Miniaturized biochemical sensing devices based on planar bilayer lipid membranes

Methods of in-vitro artificial formation of bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) a nd their analytical applications are reviewed, on the basis of 122 literatu re references. Different techniques for preparation of free-suspended plana r BLMs, and gel-, filter-, and solid-supported systems are presented. The a nalytical applications developed are based on direct interaction of analyte s with chemically unmodified BLMs, and with systems modified by use of redo x mediators, ionophores, ion-channel forming species, enzymes, antibodies, or DNA.