Automated lipid bilayer and ion channel measurement platform.

Ion channels and transmembrane proteins play key roles in a wide range of physiological processes. Engineered ion channels have been explored as highly sensitive single molecule sensors. Scientific and sensing measurements of ion channel conductance often utilize artificial lipid bilayers, which have shortcomings limiting their application. We describe a fully automated lipid bilayer formation system that integrates the measurement electronics within the fluidic controls. Unattended operation of this system resulted in highly reproducible automatic bilayer formation and ion channel measurement over dozens of consecutive trials. The fully automated, closed-loop control algorithm enabled autonomous operation of the platform, a step toward applications of ion channel measurements for remote sensing and pharmacological studies requiring minimal operator involvement.