Molecular motors in synthetic membranes mimik cellular fabrics

Proton pumps in the membranes of cells power biochemical reactions within the cells. In their recent study published in Nature Communications Chemistry, researchers from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute at the University Basel together with colleagues around Professor Müller from D-BSSE and the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering presented a synthetic biology approach. They used a light-driven proton pump as energy source in artificial membranes. 

Original publication

Goers, R., J. Thorma, N. Ritzmann, A. Di Slivestro, C. Alter, G. Gunkel-Grabole, D. Fotiadis, D. J. Müller and W. Meier (2018) external page Optimized reconstitution of membrane proteins into synthetic membranes. Nature Communications Chemistry 1 (35)