Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The cell membrane is a fundamental part of biology and is a highly active topic of research in modern biophysics. Almost every function of a living system involves a coordinated and regulated exchange of matter or signals between compartments separated by cell membranes. Due to the high complexity of cellular membranes, membrane models composed of synthetic lipids have been developed and are widely used to mimic bio-membranes in many biophysical studies. My NSERC research program aims to discover new phenomena in the biophysics of model lipid membranes, to unravel the molecular mechanisms of lipid-protein interactions, to elucidate the role of structural changes and physical properties of lipid membrane in controlling important biological processes, and to develop novel applications of lipid membranes in biomedical nanotechnology. My laboratory at the University of Waterloo currently has advanced fluorescence and scanning probe microscopy capabilities, which was equipped through my previous CFI and NSERC grants. While these microscopy techniques provide important information on the structure and morphology of supported lipid membranes at the nm scale, they do not allow us to investigate the ion transport through the membrane. The permeability of a membrane is critical for studying membrane function and elucidating the molecular mechanism of membrane interactions with small molecules and proteins. The research The goal of this proposal is to acquire a new Black Lipid Membrane system which will allow us to study molecular mechanisms of transport of matter across model lipid membranes. The system includes three parts: a) black lipid membrane (BLM) device and software to measure membrane permeability and ion currents; b) anti-vibration platform required for BLM operation; and c) lipid extruder accessory required for sample preparation. The system is new and complementary to my existing microscopy equipment, it will open new research possibilities in my laboratory and new opportunities for collaborations. It will provide new insights into the biophysics of lipid membrane and molecular mechanisms of membrane interactions with amyloid and antibacterial peptides. In addition, it will provide exceptional interdisciplinary training for multiple students with various backgrounds.