Ion channels modulate cellular signal transduction pathways via alteration of intracellular ionic environments in response to external stimuli.  Ion channels serve as the primary site of action for many pharmaceutical and physiological regulators of cell function.  Ion channel activation is readily detected via alterations electrical properties of ion channel-functionalized membranes, providing a simple, rapid and label-free approach for assessing analyte/ligand activity in complex physiological and pharmacological samples.  Preparation of ion channel-functionalized sensors requires a phospholipid membrane; however, long-term monitoring is limited by the inherent instability of natural lipid bilayers.  We have developed a series of black lipid membranes (BLMs) that are prepared using polymerized phospholipid monomers.  The resulting poly(BLMs) are stable for up to 1 month, yet support the activity of a range of ion channels.  Further, poly(BLMs) exhibit electrical properties that are equivalent to natural lipid BLMs.  Here, we will discuss poly(BLM) preparation, characterization and application for chemical sensing.

Ion channel-functionalized, highly-stable suspended lipid bilayers for label-free sensing

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.