Sandwiched graphene--membrane superstructures.

Abstract

We demonstrate by molecular dynamics simulations that graphene sheets could be hosted in the hydrophobic interior of biological membranes formed by amphiphilic phospholipid molecules. Our simulation shows that these hybrid graphene--membrane superstructures might be prepared by forming hydrated micelles of individual graphene flakes covered by phospholipids, which can be then fused with the membrane. Since the phospholipid layers of the membrane electrically isolate the embedded graphene from the external solution, the composite system might be used in the development of biosensors and bioelectronic materials.