Bilayer lipid membrane electrochemistry in a flow injection system

The design and operation of a cell used to support bilayer lipid membranes in an electrolyte Stream of flow rate up to 1.0 ml min^-1 are described. Concentration—flow profiles and current—time response correlations are given for membrane interaction with dispersions of valinomycin. The results show that membranes provide reproducible responses and can be refreshed by on-line rinsing techniques. Further supporting evidence for the existence of a membrane surface perturbation effect has been obtained.     

Transport of Cesium Ion Across a Bilayer Lipid Membrane and Its Facilitation in the Presence of Iodide Ion

The ion transport current was clearly observed across a bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) between two aqueous phases (W1, W2) containing 0.1 M CsCl. This indicates that Cs⁺ can spontaneously penetrate the BLM in the absence of any kind of transporter. In addition, the current density at a given potential between W1 and W2 increased using I^? instead of Cl^? as the counter ion. Our results strongly suggest that the cell membrane transport is partially responsible for the internal exposure of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs.     

Steady-state oxidation of cholesterol catalyzed by cholesterol oxidase in lipid bilayer membranes on platinum electrodes

Cholesterol oxidase is immobilized in electrode-supported lipid bilayer membranes. Platinum electrodes are initially modified with a self-assembled monolayer of thiolipid. A vesicle fusion method is used to deposit an outer leaflet of phospholipids onto the thiolipid monolayer forming a thiolipid/lipid bilayer membrane on the electrode surface. Cholesterol oxidase spontaneously inserts into the electrode-supported lipid bilayer membrane from solution and is consequently immobilized to the electrode surface. Cholesterol partitions into the membrane from buffer solutions containing cyclodextrin. Cholesterol oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of cholesterol by molecular oxygen, forming hydrogen peroxide as a product. Amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide for continuous solution flow experiments are presented, where flow was alternated between cholesterol solution and buffer containing no cholesterol. Steady-state anodic currents were observed during exposures of cholesterol solutions ranging in concentration from 10 to 1000 μM. These data are consistent with the Michaelis-Menten kinetic model for oxidation of cholesterol as catalyzed by cholesterol oxidase immobilized in the lipid bilayer membrane. The cholesterol detection limit is below 1 μM for cholesterol solution prepared in buffered cyclodextrin. The response of the electrodes to low density lipoprotein solutions is increased upon addition of cyclodextrin. Evidence for adsorption of low density lipoprotein to the electrode surface is presented.     

The electroanalytical response of the bilayer lipid membrane to valinomycin: an empirical treatment

A previous kinetic and partitioning model for the interaction of valinomycin with the phosphatidyl choline bilayer membrane is adapted to account for unilateral addition and antibiotic loss via the torus and excess lipid/solvent sinks. A model for the biphasic current response is discussed.     

Alkali Cation Complexation and Transport Properties of Synthetic Bicyclic Decapeptides: Structural,Thermodynamic, and Kinetic Analysis

Alkali cation complexation and bilayer transport by the bicyclic decapeptides S,S′-bis-cyclo-glycyl-L -hemicystyl-glycyl-glycyl-L -prolyl ( 1 ), S, S′-bis-cyclo-glycyl-L -hemicystyl-glycyl-glycyl-D -prolyl ( 2 ), S, S′-bis-cyclo-glycyl-L - hemicystyl-sarcosyl-sarcosyl-L -prolyl ( 3 ), and S, S′-bis-cyclo-glycyl-L -hemicystyl-sarcosyl-sarcosyl-D -prolyl ( 4 ) were analyzed according to structural, thermodynamic and kinetic criteria; valinomycin was used as a reference ionophoretic system. Structural analysis of peptide 3 with spectroscopic methods showed different conformational arrangements in the bicyclic system depending on its state of complexation. Circular dichroism indicated the presence of a multitude of conformations with differing helicities around the disulfide bridge in both free and complexed states. Thermodynamic analysis by microcalorimetry demonstrated a far lower cation selectivity among the synthetic peptides than displayed by valinomycin. Peptide 3 shows cation affinities of about two orders of magnitude higher than peptide 4 , but still much lower than found for the complexes of valinomycin with K⁺ and Rb⁺. In contrast to the latter case, the complexation reactions of peptides 3 and 4 are driven by both enthalpy and entropy contributions. Neither peptide 1 and 2 nor the cyclic partial structures of all four peptides displayed significant cation complexation. A kinetic analysis of the K⁺-complexation by peptide 3 based on the microcalorimetry experiments showed far lower rates of cation exchange for the synthetic peptide than those reported for valinomycin. Transport studies with peptide 3 using artificial lipid bilayer membranes gave negative results. The apparent lack of ionophoretic properties of these synthetic peptides despite their considerable ability to form complexes with cations is discussed in terms of structural parameters.     

Electrochemical biosensors in the assay of antibiotics

Certain antibiotics such as amphotericin B and nystatin are known to interact selectively with cholesterol in bilayer lipid membranes, resulting in changes in the transmembrane electrical properties. The possibilities for use of this effect in selective trace organic analysis are demonstrated by experiments performed with a simple electrical circuit incorporating a conventional research pH meter. Transmembrane resistance-based responses correlate with aqueous antibiotic concentration and are rapid and reversible. The limit of detection of the technique is approximately 10^-9 M of stimulant.     

Effect of the Structure of Cholesterol‐Based Tethered Bilayer Lipid Membranes on Ionophore Activity

Tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLM) are formed on 1) pure tether lipid triethyleneoxythiol cholesterol (EO₃C) or on 2) mixed self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of EO₃C and 6‐mercaptohexanol (6MH). While EO₃C is required to form a tBLM with high resistivity, 6MH dilutes the cholesterol content in the lower leaflet of the bilayer forming ionic reservoirs required for submembrane hydration. Here we show that these ionic reservoirs are required for ion transport through gramicidin or valinomycin, most likely due to the thermodynamic requirements of ions to be solvated once transported through the membrane. Unexpectedly, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows an increase of capacitance upon addition of gramicidin, while addition of valinomycin decreases the membrane resistance in the presence of K⁺ ions. We hypothesise that this is due to previously reported phase separation of EO₃C and 6MH on the surface. This results in ionic reservoirs on the nanometre scale, which are not fully accounted for by the equivalent circuits used to describe the system.     

Ion-current signal optimization for lipid membrane-based biosensors

The conductivities of bilayer lipid membranes are greatly affected by their lipid composition. Thus it is possible to prepare membranes having substantially different background or residual ion currents as observed when a direct voltage is applied across the membrane. Physical perturbation of the membrane by phloretin, valinomycin or receptor molecules provides current increases, which can be maximized by proper choice of residual current and membrane lipid chemistry. A compromise between provision of an efficient ion current pathway and minimization of residual current is necessary to optimize signal-to-noise ratio.     

Potassium ion transport by valinomycin across a Hg-supported lipid bilayer

A biomimetic membrane consisting of a lipid bilayer tethered to a mercury electrode via a hydrophilic spacer was investigated in aqueous KCl by potential-step chronocoulometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, both in the absence and in the presence of the ionophore valinomycin. Impedance spectra, recorded from 1 x 10(-2) to 1 x 10(5) Hz over a potential range of 0.8 V, are satisfactorily fitted to a series of four RC meshes, which are straightforwardly related to the different substructural elements of the biomimetic membrane. The frequency-independent resistances and conductances of both the lipid bilayer and the hydrophilic spacer show a maximum when plotted against the applied potential. This behavior is interpreted on the basis of a general approximate approach that applies the concepts of impedance spectroscopy to a model of the electrified interphase and to the kinetics of potassium ion transport assisted by valinomycin across the lipid bilayer.     

Aptasensor for adenosine triphosphate based on electrode–supported lipid bilayer membrane

We have developed an aptasensor for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) based on an electrode-supported lipid bilayer membrane. The assay is based on a conformational change that is induced after binding the target which modulates the electron transfer rate in the conductive path. The method is highly sensitive, stable, and repeatable. The detection limit for ATP is 50 nM, and the dynamic range extends to 3.2 μM, which covers the concentration range of ATP in cell lysates (from 0.1 to 1 μM). The method also holds promise in that it may be transferred to submicro- or nano-scale electrodes so to enable intracellular monitoring of ATP.

Amperometric biosensor with HRP immobilized on a sandwiched nano-Au / polymerized m-phenylenediamine film and ferrocene mediator

An amperometric biosensor has been developed for the determination of H₂O₂ in plant samples. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is immobilized on a sandwiched nano-Au particle / m-phenylenediamine polymer film by glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The film is formulated on the carbon paste electrode (CPE) blended with ferrocene as an electron transfer mediator. On the low concentration range, the current response is related to the H₂O₂ concentration linearly from 0 to 8×10^-6 M with a detection limit of 1.3×10^-7 M. On a wider concentration range of 8×10^-6 to 1.4×10^-4 M, the reciprocal of current response is linearly related to the reciprocal of H₂O₂ concentration. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m^app) was calculated to be 0.0334 mM. The sensor has been tested by determining H₂O₂ concentration in plant leaf samples.     

Adsorption of phenyltin compounds onto phosphatidylcholine / cholesterol bilayers

Phenyltin compounds are known to be biologically active and, whan widely spread, are potentially hazardous. As their chemical structure suggests, they interact with the lipid fraction of the cell membrane. Their effect on the model phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol bilayer has been studied using fluorescence and ¹H NMR techniques. The change in the fluorescein‐PE fluorescence intensity indicates the amount of charge added by phenyltin compounds to the membrane surface. Although the presence of cholesterol alone does not alter membrane interface properties measured with fluorescein‐PE, ¹H NMR measurements show that lipid mobility is altered throughout the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Cholesterol in the phosphatidylcholine bilayer does not alter tetraphenyltin interaction with the membrane, though the effect of diphenyltin dichloride, penetrating deeply into the hydrophobic core of the membrane, is reduced when the amount of cholesterol in the membrane is increased, suggesting decreased compound adsorption. Triphenyltin chloride has a qualitatively different effect on the lipid bilayer, when observed using this fluorescence technique. The adsorption of triphenyltin onto the phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol membrane induces a lateral phase separation of membrane components. Since triphenyltin chloride is known to be adsorbed onto the interface of the lipid bilayer, this separation mechanism must originate in this region and does not seem to be electrostatic in origin. ¹H NMR measurements have confirmed the observation that these two active phenyltin compounds interact with the phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol membrane differently, disrupting different regions of the bilayer to a different degree. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction between Potassium Phosphate Bu er Solution and Modeling Cell Membrane Investigated by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy (cited: 1)

Potassium phosphate buffer solution has been widely used in the biological experiments, which represents an important process of the interaction between ions and biomolecules, yet the in fluences of potassium phosphate on biomolecules such as the cell membrane are still poorly understood at the molecular level. In this work, we have applied sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy and carried out a detailed study on the interaction between potassium phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and negative 1,2-dimyristoyl-d₅₄-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (d₅₄-DMPG) lipid bilayer in real time. The PBS-induced dynamic change in the molecular structure of d₅₄-DMPG lipid bilayer was monitored using the spectral features of CD₂, CD₃, lipid head phosphate, and carbonyl groups for the first time. It is found that K⁺ can bind to the cell membrane and cause the signal change of CD₂, CD₃, lipid head phosphate, and carbonyl groups quickly. Potassium PBS interacts with lipid bilayers most likely by formation of toroidal pores inside the bilayer matrix. This result can provide a molecular basis for the interpretation of the effect of PBS on the ion-assisted transport of protein across the membrane.     

Rhodopsin in a new model bilayer membrane

In search of a planar and uniform model membrane presenting a wide interaction-surface for the study of photobiological processes, we have succeeded in depositing lipid bilayer on a single face of a porous disc. Using a method that combines the Langmuir-Blodgett dipping and the touching procedures, a symmetrical or asymmetrical bilayer membrane has been obtained. The illumination of rhodopsin-containing membranes appears to increase the permeability to K⁺, Na⁺, and Ca²⁺ with a high selectivity for Ca²⁺. The bilayer adsorption on the porous disc is discussed and an attempt is made to explain the failure of the dipping method in our experimental conditions for preparing an artificial membrane. A comparative look at model membranes is also presented.     

The high-performance liquid chromatography and detection of phospholipids and triglycerides: Part 2. Comparison of an ultraviolet absorption and post-column reactor detector

A liquid chromatographic ultraviolet absorption detector (at 195 nm) and a novel postcolumn reactor detector are compared for use in the detection of triglyceride and phospholipid molecular species. The detection limit for the u.v. detector depends on the degree of unsaturation of the lipid sample (3 × 10^-6–2 × 10^-8 M in the detector cell for 0–3 double bonds per acyl group). The post-column reactor detector is responsive to equivalents of lipid and has detection limits of 5 × 10^-7 M for triglycerides and 2 × 10^-6 M for phospholipids. The log u.v./post-column reactor detector response ratios are linearly related to the log of the degree of unsaturation of the lipid, indicating the usefulness of both detectors for quantifying triglycerides and phospholipids.     

Photosensitizing Antivirals

Antiviral action of various photosensitizers is already summarized in several comprehensive reviews, and various mechanisms have been proposed for it. However, a critical consideration of the matter of the area is complicated, since the exact mechanisms are very difficult to explore and clarify, and most publications are of an empirical and “phenomenological” nature, reporting a dependence of the antiviral action on illumination, or a correlation of activity with the photophysical properties of the substances. Of particular interest is substance-assisted photogeneration of highly reactive singlet oxygen (¹O₂). The damaging action of ¹O₂ on the lipids of the viral envelope can probably lead to a loss of the ability of the lipid bilayer of enveloped viruses to fuse with the lipid membrane of the host cell. Thus, lipid bilayer-affine ¹O₂ photosensitizers have prospects as broad-spectrum antivirals against enveloped viruses. In this short review, we want to point out the main types of antiviral photosensitizers with potential affinity to the lipid bilayer and summarize the data on new compounds over the past three years. Further understanding of the data in the field will spur a targeted search for substances with antiviral activity against enveloped viruses among photosensitizers able to bind to the lipid membranes.     

Electrochemical biosensor based on supported planar lipid bilayers for fast detection of pathogenic bacteria

This paper presents a new ion-channel biosensor based on supported bilayer lipid membrane for direct and fast detection of Campylobacter species. The sensing element of a biosensor is composed of a stainless-steel working electrode, which is covered by artificial bilayer lipid membrane (BLM). Antibodies to bacteria embedded into the BLM are used as channel forming proteins. The biosensor has a strong signal amplification effect, which is defined as the total number of ions transported across the BLM. The total number of (univalent) ions flowing through the channels is 10¹⁰ ions s⁻¹. The biosensor showed a very good sensitivity and selectivity to Campylobacter species.     

Binderless Solution Processed Zn Doped Co3O4 Film on FTO for Rapid and Selective Non‐enzymatic Glucose Detection

A simple solution based deposition process has been used to fabricate Zn doped Co₃O₄ electrode as an electrocatalyst for non‐enzymatic oxidation of glucose. XRD, HRTEM, SEM, EELS, AFM, EIS was used to characterise the electrode. The addition of Zn as dopant on Co₃O₄ resulted in enhanced electrochemical performance of Zn:Co₃O₄ material compared to pristine Co₃O₄ due to increased charge transferability. The as prepared electrode showed fast response (<7 s) time, good sensitivity (193 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²) in the linear range of 5 μM–0.62 mM, good selectivity towards glucose at a relatively lower applied potential of +0.52 V in 0.1 M NaOH solution. A detection limit of ∼2 μM was measured for the Zn:Co₃O₄ electrode. The applied fabrication method resulted in good inter and intra electrode reproducibility as was shown by the lower relative standard deviation values (R.S.D). The electrode retained 70 % of initial current response after 30 days. Although the as prepared Zn:Co₃O₄ electrodes did not result in highest reported sensitivity, and lowest limit of detection; the ease of fabrication and scalability of production, good inter and intra electrode reproducibility makes it a potential candidate for commercial application as glucose sensor.     

Permselectivity of Gramicidin A Channels Based on Single‐channel Recordings

The expression mechanism of permselectivity through a gramicidin A (gA) channel between two aqueous phases (W1 and W2) was investigated. When the concentration of CsCl or CsBr in W1 was equivalent to that in W2, the single‐channel current was proportional to the absolute value of the applied membrane potential. Although the single‐channel current linearly increased with increasing electrolyte concentration in W1 and W2 until about 0.1 M (mol dm^?3), it began to level off around 0.1 M, indicating that ion permeation across the channel pore is the rate‐determining step and that the saturation of the transporting ion within the channel pore provokes the leveling off. In the case of asymmetric composition of the electrolyte in W1 and W2, the monovalent cation and the counter anion were transported in the opposite direction through the gA channel pore or the bilayer lipid membrane around the gA channel. Finally, the experimental data was fitted using the Goldman‐Hodgkin‐Katz equation based on the relationship between the membrane potential and the single‐channel current to define the ratio of the diffusion coefficients of Cs⁺, Cl^?, and Br^? as 5.7 : 1.0 : 0.26.