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Neuroscience JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Preparation of Artificial Bilayers for Electrophysiology Experiments

DOI: 10.3791/1033-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Prepare a planar lipid bilayer chamber for electrophysiology measurements
  • ✓ Fabricate and test glass and silver electrodes for ion-channel recordings
  • ✓ Validate bilayer integrity and suitability for single-channel analysis
Protocol

Biopharma Insights Planar lipid bilayers, also called artificial lipid bilayers, allow you to study ion-conducting channels in a well-defined environment. Here, we demonstrate the individual steps needed to prepare the bilayer chamber, the electrodes and how to test that the bilayer is suitable for single-channel measurements.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~4–6 hours per bilayer preparation and validation

Steps

1
Understand electrophysiology setup components

Learn the fundamental principles and equipment arrangement for planar lipid bilayer electrophysiology. Familiarize yourself with the instrument configuration and role of each component.

▶ 00:07
2
Prepare and assemble bilayer chamber

Assemble the bilayer chamber apparatus, including mounting, sealing, and positioning for electrode insertion. Ensure proper chamber geometry and stability for stable bilayer formation.

▶ 01:56
3
Fabricate glass electrodes for recording

Pull and shape glass capillaries into fine-tipped microelectrodes. Polish and validate electrode tips for appropriate resistance and impedance.

▶ 04:18
4
Prepare silver reference electrodes

Coat silver wire with silver chloride to create stable reference electrodes. Connect electrodes to the electrophysiology amplifier system.

▶ 07:21
5
Apply lipid coating to chamber surfaces

Paint lipid solution onto designated chamber surfaces to facilitate bilayer formation. Allow proper drying and solvent evaporation before bilayer assembly.

▶ 08:21
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