Functional reconstitution of protein ion channels into planar polymerizable phospholipid membranes

We demonstrate that polymerizable planar membranes permit reconstitution of protein ion channels formed by the bacterial toxins Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin (alpha HL) and Bacillus anthracis protective antigen 63. The alpha HL channel remained functional even after membrane polymerization. Surface pressure measurements suggest that the ease of forming membranes depends on membrane surface elasticity estimated from Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer pressure-area isotherms. The ability to stabilize nanoscale pores in robust ultrathin films may prove useful in single molecule sensing applications.