Efficient Lipid Bilayer Formation by Dipping Lipid-Loaded Microperforated Sheet in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

This paper describes a method for a bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) formation using a perforated sheet along with an open chamber. Microscopic observation of the formed membrane showed a typical droplet interface bilayer. We proved that the formed membrane was a BLM based on electrical measurements of the membrane protein α-hemolysin, which produces nanopores in BLMs. Unlike the conventional approach for BLM formation based on the droplet contact method, this method provides aqueous surfaces with no organic solvent coating layer. Hence, this method is suitable for producing BLMs that facilitate the direct addition of chemicals into the aqueous phase.

Keywords

• bilayer lipid membrane
• droplet interface bilayer
• membrane protein
• α-hemolysin
• ion channel current