Method of immobilizing membrane-associated molecules
AssigneeMcMaster University
InventorsJohn D. Brennan, Michael A. Brook, Travis Besanger
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods of immobilizing membrane-associated molecules within a sol-gel matrix. The membrane-associated molecule is embedded in the bilayer of a liposome. The molecule-liposome assembly remains functionally intact when it is immobilized within a protein and membrane-compatible sol-gel derived from polyol silane precursors or sodium silicate.
Claims27
A method of immobilizing membrane-associated molecules in silica matrixes comprising combining a liposome-assembly comprising the membrane-associated molecule with a protein- and membrane-compatible sol-gel precursor under conditions which allow a gel to form.
An improved method for the detection of membrane potentials in a sol-gel entrapped liposome assembly comprising a membrane associated molecule, wherein the membrane-associated molecule is an ion-channel molecule, comprising:
- (a) obtaining a solution of the liposome assembly having an indicator molecule located on the interior of the assembly;
- (b) removing the indicator molecule from solution external to the liposome assembly;
- (c) combining the liposome assembly solution with a silica precursor solution under conditions which allow a gel to form;
- (d) contacting the gel with the ion and optionally a test substance;
- and
- (e) detecting a change in the indicator molecule upon transmembrane flux.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.