An agarose-stabilized BLM: A new method for forming bilayer lipid membranes

The conventional BLM formed by spreading a lipid solution across an aperture in a hydrophobic septum that separates two aqueous solutions is an extremely fragile structure. Therefore, it is limited for protracted studies and for practical applications such as biosensors and molecular electronic devices. Some BLMs supported on solid substrates such as stainless steel, silver and Pt wires (s-BLMs) have the desired dynamic properties as well as the requisite mechanical stability. However, the presence of a solid support on one side of the BLM precludes ion translocation across the membrane. Here, we report newly designed bilayer lipid membranes deposited on a salt bridge support (sb-BLMs). These sb-BLMs possess similar electrical properties to those of conventional BLMs and s-BLMs. Additionally, sb-BLMs are as stable as s-BLMs. Thus sb-BLMs overcome the shortcomings of both conventional BLMs and s-BLMs. Depending on the intended purpose, sb-BLMs are believed to be a better system for biomembrane research and may also be useful in biosensor development.