Due to the sensitivity of integral membrane proteins (IMPs) to changes in their environment, the structural characterization of IMPs is exceedingly difficult using traditional methods. Tether bilayer lipid mebranes (tBLMs), synthetic membranes tethered to a surface, in our case gold, by thiolated tether compounds, are a possible solution to this problem. The synthesis of two new tether compounds, RC-1 and RC-2, was attempted in an effort to improve tBLM fluidity and stability. RC-1, a tether compound with two achor groups, should bind more firmly to the substrate and help stabilize the tBLM. RC-2, a tether compound with increased width, should allow the tethers to inherently spread out without the aid of spacer molecules. The synthesis of both tether compounds remains a work in progress; however, the reactions completed thus far have been viable, and the synthetic schemes of these compounds seem feasible.

Synthesis of new tether compounds to improve the properties of tethered bilayer lipid membranes

245th National Meeting (2013)

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