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Biology

Preparation of Artificial Bilayers for Electrophysiology Experiments

Published: October 31, 2008 doi: 10.3791/1033

Summary

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. Here, we demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Abstract

Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. These bilayers can be used for many different studies, such as the characterization of membrane-active peptides, the reconstitution of ion channels or investigations on how changes in lipid bilayer properties alter the function of bilayer-spanning channels. Here, we show how to form a planar bilayer and how to isolate small patches from the bilayer, and in a second video will also demonstrate a procedure for using gramicidin channels to determine changes in lipid bilayer elastic properties. We also demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Protocol

Please visit Springer Protocols for more information about preparing artifical bilayers and using gramicidin channels for probing membrane elasticity.

Disclosures

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Tags

Artificial Bilayers Electrophysiology Experiments Planar Lipid Bilayers Ion-conducting Channels Membrane-active Peptides Reconstitution Of Ion Channels Lipid Bilayer Properties Bilayer-spanning Channels Planar Bilayer Formation Isolating Patches From Bilayer Gramicidin Channels Lipid Bilayer Elastic Properties Bilayer Chamber Preparation Electrodes Preparation Single-channel Measurements
Preparation of Artificial Bilayers for Electrophysiology Experiments
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Kapoor, R., H. Kim, J., Ingolfson,More

Kapoor, R., H. Kim, J., Ingolfson, H., Sparre Andersen, O. Preparation of Artificial Bilayers for Electrophysiology Experiments. J. Vis. Exp. (20), e1033, doi:10.3791/1033 (2008).

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