Dynamic Light-Induced Protein Patterns at Model Membranes

In our work, we aim to reproduce cellular processes in artificial cell-like models that require the precise localization of proteins in a given spot at a certain time. Here, as an example, we demonstrate the formation of dynamic protein patterns on model lipid membranes with high precision and high spatial temporal control using photoswitchable proteins and visible light. One of the current experimental challenge consists of reproducing dynamic protein patterns on model lipid membranes.

Here, we need to manipulate these protein patterns fast and reversably with high precision in a biocompatible and non-invasive way. We use photoswitchable proteins to recruit and pattern proteins of interest on supported lipid bilayers and giant unilamellar vesicles. We achieve rapid and localized protein recruitment, and the protein patterning is fully reversible in the dark and can be repeated multiple times.

In our protocol, we employ visible light to form protein patterns. Light is an attractive triggers to control interactions with high spatiotemporal resolution and tunability. Light is also not invasive and doesn't damage biomolecules.