Planar Biomimetic Membranes Based on Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

Abstract

Planar biomimetic membranes based on amphiphilic block copolymers represent artificial systems designed to mimic natural membranes but with improved stability and robustness to support applications in domains such as medicine and technology. Here we present methods to produce, characterize, and modify membranes based on amphiphilic block copolymers, with appropriate properties in order to combine them with biomolecules (enzymes, proteins, DNA) in a biomimetic strategy. We indicate both the advantages of using these membranes and the limitations one can encounter when working with planar membranes. While still in its early stage of research, development of planar artificial membranes decorated with biomolecules represents a novel strategy with high potential for valuable nanometer scale applications.