Photoelectric measurements of self-assembled and supported planar lipid bilayers: a new technique for studying apoptosis

A new method based on photoelectrochemistry for analyzing apoptosis of bila yer lipid membranes (s-BLMs) containing MCF-7 nuclei is reported. The s-BLM cell responded to white light (200-800 nm). During the apoptosis induced b y Taxol, the photoelectric current of the cell decreased, suggesting degrad ation of the nuclear DNA. Electron transfer along the DNA double helix and along the nuclear skeleton is assumed in the interpretation. This novel pho toelectric analytical method may provide a rapid and sensitive technique to evaluate apoptosis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.