Chemically fuelled transmembrane pumps

Nonequilibrium transmembrane processes are crucial in almost every biological process. Pumping and harnessing transmembrane gradients provides a convenient and efficient way for life to store and transduce energy. These fundamentally nonequilibrium processes require the application of ratchet mechanisms. We are interested creating artificial dynamic nonequilibrium compartmentalised systems. Application of ratchet mechanisms can allow transmembrane gradients to be pumped, and the energy released upon dissipating gradients to be harnessed to drive other processes. Applying these proof-of-concept systems will ultimately enable the development of life-like complex dynamic nonequilibrium compartmentalised systems.

In this project, design principles from molecular machines will be leveraged to create artificial transmembrane pumps which can actively transport molecules or ions against the concentration gradient.