Abstract: A method of assaying the interaction of a molecule and a lipid bilayer is described. The method employs a microfluidic device comprising a substrate having at least one concave microcavity with a metallic surface defining an aperture and a liquid disposed within the microcavity, a lipid bilayer suspended across the aperture, and a microfluidic channel containing a liquid disposed on top of the substrate in fluid communication with the lipid bilayer. The method comprises the steps of passing a liquid containing a test molecule across the microfluidic channel, and monitoring lipid bilayer molecule interactions by plasmonically enhanced Raman or fluorescence spectroscopy configured for plasmonic enhancement of a detection signal evolving from the test molecule or lipid bilayer. Also described in a microfluidic device configured to perform the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method of assaying the interaction of a molecule and a lipid bilayer is described. The method employs a microfluidic device comprising a substrate having at least one concave microcavity with a metallic surface defining an aperture and a liquid disposed within the microcavity, a lipid bilayer suspended across the aperture, and a microfluidic channel containing a liquid disposed on top of the substrate in fluid communication with the lipid bilayer. The method comprises the steps of passing a liquid containing a test molecule across the microfluidic channel, and monitoring lipid bilayer molecule interactions by plasmonically enhanced Raman or fluorescence spectroscopy configured for plasmonic enhancement of a detection signal evolving from the test molecule or lipid bilayer. Also described in a microfluidic device configured to perform the method of the invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic array supporting a lipid bilayer assembly on which membrane proteins can be assembled is described. The array is formed from a hydrophilic polymeric substrate or metal substrate comprising a planar surface with a plurality of individual spherical depressions formed therein. Each of the depressions are configured to have a diameter greater than 1 ?m and containing an aqueous solution. Across each of the depressions is provided a lipid layer. Each of the plurality of individual depressions comprise arcuate side walls extending downwardly into the substrate from the planar surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic array supporting a lipid bilayer assembly on which membrane proteins can be assembled is described.