Abstract: A composition comprising an immobilized biological membrane is provided. The functional immobilized biological membrane consists of a support structure, a metal layered onto a surface of the support structure, an alkanethiol monolayer assembled onto the metal, and a biological membrane deposited on the alkanethiol monolayer. Also provided is a method of producing the immobilized biological membrane, wherein the method involves contacting an alkanethiol with a metal surface of a support structure in forming an alkanethiol monolayer assembled onto the metal, and depositing a biological membrane onto the alkanethiol monolayer such that the biological membrane becomes associated with the alkanethiol monolayer. Uses of the biological membrane include as a sensing indicator in a biosensor, as an adsorbent in a chromatography system, and as a coating for medical devices.