Films of proteins in biological processes

Films of Protein in Biological Processes Alexander Rothen... 

The studies of elementary films formed in inverse emulsions and stabilized by different synthetic and natural surfactants revealed that the membrane electric conductivity experiences a sharp increase upon the addition of some biologically active surfactants. For instance, membrane conductivity may increase by five orders of magnitude when trace amounts of valinomycin antibiotic are introduced into the outer aqueous medium of lipid membrane. At the same time the membrane becomes permeable to potassium and hydrogen ions but impermeable to sodium ions. A sharp decrease in electric resistance of synthetic membranes is observed when proteins and enzymes with suitable substrates are introduced into them. By studying the properties of such membranes one may model important biological processes, e.g. the transfer of neural impulses. 

This chapter provides a broad summary of recent research activity in the area of CPEs. It is evident that there is great enthusiasm in the conducting polymers community for CPEs. These materials provide a unique opportunity to explore the interactions between electro- and photoactive conjugated polymers with water-borne species such as metal ions and biological macromolecules, including proteins and DNA. Moreover, the ability to use the materials in LbL self-assembly affords researchers a tool for fabrication of heterostructured films of opto- and electronically active materials. This ability has not been easily possible with conventional conjugated polymers that are processed fi om organic solvents. 

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