Mediated electron transfer across supported bilayer lipid membrane (s-BLM)

The mediated electron transfer of the planar bilayer lipid membrane on solid support (s-BLM) was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) in order to obtain basic data such as conductance and capacitance useful for biosensor development. Electron mediators tested were TTF (tetrathiafulvalene), TCNQ (tetracyanoquinodimethane), 2,2'-dipyridyne, ferrocene, C-60, and redox compounds used were ferricyanide, ferrocyanide, H2O2, and ascorbic acid. From the membrane capacitance values obtained, it is shown that the self-assembled Lipid membrane has a bilayer structure. The combinations of C-60 and other mediators are most effective in enhancing the s-BLM's sensitivity towards redox species. One conclusion that may be drawn from this finding is that the s-BLM probe could be designed for 'almost' any species for which a receptor exists. This opens a new path for the use of metal supported bilayer lipid membranes (s-BLMs) in the area of biosensor development. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.