Scientific Achievement
Users of the Molecular Foundry have demonstrated that short carbon nanotubes (CNTs) insert into cell membranes and transport molecules like biological membrane channels
Significance and Impact
The use of CNTs “porins” are a promising biomimetic platform for developing cell interfaces, studying transport in biological channels, and creating stochastic sensors
Research Details
- Users with expertise in CNT fabrication came to the Molecular Foundry to leverage capabilities in membrane transport and cryo TEM imaging
- Like biological membrane channels, CNT porins transport water, protons, small ions and DNA; switch between metastable conductance sub-states; and display macromolecule-induced ionic current blockades
- These synthetic membrane channels maintain exceptional biocompatibility while featuring inherent robustness against biological and chemical challenges
