Heterogeneity of multiple-pore membranes investigated with ion conductance microscopy.

Heterogeneous conductance of individual pores on a porous membrane was studied with a four-electrode scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM). Application of a potential difference across the membrane resulted in migration of ions through nanopores, where subsequent conductance changes were measured by a nanopipet positioned above the nanopore as a change in pipet current. Current responses of single-pore membranes and individual pores within a multipore membrane were examined and demonstrated variations in ion current rectification (ICR) ratios due to the small differences in pore geometries.