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.