Reconstitution of Ion Channels in Planar Lipid Bilayers: New Approaches

Abstract

Abstract Electrophysiological methods are the “gold standard” for ion channel research, providing valuable information about function and regulation even at the single-channel level. This is of critical importance in attempts to understand the molecular role of these transmembrane proteins in various diseases that remain ineffectively treated, leading to the development of novel ion channel therapeutics. To investigate their molecular function, ion channels are usually incorporated into model membrane systems such as planar lipid membranes (BLMs); however, this process is still challenging. This approach requires BLMs with the sufficient mechanical and electrical stability and the ability to integrate spherical membrane systems enriched in ion channel proteins. We review relevant discoveries in membrane biophysics that could provide a useful platform for electrophysiologists to achieve a notable improvement in the experimental throughput of the BLM method.