Stabilization of bilayer lipid membranes on solid supports by trehalose

Supported Bilayer Lipid Membranes as Ion and Molecular Probes

“…Recently, we have investigated the effect of trehalose and glucose on the elasticity modulus perpendicular to the membrane plane and the electrical capacitance (C m ) of s-BLMs on Teflon-coated Ag wire. 17 Addition of the saccharide (trehalose) into the electrolyte resulted in decrease of elasticity modulus of the s-BLM formed from soybean phosphatidylcholine in hexadecane, while C m did not change. Further, trehalose had considerable stabilizing effect on the other parameters of the s-BLM, consistent with our earlier findings.…”

“…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.…”

“…44 Furthermore, other molecules can be embodied into the membrane that greatly increase the stability as well as the selectivity of the BLM enabling it to become a much more practical biosensor. 2,15,17 There are a few basic methods used to modify the bilayer membrane. The membrane constituent(s) to be incorporated into the bilayer may be added to the lipid solution prior to the assembly of the membrane.…”

“…5 The addition of certain modifiers can also be used to produce dramatic stabilization effects on the membrane. 17 Introduction of certain saccharides into the bilayer may provide the possibility of membrane storage in a dehydrated form without causing damage to the structure. Researchers are currently working towards devising ways in which BLMs may be of practical use as a biosensor to clinicians and laboratory technicians.…”

“…When the dehydrated membrane is dipped back into the electrolyte solution, the electrical and physical properties of the BLM are amazingly recovered. 17 This feat is accomplished when the trehalose is removed from the membrane due to the hydrogen bonding forces between the water molecules and the phosphate heads and also by the reordering of the hydrophobic region of the membrane. Therefore, trehalose modified membranes provide many potential possibilities for practical applications of s-BLMs as biosensors in the future.…”