Abstract:  The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) functions as an emergency valve in bacteria responding to changes in membrane tension and preventing lysis under acute osmotic shock. Taking the advantage of large pore size, tractable manipulation, and retainment of its mechanosensitivity when reconstituted into lipid bilayer, MscL could be developed into a ideal bio-nano tool. MscL based nanotechnology has advanced recently. These findings demonstrate that MscL channels with modified pore size or ion selectivity could be controlled by light, pH and magnetic field, and could be used for targeted drug release or other nanodevices. In this review, we focus on the progress of MscL based applictions in the field of bionanotechnology.

Key words: MscL, bionanotechnology, nanovlve