Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor comprising an electrode and a membrane in which the biosensor includes at least two zones each zone differing from each other zone in a property. The membrane includes a plurality of ionophores, at least a proportion of which are capable of lateral diffusion within the membrane. A plurality of first binding partner molecules are attached to membrane elements positioned within a first zone such that the first binding partner molecules are prevented from diffusing laterally into a second zone. Second binding partner molecules are attached to the ionophores and the rate of lateral diffusion within the membrane of the first binding partner molecules and second binding partner molecules is different.

Abstract: The present invention provides biosensors which include or are fabricated using optically sensitive moieties. The use of optically sensitive moieties provides advantages in the synthesis of the biosensors. Further the inclusion of optically sensitive moieties in the biosensor membrane provides an increase in the sensitivity of detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane for use in detecting the presence of an analyte. The membrane comprises an array of closely packed self-assembling amphiphilic molecules and a plurality of first and second receptor molecules, the first receptor molecules being reactive with one site on the analyte and second receptor molecules being reactive with another site on the analyte. The first receptor molecules are prevented from lateral diffusion within the membrane whilst the second receptor molecules are free to diffuse laterally within the membrane. The membrane is characterized in that the ratio of first receptor molecules to second receptor molecules is 10:1 or greater.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection device. The device comprises first and second zones, means to allow addition of a probe to the first zone, means to allow addition of a sample suspected to contain an analyte and means to allow passage of the probe from the first zone to the second zone. The first zone contains ligands reactive with the analyte and the second zone includes a membrane the impedance of which is dependent on the presence or absence of the probe and means to measure the impedance of the membrane. It is preferred that the probe includes an ionophore, preferably gramicidin. The present invention also relates to methods of detecting the presence of an analyte.

Abstract: An improved membrane based biosensor incorporates sensing and reference electrodes and a dc electrical potential produced by a counter electrode. The biosensor incorporates ionophores. The conductivity of the membrane is dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte. A functional reservoir exists between the sensing electrode and a lipid membrane deposited on the sensing electrode. The invention also includes the method of detecting the presence or absence of the analyte by use of the biosensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane based biosensor. The biosensor includes an electrode and a passivating layer bound to the electrode. A lipid membrane incorporating ionophores, the conductivity of the membrane being dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte, is bound to the passivating layer in a manner such that an ionic reservoir exists between the membrane and the passivating layer. Reservoir spanning molecules spanning the ionic reservoir are also included. These molecules are covalently attached at one end to the membrane and at the other to the passivating layer. The incorporation of the passivating provides greater stability to the sensor.

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising: (1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations; (2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode; (3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and (4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor for use in detecting the presence of an enzyme or enzymes in a sample. The biosensor comprises a membrane and means for determining the impedance of the membrane. The membrane includes ionophores therein to which are attached linkers. The linkers are cleavable by the enzyme or enzymes to be detected, with the cleavage of the linker causing a change in the ability of ions to pass through the membrane via the ionophores.

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising: (1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations; (2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode; (3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and (4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: Biosensors fur use in detecting analytes, particularly small analytes such as those having a molecular weight of less than 5,000 Daltons, are disclosed which comprise a membrane and an electrode and a reservoir defined therebetween, the membrane having an inner layer proximate the electrode and an outer layer remote from the electrode comprising a closely packed array of amphiphilic molecules, a plurality or ionophores, and a plurality of membrane spanning lipids, the ionophores comprising first and second half membrane spanning monomers, the first half membrane spanning monomers being provided in the inner layer and being prevented from lateral diffusion within the membrane and the second half membrane spanning monomers being provided in the outer layer and being free to diffuse laterally within the membrane, the second half membrane spanning monomers having attached thereto a first receptor which is reactive with the small analyte, wherein a carrier to which is attached a plurality of the analyte is reversi

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising: (1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations; (2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode; (3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and (4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor comprising an electrode and a membrane in which the biosensor includes at least two zones each zone differing from each other zone in a property. The membrane includes a plurality of ionophores, at least a proportion of which are capable of lateral diffusion within the membrane. A plurality of first binding partner molecules are attached to membrane elements positioned within a first zone such that the first binding partner molecules are prevented from diffusing laterally into a second zone. Second binding partner molecules are attached to the ionophores and the rate of lateral diffusion within the membrane of the first binding partner molecules and second binding partner molecules is different.

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising:(1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations;(2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode;(3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and(4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane the conductivity of which is dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte. The membrane comprises a closely packed array of self-assembling amphiphilic molecules and two ionophore components. A receptor molecule reactive with the analyte is provided on one of the ionophore components. The binding of the analyte to the receptor molecule causes a change in the relationship between the ionophore components such that the flow of ion across the membrane is prevented or allowed. The ionophore components are preferably selected from the group consisting of amphotericin B, gramicidin A monomers and combinations thereof, with gramicidin A monomers being particularly preferred. The present invention also provides a membrane including receptors directed against the Fc region of antibodies. These receptors are preferably derived from polyclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel biosensor comprising an electrode membrane combination. This novel biosensor employs compounds include a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group and a polar head group region attached to the hydrophobic region at a site remote from the hydrophilic region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for producing an electrode membrane combination. This novel method employs compound including a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, and a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group.

Abstract: A membrane comprising a closely packed array of self-assembling amphiphilic molecules, and is characterized in that it incorporates a plurality of ion channels, and/or at least a proportion of the self-assembling molecules comprise a receptor molecule conjugated with a supporting entity. The ion channel is selected from the group consisting of peptides capable of forming helices and aggregates thereof, corronands, cryptands, podands and combinations thereof. In the amphiphilic molecules comprising a receptor molecule conjugated with a supporting entity, the receptor molecule has a receptor site and is selected from the group consisting of immunoglobulins, antibodies, antibody fragments, dyes enzymes and lectins. "The supporting entity is selected from the group consisting of a lipid head group, a hydrocarbon chain(s), a cross-linkable molecule and a membrane protein. The supporting entity is attached to the receptor molecule at tan end remote from the receptor site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for producing an electrode membrane combination. This novel method employs compounds including a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group and a polar head group region attached to the hydrophobic region at a site remote from the hydrophilic region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel electrode membrane combination. This novel combination employs compounds include a linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode, the electrode being either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic region and the attachment group and a polar head group region attached to the hydrophobic region at a site remote from the hydrophilic region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor that detects an analyte in a sample by measuring the response of a membrane within which associated ion channels undergo state changes upon interaction between the analyte and the ionic channels. The state change response is detected as result of the change in ionic flow through the membrane.