Nanolevyt

Nanolevyt, also known as nanodiscs or nanoscale lipid bilayers, are synthetic, discoidal particles composed of lipids and membrane proteins. They are engineered to mimic the structure and function of biological cell membranes while being significantly smaller than natural vesicles or liposomes. Typically ranging from 8 to 15 nanometers in diameter, nanolevyt provide a controlled environment for studying membrane-associated proteins, drug delivery systems, and synthetic biology applications.

The structure of nanolevyt is stabilized by a scaffold protein, such as membrane scaffold protein (MSP), which wraps around the lipid bilayer. This design allows for the incorporation of functional membrane proteins while maintaining their native conformation. The small size and defined composition make nanolevyt ideal for high-resolution structural studies, including cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Nanolevyt were first developed in the early 2000s as an alternative to traditional lipid vesicles, which often lack the stability and protein incorporation efficiency required for detailed biochemical analysis. Their ability to replicate the native lipid environment of cell membranes has made them a valuable tool in structural biology, enabling researchers to study protein-lipid interactions and membrane dynamics. Additionally, nanolevyt have potential applications in drug delivery, where their size and stability could enhance targeted therapeutic approaches.

The preparation of nanolevyt involves mixing lipids, scaffold proteins, and membrane proteins in a controlled buffer system. The resulting particles are then purified and characterized using techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and analytical ultracentrifugation. Variations in lipid composition and scaffold protein design allow for customization of nanolevyt properties to suit specific experimental or therapeutic needs.