Probing Biological Processes on Supported Lipid Bilayers with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors

ORAL

Abstract

We have formed supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) by small unilamellar vesicle fusion on substrates containing single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (SWNT-FETs). We are able to detect the self-assembly of SLBs electrically with SWNT-FETs since their threshold voltages are shifted by this event. The SLB fully covers the NT surface and lipid molecules can diffuse freely in the bilayer surface across the NT. To study the interactions of important biological entities with receptors imbedded within the membrane, we have also integrated a membrane protein, GT1b ganglioside, in the bilayer. While bare gangliosides can diffuse freely across the NT, interestingly the NT acts as a diffusion barrier for the gangliosides when they are bound with tetanus toxin. This experiment opens the possibility of using SWNT-FETs as biosensors for label-free detection.

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Authors

  • Xinjian Zhou

    Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, LASSP, Cornell University

  • Jose Manuel Moran-Mirabal

    School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University

  • Harold Craighead

    School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Cornell University

  • Paul McEuen

    LASSP, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Laboratory of Atomic and Solid-State Physics, Cornell University, LASSP Cornell University, Laboratory of Solid State Physics, Cornell University, LASSP, Cornell University