BIOMIMEM

Biomimetic Membrane Systems

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Biological membranes play a central role in the living organization, but it is difficult to study protein-protein and protein-membrane interaction under controlled conditions inside of the living cells. Pioneering works have been carried out, indicating that biomimetic membrane systems such as lipid monolayers, liposomes, solid-supported or polymer-cushioned lipid membranes, can not only serve as biophysical models to study protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions, but also can be used to the design of biosensors and drug carriers. We feel it is extremely timely to form a partnership that combines researchers who have significantly contributed to this topic with the hope that our combined effort will lead a further and deeper understanding of the structure and functions of biological membranes. The IRSES project BIOMIMEM aims at connecting groups in the Germany (MPIKG), France (Lyon) and China (ICCAS and Harbin) which are working on biomimetic membrane systems. The exchange programme is organized into definite but complimentary 4 work-packages (WPs) that are executed by the combined effort of the above-mentioned 4 partners. This project brings together leading researchers with broad, complementary expertise: from biophysical chemistry, biochemistry, theoretical chemistry, to the more applicable aspects of nanobiotechnology, to form a team with the common goal of understanding the fundamental nature of biological membranes and developing new biosensors and drug carriers. Moreover, it will support and reinforce collaboration among the participants, help to educate young researchers, and help to develop and establish future long-term research collaboration between EU and China.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Studying membrane function under controlled conditions inside living cells is difficult. According to the BIOMIMEM study, the answer is to construct biomimetic artificial membranes on a dish.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Biological membranes play an important role in the shape, rigidity and movement of all cells. They consist of lipid bilayers with embedded proteins and carbohydrates, facilitating cell-to-cell contact and communication. Membranes are also the site where many enzymatic processes take place, including cellular respiration.

To study biological membranes and their function, researchers have pioneered the construction of biomimetic membrane systems such as lipid monolayers and liposomes. The EU-funded 'Biomimetic membrane systems' (BIOMIMEM) project brought together experts in the field from China, France and Germany to improve our understanding of biological membranes.

An exchange programme was organised among the four participating partners and involved sharing of ideas and expertise. Researcher exchange visits fostered the collaborative nature of the consortium and aimed at forming an international network working on the biomimetic model membrane systems. In addition, the BIOMIMEM project helped educate young researchers and establish future collaborations between China and Europe.

The experiments conducted during the study aimed not only to improve our understanding of the fundamental nature of biological membranes but also to develop new biosensors and drug carriers. In this context, scientists studied the phase behaviour of the different model lipid membranes and how they interact with peptides and proteins.

Cumulatively, work done by the BIOMIMEM consortium sheds light onto the mechanisms underlying membrane-related biochemical processes in living organisms. Also, it is envisaged to help design membrane-based devices that could be exploited for drug screening and bio-detection.