Membrane biosensor platforms using nano- and microporous supports

Lipid membranes are versatile and convenient models for the study of properties of natural cell membranes. In particular, surface-supported membranes have attracted considerable attention because the whole range of surface-sensitive techniques, including interface-sensitive electrochemical measurements, can be used with them. Here we describe recent advances and current directions in the development of nano- and microporous substrates for electrochemical characterization of membrane protein-containing lipid bilayers. Improved techniques for lipid membrane self-assembly and membrane protein incorporation on these substrates have led to great improvements in measurement sensitivity, membrane stability and packaging. These advances suggest that nanopore-spanning membranes are leading contenders for a breakthrough in membrane protein screening and biosensing applications.