Lipid Bilayer Formation in Aqueous Solutions of Ionic Liquids

Abstract

The formation of lipid bilayer membranes between droplets of ionic liquid is presented as a means of forming functional bimolecular networks for use in sensor applications. Ionic liquids are salts that have a number of useful properties, such as low melting points making them liquid at room temperature and exceedingly low vapor pressure. Ionic liquids have seen recent popularity as environmentally friendly industrial solvent alternatives. Our research demonstrates that it is possible to consistently form lipid bilayers between droplets of ionic liquid solutions. Analysis shows that the ionic liquids have negligible effects on the physical stability and electrical properties of the bilayer. It is also shown that the magnitude of the conductance levels of Alamethicin peptide are altered by some ionic liquids.