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 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: 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 relates to novel compounds used in an electrode membrane combination. These novel 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 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 provides a membrane comprising a closely packed array of self-assembly amphiphilic molecules, and is characterized in that it incorporates 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, coronands, 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 an end remote from the receptor site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors. The membrane is attached to the electrode by means of a linker molecule in a manner such that a hydrophilic space is provided between the membrane and the electrode. The linker molecule comprises within the same molecule a hydrophobic region which constitutes at least a proportion of the amphiphilic molecules making up the membrane or is attached to or is embedded in the membrane, an attachment region attached to the electrode and a hydrophilic region intermediate said hydrophobic and attachment regions. The hydrophilic region spans the space between the membrane and the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor comprising at least one lipid membrane, each membrane including at least one gated ion channel. The membranes comprise a closely packed array of self-assembly amphophilic molecules and the gated ion channel has a conductance which is dependent upon an electric field applied across the membrane. The biosensor of the present invention may comprise a plurality of discrete membranes each including at least one gated ion channel. The conductance of each of the membranes is measurable independently of the conductance of the other membranes.