-Chao Li
- Nanjing Normal University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, CHINA
| | - Ming Xu
- Nanjing Normal University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, CHINA
| | - Zhi-Yuan Gu
- Nanjing Normal University, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, 1 Wenyuan Rd, 210023, Nanjing, CHINA
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3
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Yudovich S, Marzouqe A, Kantorovitsch J, Teblum E, Chen T, Enderlein J, Miller EW, Weiss S. Electrically Controlling and Optically Observing the Membrane Potential of Supported Lipid Bilayers. Biophys J 2022; 121:2624-2637. [PMID: 35619563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Supported lipid bilayers are a well-developed model system for the study of membranes and their associated proteins, such as membrane channels, enzymes, and receptors. These versatile model membranes can be made from various components, ranging from simple synthetic phospholipids to complex mixtures of constituents, mimicking the cell membrane with its relevant physiochemical and molecular phenomena. In addition, the high stability of supported lipid bilayers allows for their study via a wide array of experimental probes. In this work, we describe a platform for supported lipid bilayers that is accessible both electrically and optically, and demonstrate direct optical observation of the transmembrane potential of supported lipid bilayers. We show that the polarization of the supported membrane can be electrically controlled and optically probed using voltage-sensitive dyes. Membrane polarization dynamics is understood through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the analysis of an equivalent electrical circuit model. In addition, we describe the effect of the conducting electrode layer on the fluorescence of the optical probe through metal-induced energy transfer, and show that while this energy transfer has an adverse effect on the voltage sensitivity of the fluorescent probe, its strong distance dependency allows for axial localization of fluorescent emitters with ultrahigh accuracy. We conclude with a discussion on possible applications of this platform for the study of voltage-dependent membrane proteins and other processes in membrane biology and surface science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimon Yudovich
- Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel; Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel.
| | - Adan Marzouqe
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel; Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Joseph Kantorovitsch
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Eti Teblum
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Tao Chen
- Third Institute of Physics-Biophysics, Georg August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Enderlein
- Third Institute of Physics-Biophysics, Georg August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), Georg August University, Germany
| | - Evan W Miller
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology, and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Shimon Weiss
- Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel; Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel; Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physiology, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
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4
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Eggenberger OM, Ying C, Mayer M. Surface coatings for solid-state nanopores. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:19636-19657. [PMID: 31603455 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr05367k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Since their introduction in 2001, solid-state nanopores have been increasingly exploited for the detection and characterization of biomolecules ranging from single DNA strands to protein complexes. A major factor that enables the application of nanopores to the analysis and characterization of a broad range of macromolecules is the preparation of coatings on the pore wall to either prevent non-specific adhesion of molecules or to facilitate specific interactions of molecules of interest within the pore. Surface coatings can therefore be useful to minimize clogging of nanopores or to increase the residence time of target analytes in the pore. This review article describes various coatings and their utility for changing pore diameters, increasing the stability of nanopores, reducing non-specific interactions, manipulating surface charges, enabling interactions with specific target molecules, and reducing the noise of current recordings through nanopores. We compare the coating methods with respect to the ease of preparing the coating, the stability of the coating and the requirement for specialized equipment to prepare the coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Eggenberger
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Cuifeng Ying
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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5
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Lin Y, Ying YL, Gao R, Long YT. Single-Molecule Sensing with Nanopore Confinement: From Chemical Reactions to Biological Interactions. Chemistry 2018; 24:13064-13071. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lin
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials & School of, Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai 200237 P.R. China
| | - Yi-Lun Ying
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials & School of, Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai 200237 P.R. China
| | - Rui Gao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials & School of, Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai 200237 P.R. China
| | - Yi-Tao Long
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials & School of, Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; East China University of Science and Technology; Shanghai 200237 P.R. China
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6
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Borsley S, Cockroft SL. In Situ Synthetic Functionalization of a Transmembrane Protein Nanopore. ACS NANO 2018; 12:786-794. [PMID: 29244946 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b08105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring current flow through a single nanopore has proved to be a powerful technique for the in situ detection of molecular structure, binding, and reactivity. Transmembrane proteins, such as α-hemolysin, provide particularly attractive platforms for nanopore sensing applications due to their atomically precise structures. However, many nanopore applications require the introduction of functional groups to tune selectivity. To date, such modifications have required genetic modification of the protein prior to functionalization. Here we demonstrate the in situ synthetic modification of a wild-type α-hemolysin nanopore embedded in a membrane. We show that reversible dynamic covalent iminoboronate formation and the resulting changes in the ion current flowing through an individual nanopore can be used to map the reactive behavior of lysine residues within the nanopore channel. Crucially, the modification of lysine residues located outside the nanopore channel was found not to affect the stability or utility of the nanopore. Finally, knowledge of the reactivity patterns enabled the irreversible functionalization of a single, assignable lysine residue within the nanopore channel. The approach constitutes a simple, generic tool for the rapid, in situ synthetic modification of protein nanopores that circumvents the need for prior genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Borsley
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh , Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Scott L Cockroft
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh , Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
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7
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Kim YH, Hang L, Cifelli JL, Sept D, Mayer M, Yang J. Frequency-Based Analysis of Gramicidin A Nanopores Enabling Detection of Small Molecules with Picomolar Sensitivity. Anal Chem 2018; 90:1635-1642. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Sept
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110, United States
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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8
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Lipid bilayer membrane technologies: A review on single-molecule studies of DNA sequencing by using membrane nanopores. Mikrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-017-2321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Agasid MT, Comi TJ, Saavedra SS, Aspinwall CA. Enhanced Temporal Resolution with Ion Channel-Functionalized Sensors Using a Conductance-Based Measurement Protocol. Anal Chem 2017; 89:1315-1322. [PMID: 27981836 PMCID: PMC5862562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The binding of a target analyte to an ion channel (IC), which is readily detected electrochemically in a label-free manner with single-molecule selectivity and specificity, has generated widespread interest in using natural and engineered ICs as transducers in biosensing platforms. To date, the majority of developments in IC-functionalized sensing have focused on IC selectivity or sensitivity or development of suitable membrane environments and aperture geometries. Comparatively little work has addressed analytical performance criteria, particularly criteria required for temporal measurements of dynamic processes. We report a measurement protocol suitable for rapid, time-resolved monitoring (≤30 ms) of IC-modulated membrane conductance. Key features of this protocol include the reduction of membrane area and the use of small voltage steps (10 mV) and short duration voltage pulses (10 ms), which have the net effect of reducing the capacitive charging and decreasing the time required to achieve steady state currents. Application of a conductance protocol employing three sequential, 10 ms voltage steps (-10 mV, -20 mV, -30 mV) in an alternating, pyramid-like arrangement enabled sampling of membrane conductance every 30 ms. Using this protocol, dynamic IC measurements on black lipid membranes (BLMs) functionalized with gramicidin A were conducted using a fast perfusion system. BLM conductance decreased by 76 ± 7.5% within 30 ms of switching from solutions containing 0 to 1 M Ca2+, which demonstrates the feasibility of using this approach to monitor rapid, dynamic chemical processes. Rapid conductance measurements will be broadly applicable to IC-based sensors that undergo analyte-specific gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T. Agasid
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Troy J. Comi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - S. Scott Saavedra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Craig A. Aspinwall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
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10
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Cole CM, Brea RJ, Kim YH, Hardy MD, Yang J, Devaraj NK. Spontaneous Reconstitution of Functional Transmembrane Proteins During Bioorthogonal Phospholipid Membrane Synthesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201504339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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11
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Cole CM, Brea RJ, Kim YH, Hardy MD, Yang J, Devaraj NK. Spontaneous Reconstitution of Functional Transmembrane Proteins During Bioorthogonal Phospholipid Membrane Synthesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:12738-42. [PMID: 26316292 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201504339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane proteins are critical for signaling, transport, and metabolism, yet their reconstitution in synthetic membranes is often challenging. Non-enzymatic and chemoselective methods to generate phospholipid membranes in situ would be powerful tools for the incorporation of membrane proteins. Herein, the spontaneous reconstitution of functional integral membrane proteins during the de novo synthesis of biomimetic phospholipid bilayers is described. The approach takes advantage of bioorthogonal coupling reactions to generate proteoliposomes from micelle-solubilized proteins. This method was successfully used to reconstitute three different transmembrane proteins into synthetic membranes. This is the first example of the use of non-enzymatic chemical synthesis of phospholipids to prepare proteoliposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Cole
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Building: Urey Hall 4120, La Jolla, CA 92093 (USA) http://devarajgroup.ucsd.edu
| | - Roberto J Brea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Building: Urey Hall 4120, La Jolla, CA 92093 (USA) http://devarajgroup.ucsd.edu
| | - Young Hun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Building: Pacific Hall 6160, La Jolla, CA 92093 (USA)
| | - Michael D Hardy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Building: Urey Hall 4120, La Jolla, CA 92093 (USA) http://devarajgroup.ucsd.edu
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Building: Pacific Hall 6160, La Jolla, CA 92093 (USA)
| | - Neal K Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Building: Urey Hall 4120, La Jolla, CA 92093 (USA) http://devarajgroup.ucsd.edu.
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12
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Mayer M, Yang J. Engineered ion channels as emerging tools for chemical biology. Acc Chem Res 2013; 46:2998-3008. [PMID: 23932142 DOI: 10.1021/ar400129t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, researchers have developed exogenously expressed, genetically engineered, semi-synthetic, and entirely synthetic ion channels. These structures have sufficient fidelity to serve as unique tools that can reveal information about living organisms. One of the most exciting success stories is optogenetics: the use of light-gated channels to trigger action potentials in specific neurons combined with studies of the response from networks of cells or entire live animals. Despite this breakthrough, the use of molecularly engineered ion channels for studies of biological systems is still in its infancy. Historically, researchers studied ion channels in the context of their own function in single cells or in multicellular signaling and regulation. Only recently have researchers considered ion channels and pore-forming peptides as responsive tools to report on the chemical and physical changes produced by other biochemical processes and reactions. This emerging class of molecular probes has a number of useful characteristics. For instance, these structures can greatly amplify the signal of chemical changes: the binding of one molecule to a ligand-gated ion channel can result in flux of millions of ions across a cell membrane. In addition, gating occurs on sub-microsecond time scales, resulting in fast response times. Moreover, the signal is complementary to existing techniques because the output is ionic current rather than fluorescence or radioactivity. And finally, ion channels are also localized at the membrane of cells where essential processes such as signaling and regulation take place. This Account highlights examples, mostly from our own work, of uses of ion channels and pore-forming peptides such as gramicidin in chemical biology. We discuss various strategies for preparing synthetically tailored ion channels that range from de novo designed synthetic molecules to genetically engineered or simply exogenously expressed or reconstituted wild-type channels. Next we consider aspects of experimental design by comparing various membrane environments or systems that make it possible to quantify the response of ion channels to biochemical processes of interest. We present applications of ion channels to answer questions in chemical biology, and propose potential future developments and applications of these single molecule probes. Finally we discuss the hurdles that impede the routine use of ion channel probes in biochemistry and cell biology laboratories and developments and strategies that could overcome these problems. Optogenetics has facilitated breakthroughs in neuroscience, and these results give a dramatic idea of what may lie ahead for designed ion channels as a functional class of molecular probes. If researchers can improve molecular engineering to increase ion channel versatility and can overcome the barriers to collaborating across disciplines, we conclude that these structures could have tremendous potential as novel tools for chemical biology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mayer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110, United States
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
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13
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Prangkio P, Rao DK, Lance KD, Rubinshtein M, Yang J, Mayer M. Self-assembled, cation-selective ion channels from an oligo(ethylene glycol) derivative of benzothiazole aniline. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1808:2877-85. [PMID: 21889925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the spontaneous formation of well-defined pores in planar lipid bilayers from the self-assembly of a small synthetic molecule that contains a benzothiazole aniline (BTA) group attached to a tetra-ethylene glycol (EG4) moiety. Macroscopic and single-channel current recordings suggest that these pores are formed by the assembly of four BTA-EG4 monomers with an open pore diameter that appears similar to the one of gramicidin pores (~0.4 nm). The single-channel conductance of these pores is modulated by the pH of the electrolyte and has a minimum at pH~3. Self-assembled pores from BTA-EG4 are selective for monovalent cations and have long open channel lifetimes on the order of seconds. BTA-EG4 monomers in these pores appear to be arranged symmetrically across both leaflets of the bilayer, and spectroscopy studies suggest that the fluorescent BTA group is localized inside the lipid bilayers. In terms of biological activity, BTA-EG4 molecules inhibited growth of gram-positive Bacillus subtilis bacteria (IC50~50 μM) and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells (IC50~60 μM), while they were not toxic to gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria at a concentration up to 500 μM. Based on these properties, this drug-like, synthetic, pore-forming molecule with a molecular weight below 500 g mol(-1) might be appealing as a starting material for development of antibiotics or membrane-permeating moieties for drug delivery. From a biophysical point of view, long-lived, well-defined ion-selective pores from BTA-EG4 molecules offer an example of a self-assembled synthetic supramolecule with biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panchika Prangkio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110, USA
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14
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Macrae MX, Schlamadinger D, Kim JE, Mayer M, Yang J. Using charge to control the functional properties of self-assembled nanopores in membranes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2011; 7:2016-2020. [PMID: 21626687 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael X Macrae
- University of California-San Diego, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, La Jolla, CA 92093-0358, USA
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15
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Rokitskaya TI, Macrae MX, Blake S, Egorova NS, Kotova EA, Yang J, Antonenko YN. Mechanistic insight into gramicidin-based detection of protein-ligand interactions via sensitized photoinactivation. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2010; 22:454118. [PMID: 21339605 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/22/45/454118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Among the many challenges for the development of ion channel-based sensors is the poor understanding of how to engineer modified transmembrane pores with tailored functionality that can respond to external stimuli. Here, we use the method of sensitized photoinactivation of gramicidin A (gA) channels in planar bilayer lipid membranes to help elucidate the underlying mechanistic details for changes in macroscopic transmembrane ionic current observed upon interaction of C-terminally attached gA ligands with specific proteins in solution. Three different systems were studied: (i) carbonic anhydrase (CA) and gA-sulfonamide, (ii) PSD-95 protein (belonging to the 'PDZ domain-containing protein') and a gA analog carrying the KGGHRRSARYLESSV peptide sequence at the C-terminus, and (iii) an anti-biotin antibody and gA-biotin. The results challenge a previously proposed mechanistic hypothesis suggesting that protein-induced current suppression is due to steric blockage of the ion passage through gA channels, while they reveal new insight for consideration in alternative mechanistic models. Additionally, we demonstrate that the length of a linker between the ligand and the gA channel may be less important for gramicidin-based detection of monovalent compared to multivalent protein-ligand interactions. These studies collectively shed new light on the mechanism of protein-induced current alterations in bilayer recordings of gA derivatives, which may be important in the design of new gramicidin-based sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana I Rokitskaya
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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16
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Majd S, Yusko EC, Billeh YN, Macrae MX, Yang J, Mayer M. Applications of biological pores in nanomedicine, sensing, and nanoelectronics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2010; 21:439-76. [PMID: 20561776 PMCID: PMC3121537 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biological protein pores and pore-forming peptides can generate a pathway for the flux of ions and other charged or polar molecules across cellular membranes. In nature, these nanopores have diverse and essential functions that range from maintaining cell homeostasis and participating in cell signaling to activating or killing cells. The combination of the nanoscale dimensions and sophisticated - often regulated - functionality of these biological pores make them particularly attractive for the growing field of nanobiotechnology. Applications range from single-molecule sensing to drug delivery and targeted killing of malignant cells. Potential future applications may include the use of nanopores for single strand DNA sequencing and for generating bio-inspired, and possibly, biocompatible visual detection systems and batteries. This article reviews the current state of applications of pore-forming peptides and proteins in nanomedicine, sensing, and nanoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheereen Majd
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110, USA
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17
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Noshiro D, Asami K, Futaki S. Metal-assisted channel stabilization: disposition of a single histidine on the N-terminus of alamethicin yields channels with extraordinarily long lifetimes. Biophys J 2010; 98:1801-8. [PMID: 20441743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 11/08/2009] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alamethicin, a member of the peptaibol family of antibiotics, is a typical channel-forming peptide with a helical structure. The self-assembly of the peptide in the membranes yields voltage-dependent channels. In this study, three alamethicin analogs possessing a charged residue (His, Lys, or Glu) on their N-termini were designed with the expectation of stabilizing the transmembrane structure. A slight elongation of channel lifetime was observed for the Lys and Glu analogs. On the other hand, extensive stabilization of certain channel open states was observed for the His analog. This stabilization was predominantly observed in the presence of metal ions such as Zn(2+), suggesting that metal coordination with His facilitates the formation of a supramolecular assembly in the membranes. Channel stability was greatly diminished by acetylation of the N-terminal amino group, indicating that the N-terminal amino group also plays an important role in metal coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Noshiro
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Macrae MX, Blake S, Mayer M, Yang J. Nanoscale Ionic Diodes with Tunable and Switchable Rectifying Behavior. J Am Chem Soc 2010; 132:1766-7. [DOI: 10.1021/ja909876h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael X. Macrae
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Departments of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110
| | - Steven Blake
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Departments of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110
| | - Michael Mayer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Departments of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Departments of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110
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Majd S, Yusko EC, MacBriar AD, Yang J, Mayer M. Gramicidin pores report the activity of membrane-active enzymes. J Am Chem Soc 2010; 131:16119-26. [PMID: 19886696 DOI: 10.1021/ja904072s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipases constitute a ubiquitous class of membrane-active enzymes that play a key role in cellular signaling, proliferation, and membrane trafficking. Aberrant phospholipase activity is implicated in a range of diseases including cancer, inflammation, and myocardial disease. Characterization of these enzymes is therefore important, both for improving the understanding of phospholipase catalysis and for accelerating pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. This paper describes a novel approach to monitor, in situ and in real-time, the activity of phospholipase D (PLD) and phospholipase C (PLC) on planar lipid bilayers. This method is based on lipase-induced changes in the electrical charge of lipid bilayers and on the concomitant change in ion concentration near lipid membranes. The approach reports these changes in local ion concentration by a measurable change in the single channel ion conductance through pores of the ion channel-forming peptide gramicidin A. This enzyme assay takes advantage of the amplification characteristics of gramicidin pores to sense the activity of picomolar to nanomolar concentrations of membrane-active enzymes without requiring labeled substrates or products. The resulting method proceeds on lipid bilayers without the need for detergents, quantifies enzyme activity on native lipid substrates within minutes, and provides unique access to both leaflets of well-defined lipid bilayers; this method also makes it possible to generate planar lipid bilayers with transverse lipid asymmetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheereen Majd
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2110, USA
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20
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Macrae MX, Blake S, Jiang X, Capone R, Estes DJ, Mayer M, Yang J. A semi-synthetic ion channel platform for detection of phosphatase and protease activity. ACS NANO 2009; 3:3567-80. [PMID: 19860382 PMCID: PMC2805247 DOI: 10.1021/nn901231h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Sensitive methods to probe the activity of enzymes are important for clinical assays and for elucidating the role of these proteins in complex biochemical networks. This paper describes a semi-synthetic ion channel platform for detecting the activity of two different classes of enzymes with high sensitivity. In the first case, this method uses single ion channel conductance measurements to follow the enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of a phosphate group attached to the C-terminus of gramicidin A (gA, an ion channel-forming peptide) in the presence of alkaline phosphatase (AP). Enzymatic hydrolysis of this phosphate group removes negative charges from the entrance of the gA pore, resulting in a product with measurably reduced single ion channel conductance compared to the original gA-phosphate substrate. This technique employs a standard, commercial bilayer setup and takes advantage of the catalytic turnover of enzymes and the amplification characteristics of ion flux through individual gA pores to detect picomolar concentrations of active AP in solution. Furthermore, this technique makes it possible to study the kinetics of an enzyme and provides an estimate for the observed rate constant (k(cat)) and the Michaelis constant (K(M)) by following the conversion of the gA-phosphate substrate to product over time in the presence of different concentrations of AP. In the second case, modification of gA with a substrate for proteolytic cleavage by anthrax lethal factor (LF) afforded a sensitive method for detection of LF activity, illustrating the utility of ion channel-based sensing for detection of a potential biowarfare agent. This ion channel-based platform represents a powerful, novel approach to monitor the activity of femtomoles to picomoles of two different classes of enzymes in solution. Furthermore, this platform has the potential for realizing miniaturized, cost-effective bioanalytical assays that complement currently established assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael X. Macrae
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, CA 92093-0358
| | - Steven Blake
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, CA 92093-0358
| | - Xiayun Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Ricardo Capone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Daniel J. Estes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Michael Mayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2110
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, CA 92093-0358
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22
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Poulos JL, Jeon TJ, Damoiseaux R, Gillespie EJ, Bradley KA, Schmidt JJ. Ion channel and toxin measurement using a high throughput lipid membrane platform. Biosens Bioelectron 2008; 24:1806-10. [PMID: 18849158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2008.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 08/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Measurements of ion channels are important for scientific, sensing and pharmaceutical applications. Reconstitution of ion channels into lipid vesicles and planar lipid bilayers for measurement at the single molecule level is a laborious and slow process incompatible with the high throughput methods and equipment used for sensing and drug discovery. A recently published method of lipid bilayer formation mechanically combines lipid monolayers self-assembled at the interfaces of aqueous and apolar phases. We have expanded on this method by vertically orienting these phases and using gravity as the driving force to combine the monolayers. As this method only requires fluid dispensation, it is trivially integrated with high throughput automated liquid-handling robotics. In a proof-of-concept demonstration, we created over 2200 lipid bilayers in 3h. We show single molecule measurements of technologically and physiologically relevant ion channels incorporated into lipid bilayers formed with this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Poulos
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Blake S, Capone R, Mayer M, Yang J. Chemically Reactive Derivatives of Gramicidin A for Developing Ion Channel-Based Nanoprobes. Bioconjug Chem 2008; 19:1614-24. [DOI: 10.1021/bc800180z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Blake
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Ricardo Capone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Michael Mayer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0358, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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24
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Uram JD, Ke K, Mayer M. Noise and bandwidth of current recordings from submicrometer pores and nanopores. ACS NANO 2008; 2:857-72. [PMID: 19206482 DOI: 10.1021/nn700322m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Nanopores and submicrometer pores have recently been explored for applications ranging from detection of single molecules, assemblies of nanoparticles, nucleic acids, occurrence of chemical reactions, and unfolding of proteins. Most of these applications rely on monitoring electrical current through these pores, hence the noise and signal bandwidth of these current recordings are critical for achieving accurate and sensitive measurements. In this report, we present a detailed theoretical and experimental study on the noise and signal bandwidth of current recordings from glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes that contain a single submicrometer pore or nanopore. We examined the theoretical signal bandwidth of two different pore geometries, and we measured the signal bandwidth of the electronics used to record the ionic current. We also investigated the theoretical noise generated by the substrate material, the pore, and the electronics used to record the current. Employing a combination of theory and experimental results, we were able to predict the noise in current traces recorded from glass and PET pores with no applied voltage with an error of less than 12% in a range of signal bandwidths from 1 to 40 kHz. In approximately half of all experiments, application of a voltage did not significantly increase the noise. In the other half of experiments, however, application of a voltage resulted in an additional source of noise. For these pores, predictions of the noise were usually still accurate within 35% error at signal bandwidths of at least 10 kHz. The power spectra of this extra noise suggested a 1/f(alpha) origin with best fits to the power spectrum for alpha = 0.4-0.8. This work provides the theoretical background and experimental data for understanding the bandwidth requirements and the main sources of noise in current recordings; it will be useful for minimizing noise and achieving accurate recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Uram
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Grieshaber D, MacKenzie R, Vörös J, Reimhult E. Electrochemical Biosensors - Sensor Principles and Architectures. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2008; 8:1400-1458. [PMID: 27879772 PMCID: PMC3663003 DOI: 10.3390/s80314000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 770] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Quantification of biological or biochemical processes are of utmost importance for medical, biological and biotechnological applications. However, converting the biological information to an easily processed electronic signal is challenging due to the complexity of connecting an electronic device directly to a biological environment. Electrochemical biosensors provide an attractive means to analyze the content of a biological sample due to the direct conversion of a biological event to an electronic signal. Over the past decades several sensing concepts and related devices have been developed. In this review, the most common traditional techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, impedance spectroscopy, and various field-effect transistor based methods are presented along with selected promising novel approaches, such as nanowire or magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensing. Additional measurement techniques, which have been shown useful in combination with electrochemical detection, are also summarized, such as the electrochemical versions of surface plasmon resonance, optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy, ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance, and scanning probe microscopy. The signal transduction and the general performance of electrochemical sensors are often determined by the surface architectures that connect the sensing element to the biological sample at the nanometer scale. The most common surface modification techniques, the various electrochemical transduction mechanisms, and the choice of the recognition receptor molecules all influence the ultimate sensitivity of the sensor. New nanotechnology-based approaches, such as the use of engineered ion-channels in lipid bilayers, the encapsulation of enzymes into vesicles, polymersomes, or polyelectrolyte capsules provide additional possibilities for signal amplification. In particular, this review highlights the importance of the precise control over the delicate interplay between surface nano-architectures, surface functionalization and the chosen sensor transducer principle, as well as the usefulness of complementary characterization tools to interpret and to optimize the sensor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Grieshaber
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Robert MacKenzie
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Janos Vörös
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Erik Reimhult
- Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Mayer M, Semetey V, Gitlin I, Yang J, Whitesides GM. Using ion channel-forming peptides to quantify protein-ligand interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2008; 130:1453-65. [PMID: 18179217 DOI: 10.1021/ja077555f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper proposes a method for sensing affinity interactions by triggering disruption of self-assembly of ion channel-forming peptides in planar lipid bilayers. It shows that the binding of a derivative of alamethicin carrying a covalently attached sulfonamide ligand to carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) resulted in the inhibition of ion channel conductance through the bilayer. We propose that the binding of the bulky CA II protein (MW approximately 30 kD) to the ion channel-forming peptides (MW approximately 2.5 kD) either reduced the tendency of these peptides to self-assemble into a pore or extracted them from the bilayer altogether. In both outcomes, the interactions between the protein and the ligand lead to a disruption of self-assembled pores. Addition of a competitive inhibitor, 4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide, to the solution released CA II from the alamethicin-sulfonamide conjugate and restored the current flow across the bilayer by allowing reassembly of the ion channels in the bilayer. Time-averaged recordings of the current over discrete time intervals made it possible to quantify this monovalent ligand binding interaction. This method gave a dissociation constant of approximately 2 microM for the binding of CA II to alamethicin-sulfonamide in the bilayer recording chamber: this value is consistent with a value obtained independently with CA II and a related sulfonamide derivative by isothermal titration calorimetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mayer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
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Capone R, Blake S, Restrepo MR, Yang J, Mayer M. Designing nanosensors based on charged derivatives of gramicidin A. J Am Chem Soc 2007; 129:9737-45. [PMID: 17625848 DOI: 10.1021/ja0711819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Detection of chemical processes on a single molecule scale is the ultimate goal of sensitive analytical assays. We recently reported the possibility to detect chemical modifications on individual molecules by monitoring a change in the single ion channel conductance of derivatives of gramicidin A (gA) upon reaction with analytes in solution. These peptide-based nanosensors detect reaction-induced changes in the charge of gA derivatives that were engineered to carry specific functional groups near their C-terminus.1 Here, we discuss five key design parameters to optimize the performance of such chemomodulated ion channel sensors. In order to realize an effective sensor that measures changes in charge of groups attached to the C-terminus of a gA pore, the following conditions should be fulfilled: (1) the change in charge should occur as close to the entrance of the pore as possible; (2) the charge before and after reaction should be well-defined within the operational pH range; (3) the ionic strength of the recording buffer should be as low as possible while maintaining a detectable flow of ions through the pore; (4) the applied transmembrane voltage should be as high as possible while maintaining a stable membrane; (5) the lipids in the supporting membrane should either be zwitterionic or charged differently than the derivative of gA. We show that under the condition of high applied transmembrane potential (>100 mV) and low ionic strength of the recording buffer (< or =0.10 M), a change in charge at the entrance of the pore is the dominant requirement to distinguish between two differently charged derivatives of gA; the conductance of the heterodimeric gA pore reported here does not depend on a difference in charge at the exit of the pore. We provide a simple explanation for this asymmetric characteristic based on charge-induced local changes in the concentration of cations near the lipid bilayer membrane. Charge-based ion channel sensors offer tremendous potential for ultrasensitive functional detection since a single chemical modification of each individual sensing element can lead to readily detectable changes in channel conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Capone
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2099, USA
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