Membrane supported bilayer lipid membranes array: preparation, stability and ion-channel insertion

In the present paper we describe the preparation and characterization of reconstituted bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) supported on a polycarbonate membrane. BLMs self-assemble on the holes of the membrane, which was previously covered with An and an octadecanethiol (ODT) self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The obtained mixed hybrid bilayer lipid membranes (MHBLM) array allows recording of relatively intense signals. The steps leading to formation of the system have been investigated, its stability determined and reproducibility evaluated. The insertion of an ion channel (Gramicidin D) and a K+ carrier (Valinomycine) was also evaluated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.