Parallel, High-resolution Nanopore Analysis on a Chip-based Lipid Membrane Micorarray

In order to be used as single-molecule-sensitive analyte detectors1-3, biological nanopores need to be functionally reconstituted into free-standing synthetic membranes between two electrolyte compartments that can be contacted by electrodes. Classically, phospholipid bilayers are spread over an opening in a septum between two compartments filled with salt solution and connected by means of non-polarizable electrodes (Ag/AgCl) with the measurement electronics. The set-ups and methods used in current research for such measurements can only be used productively by experienced specialists. They are not amenable to automation and do not support simultaneous measurements at multiple single pores. Future exploitation of the manifold and attractive applications for nanopore analytics in Chemistry and Biology will depend crucially on the development of platform technologies that allow rapid and, if possible, automatic electrical measurements for nanopores with maximally enhanced throughput.