Abstract: A sensor, probe, system and method for detecting the presence of or concentration of lipid-soluble analytes such as anesthetics, which involve the use of fluorophore-containing lipid layers or similar amphiphilic structures as the sensor. The lipid layer is constituted such that it has a phase transition temperature equal to or close to the temperature at which the measurement of the analyte is conducted. Partitioning of a suitable analyte into the lipid layer results in a phase change which is then reflected in a change in a fluorescence characteristic, such as a shift in the wavelength of maximum intensity of fluorescence, of the fluorophore, in proportion to the amount of analyte.

Abstract: Diacetylinic phosophocholines have distinctly different endothermic and exothermic transition temperatures. Lipid tubules are formed by hydrating a diacetylinic phosphocholine at a temperature above its endothermic transition temperature. The hydrated lipid is then cooled slowly to a formation temperature 1.degree. to 10.degree. C. below the exothermic transition temperature to form tubule structures. The tubules structures can be polymerized to form permanent tubules. The tubules can be used in the same manner as a liposome vesicle or they can be metal coated for a variety of applications.

Abstract: Tubular, spheroidal, and helical lipid microstructures are individually clad with a metal coat deposited on the microstructures by an electroless plating bath. In metal cladding the microstructures, the surfaces of the lipid microstructures are sensitized by adsorption thereon of a catalytic precursor which enables metal from the electroless plating bath to deposit upon and adhere to the sensitized surface. The metal plate is electrically conductive and may also be magnetic. A composite material is produced by embedding the metal clad microstructures in a matrix of a polymer such as an epoxy or a polyurethane.

Abstract: Method and process for forming selected microstructures having predetermined shape and dimension from surfactants comprising the steps of: selecting a lipid which self aggregates into a predetermined microstructure selected from the group of helices and tubules; selecting a lipid solvating organic solvent; dissolving the selected lipid in the selected organic solvent; adding a predetermined amount of non-solvent to the selected organic solvent; and allowing the solution to sit for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A compact and portable biosensor which can detect the presense of an environmental stimulus is produced by extracting cell membrane proteins which are specific for the stimulus, purifying the proteins, and reincorporating the proteins into synthetic membranes. Electrodes are used to measure the voltage or current changes across the membrane when the proteins in the synthetic membranes react to the specific stimulus. The magnitude of the changes indicate the concentration of the stimulus in the environment.