Mixed hybrid bilayer lipid membrane incorporating valinomycin: improvements in preparation and functioning

The paper deals with the reconstruction of lipid bilayer membranes on a Au-covered polycarbonate membrane. Such a kind of like-biomembranes (namely mixed hybrid bilayer lipid membrane (MHBLM)) are characterised by appreciable long-term stability. Here we describe changes that have been made in the geometry of the experimental device in order to avoid artefacts and render membrane reproduction easier. Incorporation of valinomycin was performed to check the membrane and its stability: conductance and membrane potential following the changes of ion concentration were recorded. This new approach permits increase of successful trials and renders possible, when it breaks, easily formation of a new MHBLM on the same Au-covered polycarbonate membrane support. Finally, the stability shown by the MHBLM renders this system a promising tool for use under flowing conditions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.