Single-Side Planar Lipid Bilayer Formation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming planar lipid bilayers across apertures are limited by requiring access to both sides of the aperture, are labor-intensive, or result in bilayers with high solvent content, which can affect ion channel function.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for single-side planar lipid bilayer formation using a membrane forming apparatus with a first and second fluid chamber separated by a nanopore, allowing for the adjustment of electrolyte solution levels to deposit lipid bilayers across nanopores, either with or without solvent, using lipid vesicles or organic solvents, and incorporating an automated fluid level regulator for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bilayer formation methods are used, then bilayers can be formed across apertures, but access to both sides of the aperture is required
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into two separate fluid chambers (first and second chambers) that are connected through the nanopore barrier. This segmentation allows independent access to each side of the nanopore, enabling bilayer formation when only one side is accessible while maintaining the functionality of both chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopore barrier wall acts as an intermediary element between the two fluid chambers. It provides a physical interface through which lipids can form bilayers while allowing the system to function with restricted access to one side, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual bilayer formation techniques are used, then bilayers can be formed, but the process is labor-intensive and has a steep learning curve
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service bilayer formation through automated fluid level regulation. The fluid level regulator automatically maintains the appropriate fluid levels in both chambers, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the learning curve while improving formation efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical techniques for bilayer formation are replaced with an automated fluid level regulation system. This substitution reduces labor intensity and operational complexity while maintaining or improving bilayer formation efficiency, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If conventional lipid deposition methods are used, then bilayers can be formed, but solvent content is high which affects ion channel function
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes excess organic solvent from the lipid solution during the bilayer formation process. By controlling the fluid levels and using the nanopore interface, the method allows solvent to be separated and removed while retaining the lipid bilayer structure, thus reducing solvent content to levels that preserve ion channel function and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the physical parameters of the lipid solution, specifically controlling solvent concentration and fluid levels during formation. By adjusting these parameters through automated fluid level regulation, the system achieves optimal solvent content that maintains ion channel functionality while still enabling successful bilayer formation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and reproducible formation of lipid bilayers across apertures with restricted access, reducing the learning curve associated with existing techniques and minimizing solvent content, thus maintaining ion channel function and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
A lipid/organic solvent mixture is then placed drop-wise on the top of the electrolyte solution in the first chamber and allowed to spread out and form a lipid monolayer at the air-electrolyte interface
Implementation Method 2
The level of electrolyte solution in the first chamber is then raised with respect to the barrier such that the electrolyte solution and lipid monolayer are carried up past the barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system.