Abstract
Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer and planar bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) experiments are used to study the relative significance of dipolar potential and packing/fluidity in the control of the permeability of phospholipid/steroid BLMs to potassium ion. Practical chemical construction of BLMs designed to achieve particular dipolar potential and packing/fluidity characteristics are described. The ability to modify selectively the salient physical properties of BLMs allows optimization of the ion permeability and receptor activity of the membrane. The use of BLMs to quantify drug response and receptor activity is illustrated by examples involving valinomycin, phloretin, concanavalin A and auxin receptor.
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
