FORMATION OF LAYERS OF AMPHIPHILIC MOLECULES

摘要

To form a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution, there is used an apparatus comprising elements defining a chamber, the elements including a body of non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess opening into the chamber, the recess containing an electrode. A pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid is applied to the body across the recess. Aqueous solution, having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution is introduced into the recess from the chamber and a layer of the amphiphilic molecules forms across the recess separating a volume of aqueous solution introduced into the recess from the remaining volume of aqueous solution.

主权项

1. A method of forming a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution, the method comprising:
(a) providing an apparatus comprising elements defining a chamber, the elements including a body of non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess opening into the chamber, the recess being capable of being filled by flowing aqueous solution across the body, and the recess containing an electrode; (b) applying a pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid to the body across the recess; (c1) flowing aqueous solution across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution is introduced into the recess; (c2) removing aqueous solution so that the recess is uncovered, leaving a volume of the aqueous solution in the recess; and (c3) flowing aqueous solution, having amphihilic molecules added thereto, across the body and to re-cover the recess so that a layer of the amphiphilic molecules having an electrical resistance of at least 1 GΩ forms across the recess separating the volume of the aqueous solution in the recess from the aqueous solution that re-covers the recess.