Mimicking multipass transmembrane proteins: synthesis, assembly and folding of alternating amphiphilic multiblock molecules in liposomal membranes

Abstract

Alternating amphiphilic multiblock molecules 1–4, involving fluorescent hydrophobic units, were designed as mimics for multipass transmembrane proteins. Fluorescence spectroscopy of 1–4 in liposomal membranes suggested the face-to-face stacking of the hydrophobic units to give folded structures as well as intermolecular assemblies.