Self-Assembling Bilayer Lipid Membranes on Solid Support

Supported Bilayer Lipid Membranes as Ion and Molecular Probes

“…It has been revealed that the membrane is in a dynamic equilibrium with the Plateau-Gibbs border at all times. 7,8 A wide variety of molecules, providing various chemical and physical properties, were then incorporated into the lipid bilayer. These molecules are termed modifiers.…”

“…5,8 Pressure and temperature factors are considered next. The environmental pressure exerted on the BLM takes into account the atmospheric pressure, gaseous phase, and hydrostatic pressure of the aqueous medium.…”

“…The actual hardware of the system can also be varied, such as the chamber components, aperture supports, thermostat provisions, electrodes, metal wires, and insulation. 7,8 Shielding intended to eliminate extraneous light and electrical disturbance may be accomplished, respectively, by either painting the apparatus black or by using black Lucite, and by enclosing the setup in a Faraday cage made of copper wire mesh. Platinum, silver, gold, or stainless steel wire can be used for the support ranging from 0.02 to 1 mm or more in diameter.…”

“…Modified BLMs are tested for induced and/or enhanced sensitivities to substances in the bathing solution. Some of these substances are ions 8 , dyes and pigments 8 , hydrogen peroxide 8,28 , oxygen 21 , metal cations 21 , iodide 16 , ascorbic acid 9 , enzymes 17 , xanthine 28 , glucose 12,15,29 , peptides 2,15,29 , etc. In addition, immune system interactions were detected when a BLM system was modified with an antigen.…”

“…8 Changes regarding membrane properties in response to a stimulus from the bathing solution may change the electrical potential across the membrane which will propagate a signal to be sensed by the electrodes. This signal can then be quantified using electrical measuring devices.…”