Single molecule measurements within individual membrane-bound ion channels using a polymer-based bilayer lipid membrane chip.

Hromada, Louis P; Nablo, Brian J; Kasianowicz, John J; Gaitan, Michael A; DeVoe, Don L · Lab Chip · 2008

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The measurement of single poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules interacting with individual bilayer lipid membrane-bound ion channels is presented. Measurements were performed within a polymer microfluidic system including an open-well bilayer lipid membrane formation site, integrated Ag/AgCl reference electrodes for on-chip electrical measurements, and multiple microchannels for independent ion channel and analyte delivery. Details of chip fabrication, bilayer membrane formation, and alpha-hemolysin ion channel incorporation are discussed, and measurements of interactions between the membrane-bound ion channels and single PEG molecules are presented.

Medical subject headings