Research
Our research interest is to develop cell membrane mimic platforms to study and characterize membrane proteins or membrane related cellular processes in their native-like environment.
Major Research Directions
- Separation in lipid bilayers
To develop supported lipid bilayer platforms for separating membrane proteins, we have achieved the following goals: (i) incorporating cell membrane proteins into supported lipid bilayers; (ii) investigating the mechanisms to drive the movement of membrane proteins in lipid membrane platforms; and (iii) developing various types of separation methods for various types of membrane-associated species.
2.Label-free biosensors to characterize membrane proteins
Current methods to characterize specific proteins or target molecules rely on immunodetection and radio-active detection. Although the procedures of labeled detection are standardized nowadays, these technologies are usually labor-intensive, cumbersome and time-consuming. We have successfully incorporated graphene field-effect-transistor to lipid membrane platforms for the on-site characterization of ligand binding. We have also developed a novel surface plasmon resonance and plasmon waveguide resonance combined chip to simultaneously detect the membrane protein transport behavior and ligand binding.
3.Fundamental processes for therapeutic insights
We use cell membrane mimic platforms to study fundamental processes related to membrane proteins. The combination of using microfabrication and microfluidic handling allows us to control membrane composition, relative spatial locations of interested biomolecules, when and where the bio-reagents are brought to desired locations. We have used the well-controlled membrane systems to discover (i) the tunable nucleation process of sphingomyelinase complexes which is related to cell death; (ii) the active transport of membrane components by self-organization of the min proteins which is related to bacterial growth and division; and (iii) the attachment of kidney stones to membranes.
4.Unique functions for various applications
In our laboratory , we are utilizing the functions of natural cell membrane proteins to convert signals between electronics and biological systems. We develop methods to extract and handle cell membranes from natural cells and use natural cell membranes to construct engineered cell membrane sheets for various applications. The current ongoing projects are (i) using cell membrane sheets with proton pumps to stimulate neuron cells; and (ii) using thylakoid membrane sheets for solar energy harvesting.
