Labeled protein recognition at a membrane bilayer interface by embedded synthetic receptors.

Self-folding deep cavitands embedded in a supported lipid bilayer are capable of recognizing suitably labeled proteins at the bilayer interface. The addition of a choline derived binding "handle" to a number of different proteins allows their selective noncovalent recognition, with association constants on the order of 10(5) M(-1). The proteins are displayed at the water:bilayer interface, and a single binding handle allows recognition of the large, charged protein by a small molecule synthetic receptor via complementary shape and charge interactions.