Impedance analysis of valinomycin activity in nano-BLMs

Nano-black lipid membranes (nano-BLMs) were obtained by functionalization of highly ordered porous alumina substrates with an average pore diameter of 60 nm based on a self-assembled alkanethiol submonolayer followed by spreading of 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine dissolved in n-decane on the hydrophobic substrate. By means of impedance spectroscopy, we analyzed the influence of the self-assembled alkanethiol submonolayer on the electrical properties of the nano-BLMs as well as their long-term stability. We were able to stably integrate nano-BLMs into a flow through system, which allowed us to readily exchange buffer solutions several times and accounts for mass transport phenomena. The ionophore valinomycin was successfully inserted into nano-BLMs and its transport activity monitored as a function of different potassium and sodium ion concentrations reflecting the specificity of valinomycin for potassium ions.