Abstract
Electric-field induced changes in structure and conductivity of supported bilayer lipid membranes (SLM) have been studied at submicroscopic resolution using atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The SLMs are formed on gold surfaces modified with mixed self-assembled monolayers of a cholesterol-tether and 6-mercaptohexanol. At applied potentials of ≤−0.25V versus standard hydrogen electrode, the conductance of the SLM increases and membrane areas of <150nm in size are found to elevate from the surface up to 15nm in height. To estimate the electric field experienced by the lipid membrane, electrowetting has been used to determine the point of zero charge of a 6-mercaptohexanol-modified surface (0.19±0.13V versus standard hydrogen electrode). The effects of electric fields on the structure and conductance of supported membranes are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
