Functional tethered bilayer membranes as a biosensor platform

Tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) present a powerful kind of solid supported membranes that can be used to study membrane related processes. TBLMs offer a quasi-natural environment where membrane proteins can be embedded and investigated. A tBLM consists of a lipid bilayer that is coupled covalently via a spacer group to a solid support. This being an electrode, electrical characterization of the system is possible and potential bio-sensing applications arise. We have developed a whole series of tBLM systems that provide different spacer groups and have anchor groups to allow for the assembly either on gold or on oxide surfaces. They show excellent barrier properties in terms of electrical resistance and capacitance. Systems are characterized using a variety of surface analytical tools. Here, we present the incorporation of the ion carrier valinomycin into a membrane consisting of a new anchor lipid (DPTT). This molecule is a modification of a previously reported structure. The modification is based on a new generic approach in the synthesis, which allows for an easier access different molecules and is open to adaptation to various substrates.