Patent ID: 7939270
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: C12M,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting a membrane protein into a planar lipid bilayer in an apparatus having an electrical circuit capable of measuring an electrical signal across the planar lipid bilayer, the method comprising: providing a probe which is a macroscopic element arranged to be movable manually or by a mechanical system and having a carrier surface capable of holding the membrane protein; depositing the membrane protein on the carrier surface of the probe so that the membrane protein is held on the carrier surface; moving the probe manually or by a mechanical system to engage the carrier surface against the planar lipid bilayer wherein the carrier surface is capable of holding the membrane protein less strongly than the planar lipid bilayer and to cause the membrane protein to be inserted into the lipid bilayer, the insertion being detected on the basis of the electrical signal measured by the electrical circuit.