Patterning process of membrane-associated proteins on a solid support with geometrical grooves

Abstract

We have shown a patterning process of membrane-associated proteins through spontaneous assembling of the lipid anchors on a solid support with geometrical grooves. The lipid anchors possessing unbalanced effective molecular shapes are assembled near geometrical groove structures so as to minimize the free energy of elastic distortions. The specific patterning of the lipid anchors and the membrane-associated proteins can be attained without disturbing two-dimensional lateral fluidity of a supported membrane. Our patterning concept of the supported membrane would be applicable for devising biosensors and protein chips.