The binding and unbinding of small organic molecules at the single
molecule level can be measured using this process.
However, the lack of support limits the lifetime of the bilayer due to poor
stability. Furthermore, the methods of detection and characterization of
black lipid membranes are also limited. Because there is no support,
surface-sensitive techniques cannot be used for characterization.
10.3.2 Solid supported lipid bilayers
Supported bilayers, as illustrated in Figure 10.9, are more robust and stable
than black lipid membranes and can also be analyzed by surface-specific
analytical techniques such as AFM, QCM, DPI, and SPR (Richter et al., 2006).
100 μ-1 nm pinhole
Hydrophobic
support
(a)
100 μ-1 nm pinhole
(b)
Figure 10.8 (a) Illustration of a black lipid membrane. (b) The formation of a folded
lipid bilayer. Reprinted from Castellana, E. T. and Cremer, P. S. Solid Supported Lipid
Bilayers: From Biophysical Studies to Sensor Design. Surface Science Reports 2006,
61(10):429–444. Copyright 2006, with permission from Elsevier.
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