Employing an amphipathic viral peptide to create a lipid bilayer on Au and TiO₂

Supported lipid bilayers formed by the fusion of small unilamellar vesicles onto SiO₂ or organic film-modified surfaces serve as model membranes in both scientific research and practical applications. Here, we describe the use of an amphipathic α-helical viral peptide derived from the hepatitis C virus NS5A protein (AH peptide) to destabilize the vesicles leading to lipid bilayer formation on gold and TiO₂ solid substrates. Whereas previous researchers have been limited in their selection of surface materials for lipid biomembranes, the use of such peptides as destabilizing agents will allow the freedom to choose a broader variety of solid substrates to support planar bilayers. In particular, the favorable electrical properties of gold and the beneficial biocompatibility of TiO₂ make these substrates attractive. The formation of model lipid bilayers supported on gold and TiO₂ substrates can be utilized in many membrane-associated biological, physiological, or electrochemical applications with the advantages provided by both of these supporting solid surfaces.