Calcium ion induced ion channel behavior of supported hybrid bilayer membranes on a waxed graphite electrode

A new kind of solid substrate, a wax-saturated graphite electrode (WGE), was used to support lipid layer membranes. On the surface of the WGE, a novel self-assembled hybrid bilayer membrane was fabricated by quaternary ammonium ions (including tetrabutyl amine-TBA, cetyl trimethylamine-CTrMA) with hexanedioic acid. From the cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance studies, the ion channel behavior of the supported hybrid bilayer membranes was characterized. In the presence of Ca2+ as the stimulus and [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) as the marker ions, the ion channel effect and distinct channel current were observed. The channel was in closed state in the absence of Ca2+. Two types of the structure of the hybrid bilayer membrane for the HDA-quaternary ammonium system were proposed: V and W types. This new membrane shows excellent stability and can be prepared easily.