Nano sensory device utilizing intermolecular communication on lipid membrane

We have constructed a nano sensory device for detection of biologically important molecules through intermolecular communication between a synthetic receptor and a natural enzyme. The sensory device was fabricated on a liposome as an artificial cell membrane by self-organization of each component. Selective recognition of the biologically important amines by the receptor having a pyridoxal moiety was clarified by means of electronic absorption spectroscopy. The selectivity was mainly depending on the hydrophobicity of the amine signals. The signal recognition event was transmitted to the enzyme by a metal ion as a signal mediator, and followed by amplification of the signal output as the catalytic activity of the enzyme.