Towards a Bio-Mimetic Strain Sensor

The incorporation of a mechano-sensitive ion channel into an artificial lipid membrane offers the prospect of a bio-mimetic strain sensor.

In this concept, the flow of electric current through the ion channel will be modulated by the stress state of the membrane into which it has been inserted. Amplification of the signal can, in principle, provide a read-out of mechanical strain. This project is being tackled under the supervision of A/Prof Don Martin and Dr Stella Valenzuela. There has also been considerable interaction with the Microstructural Analysis Unit at UTS.
Lipsomes have been produced by various methods at UTS, and characterised using electrophsiological patch clamping, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy

Lipsomes have been produced by various methods at UTS, and characterised using electrophsiological patch clamping, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy

The immediate objective of the latter project is to demonstrate the ability to image individual ion channel protein molecules.

Characterizing and understanding how ion channel proteins interact with lipid membrane is an essential step in the construction of bio-mimetic sensors. The properties of both the membrane and ion channel will change when they are brought together. Possible applications of this device range from strain-sensing in medical implants through to more generic strain-sensing in 'smart' textiles and other future consumer goods.