Formation and encapsulation of molecular bilayer and monolayer membranes

摘要

Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and devices related to bilayer and monolayer membranes, their encapsulation in a hydrogel, and their formation. Methods of using the disclosed compositions and devices are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for preparing a bilayer or monolayer membrane, the method comprising:
(a) forming a bilayer or monolayer membrane supported at its boundary by a solid substrate by
(i) providing a device comprising:
a substrate;at least one first microfluidic channel defined in the substrate; andat least one second microfluidic channel defined in the substrate; anda solvent-absorbing hydrophobic substance connected to the at least one first microfluidic channel and the at least one second microfluidic channel;wherein the at least one first microfluidic channel is in fluid communication with the at least one second microfluidic channel via a hole in the solvent-absorbing hydrophobic substance,wherein the at least one first microfluidic channel contains a first solution,wherein the at least second microfluidic channel contains a second solution, and(ii) introducing a lipid or other amphiphile at the hole of the solvent-absorbing hydrophobic substance,
wherein the lipid or other amphiphile forms the bilayer or monolayer membrane at the hole of the solvent-absorbing hydrophobic substance by contacting the first solution, the second solution, and the hydrophobic substance; and (b) polymerizing a hydrogel prepolymer in the presence of the bilayer or monolayer membrane, thereby forming a hydrogel encapsulated bilayer or monolayer membrane supported at its boundary by the solid substrate.