Ion channel probes for scanning ion conductance microscopy

Langmuir. 2014 Dec 23;30(50):15351-5. doi: 10.1021/la504097f. Epub 2014 Dec 9.

Abstract

The sensitivity and selectivity of ion channels provide an appealing opportunity for sensor development. Here, we describe ion channel probes (ICPs), which consist of multiple ion channels reconstituted into lipid bilayers suspended across the opening of perflourinated glass micropipets. When incorporated with a scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM), ICPs displayed a distance-dependent current response that depended on the number of ion channels in the membrane. With distance-dependent current as feedback, probes were translated laterally, to demonstrate the possibility of imaging with ICPs. The ICP platform yields several potential advantages for SICM that will enable exciting opportunities for incorporation of chemical information into imaging and for high-resolution imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Electric Conductivity*
  • Feedback
  • Ion Channels / chemistry
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Scanning Probe / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Lipid Bilayers