Interfacing the Cell with "Biomimetic Membrane Proteins".

Integral membrane proteins mediate a myriad of cellular processes and are the target of many therapeutic drugs. Enhancement and extension of the functional scope of membrane proteins can be realized by membrane incorporation of engineered nanoparticles designed for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In contrast to hydrophobic insertion of small amphiphilic molecules, delivery and membrane incorporation of particles on the nanometric scale poses a crucial barrier for technological development. In this perspective, the transformative potential of biomimetic membrane proteins (BMPs), current state of the art, and the barriers that need to be overcome in order to advance the field are discussed.