Robust reagent addition and perfusion strategies for droplet-interface bilayers

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Membrane Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Droplet-interface bilayers (DIBs) offer unique advantages over planar membranes for model membrane systems.
• Existing DIB setups have limitations in controlled reagent delivery and concurrent measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel devices that expand the utility of DIBs.
• To enable precise control over experimental conditions in DIB systems.
• To facilitate the study of molecular transport across model membranes.

Main Methods:

• Design and implementation of an 'add-chip' for sequential reagent addition to DIBs.
• Development of a 'flow-chip' for concurrent solution perfusion and electrophysiology with DIBs.
• Utilizing DIBs with the new devices to monitor and quantify molecular transport.

Main Results:

• The add-chip allows controlled, low-volume reagent delivery to one side of the lipid bilayer.
• The flow-chip supports multiple simultaneous perfusions alongside electrophysiology measurements.
• Both devices maintain DIB advantages like low volume and leaflet asymmetry.

Conclusions:

• The developed devices significantly extend the applicability of DIBs as model membrane systems.
• These tools provide enhanced capabilities for investigating membrane properties and molecular transport.
• The devices facilitate detailed analysis of lipid monolayers and droplet contents post-experiment.