Reactive derivatives of gramicidin enable light- and ion-modulated ion channels

Michael X. Macrae; Steven Blake; Thomas Mayer; Michael Mayer; Jerry Yang

doi:10.1117/12.827686

21 August 2009 Reactive derivatives of gramicidin enable light- and ion-modulated ion channels

Michael X. Macrae, Steven Blake, Thomas Mayer, Michael Mayer, Jerry Yang

Proceedings Volume 7397, Biosensing II; 739709 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827686
Event: SPIE NanoScience + Engineering, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Detection of chemical processes on a single molecule scale is the ultimate goal of sensitive analytical assays. We have explored methods to detect chemical analytes in solution using synthetic derivatives of gramicidin A (gA). We exploited the functional properties of an ion channel-forming peptideg—gA—to report changes in the local environment near the opening of these semi-synthetic nanopores upon exposure to specific external stimuli. These peptide-based nanosensors detect reaction-induced changes in the chemical or physical properties of functional groups presented at the opening of the pore. This paper discusses the development of gA-based sensors for detecting external factors such as metal ions in solution or for detecting specific wavelengths of light. We propose that gA-based ion channel sensors offer tremendous potential for ultra sensitive functional detection since a single chemical modification of each individual sensing element can lead to readily detectable changes in channel conductance.

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Michael X. Macrae, Steven Blake, Thomas Mayer, Michael Mayer, and Jerry Yang "Reactive derivatives of gramicidin enable light- and ion-modulated ion channels", Proc. SPIE 7397, Biosensing II, 739709 (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827686

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