Formation of bilayers of amphipathic molecules
US8268627B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of forming bilayers of amphipathic molecules uses droplets of aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium such as oil. A layer of amphipathic molecules such as a lipid is formed around the surfaces of the droplets. This may be achieved by providing the lipid in the oil and leaving the droplets for a time sufficient to form the layer. The droplets are brought into contact with one another so that a bilayer of the amphipathic molecules is formed as an interface between the contacting droplets. The bilayers may be used for a wide range of studies. The technique has numerous advantages including providing a long lifetime for the bilayers, allowing study of small volumes and allowing the construction of chains and networks of droplets with bilayers in between to study complex systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.