Droplet interface bilayer characteristics formed over a synthetic porous substrate

Abstract

Phospholipid molecules are the fundamental building blocks of cell membranes in living organisms. These molecules are amphipathic with two hydrophobic fatty acid chains (tails) linked to a phosphate containing hydrophilic group (head) that can spontaneously form a bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) with a 6-10 nm thickness in water. BLMs have been classified using some porous synthetic substrate for support. Droplet interface bilayers (DIB) have allowed researchers to study BLMs formed without the use of a porous synthetic substrate. The DIBs are formed at the interface of water droplets and a non-polar solvent. The phospholipids will form a monolayer around the water droplets and when two droplets are brought into contact with each other, a single bilayer will form. DIBs have been used to form networks of BLMs that can be used for multiple purposes. The exact size of the BLM between two droplets is inferred from electrical measurements. The two droplets can be connected through a pore in a synthetic substrate of known dimensions that can limit the area of the BLM. This paper will present the results of forming a BLM on a synthetic substrate by using the DIB method of formation.