Biomimetic functionalization of porous substrates: towards model systems for cellular membranes

Abstract

In this review, membrane-functionalized pore arrays and pore-spanning membranes are revisited as versatile tools in biophysical research. Pore-spanning membranes can be generated on different pore arrays such as porous alumina and porous silicon substrates using appropriate surface functionalization strategies. Their mechanical properties can be readily determined by force indentation experiments revealing that the lateral tension of the membranes is strongly governed by the surface modification of the pore rims. Pore-spanning membranes separate two aqueous compartments, which makes them well-suited to study transport processes across these membranes and entrap molecules into the underlying atto- to pico-liter sized compartments. Besides pore-spanning membranes, membranes covering the entire porous area provide a large surface area for molecular recognition events making this system well-suited for biosensor applications and as an extraction unit for protein purification.