Modulation of Photoinduced Transmembrane Currents in a Fullerene-Doped Freestanding Lipid Bilayer by a Lateral Bias

Abstract

We report on a novel lipid bilayer system, in which a lateral bias can be applied in addition to a conventional transmembrane voltage. Freestanding bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) doped with [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were formed in a microaperture, around which metal electrodes were deposited. Using this system, it was possible to modulate and amplify photoinduced transmembrane currents by applying a lateral bias along the BLM. The results indicate that the microfabricated Si chip with embedded electrodes is a promising platform for the formation of transistor-like devices based on PCBM-doped BLMs and have potential for use in a wide variety of nanohybrid devices.

Parallel Recordings of Transmembrane hERG Channel Currents Based on Solvent-Free Lipid Bilayer Microarray

“…The tapered aperture appeared suitable for reducing possible perturbation in the topology of the BLMs around the point of contact with the aperture edge. In addition, such high voltage stability is useful for enhancing the sensitivity of BLM systems [ 48 , 49 , 50 ] and detecting rare gating events of membrane proteins [ 50 ], which expands the potential of BLM systems.…”

Lateral voltage as a new input for artificial lipid bilayer systems

“…For the Si chips, we previously reported on the use of mask deposition to form electrodes for the lateral voltage applications. 18 The simplified fabrication process is shown in Fig. 2: a single crystal silicon substrate with a Si 3 N 4 coating was first thermally oxidized to form a SiO 2 layer (Fig.…”

“…The AC voltage source has a sinusoidal waveform with a frequency of 11.8 kHz. 18 The electrode-equipped Si chip was used for producing BLMs doped with a fullerene derivative as a light-sensitive membrane. 1,2-Diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3phosphocholine (DPhPC) and phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were dissolved in chloroform/n-hexane to form a solution with a molar ratio of 5 : 1 (DPhPC : PCBM).…”

“…Solvent-free BLMs doped with PCBM were formed by the folding method. 17,18 Two electrodes on the Si chip, used as the lateral electrodes, were connected to the AC voltage source. Two Ag/AgCl electrodes were placed in buffer solution surrounding BLMs, on which transmembrane voltages were applied.…”

“…[13][14][15][16] In previous studies, we also doped BLMs with fullerene derivatives, and fabricated self-assembled devices based on hybrid membranes composed of lipids and fullerene derivatives. 17,18 The devices demonstrated reversible and repetitive responses to light illumination.…”