S-layers as patterning structures and supporting layers for biomimetic membranes

A new approach in nanostructure technology particularly in the functionalization of surfaces has been developed on the basis of crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S- layers). S-layers are composed of monomolecular arrays of identical (glyco)proteins showing high molecular order, defined mass distribution and isoporosity, and a high binding capacity for functional macromolecules. The possibility for recrystallizing isolated S-layer subunits into large isoporous, coherent lattices at solid supports, at the air/water interface or on lipid films and for handling such layers by standard Langmuir-Blodgett techniques opens a broad spectrum of applications in basic and applied membrane research. S-layer supported functional phospholipid bilayers or tetraether lipid films mimic the molecular architecture of those archaebacterial cell envelopes that are exclusively composed of an S-layer and a plasma membrane. This novel concept could lead to new techniques for exploiting large scale structural and functional principles of membrane associated and integrated molecules (e.g. ion channels, proton pumps, receptors).