US20110120871A1 - Formation of Layers of Amphiphilic Molecules - Google Patents

Formation of Layers of Amphiphilic Molecules Download PDF

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US20110120871A1
US20110120871A1 US12/809,327 US80932708A US2011120871A1 US 20110120871 A1 US20110120871 A1 US 20110120871A1 US 80932708 A US80932708 A US 80932708A US 2011120871 A1 US2011120871 A1 US 2011120871A1
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recess
aqueous solution
electrode
layer
chamber
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Stuart William Reid
Terence Alan Reid
James Anthony Clarke
Steven Paul White
Gurdial Singh Sanghera
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Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
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    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G—PHYSICS
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    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/416—Systems
    • G01N27/447—Systems using electrophoresis
    • G01N27/44756—Apparatus specially adapted therefor
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    • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
    • B01L3/502707—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the manufacture of the container or its components
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
    • B01L3/50273—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6869—Methods for sequencing
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    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/28—Electrolytic cell components
    • G01N27/30—Electrodes, e.g. test electrodes; Half-cells
    • G01N27/327—Biochemical electrodes, e.g. electrical or mechanical details for in vitro measurements
    • G01N27/3275—Sensing specific biomolecules, e.g. nucleic acid strands, based on an electrode surface reaction
    • G01N27/3278—Sensing specific biomolecules, e.g. nucleic acid strands, based on an electrode surface reaction involving nanosized elements, e.g. nanogaps or nanoparticles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/403—Cells and electrode assemblies
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
    • G01N27/416—Systems
    • G01N27/447—Systems using electrophoresis
    • G01N27/453—Cells therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/483—Physical analysis of biological material
    • G01N33/487—Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/483—Physical analysis of biological material
    • G01N33/487—Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
    • G01N33/48707—Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material by electrical means
    • G01N33/48721—Investigating individual macromolecules, e.g. by translocation through nanopores
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
    • B01L2300/0627—Sensor or part of a sensor is integrated
    • B01L2300/0645—Electrodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/16—Surface properties and coatings
    • B01L2300/161—Control and use of surface tension forces, e.g. hydrophobic, hydrophilic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
    • B01L2400/0415—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
    • B01L2400/0421—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic electrophoretic flow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
    • B01L2400/0415—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces electrical forces, e.g. electrokinetic
    • B01L2400/0427—Electrowetting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the formation of layers of amphiphilic molecules such as lipid bilayers. It is particularly concerned with the formation of high quality layers suitable for applications requiring measurement of electrical signals with a high degree of sensitivity, for example single channel recordings and stochastic sensing for biosensor or drug screening applications. In one particular aspect, it is concerned with applications employing arrays of layers of amphiphilic molecules, for example lipid bilayers. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the performance of an electrode provided in a recess, for example for conducting electro-physiological measurements.
  • a layer of amphiphilic molecules may be used as the layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution.
  • the layer resists the flow of current between the volumes.
  • a membrane protein is inserted into the layer to selectively allow the passage of ions across the layer, which is recorded as an electrical signal detected by electrodes in the two volumes of aqueous solution.
  • the presence of a target analyte modulates the flow of ions and is detected by observing the resultant variations in the electrical signal.
  • Such techniques therefore allow the layer to be used as a biosensor to detect the analyte.
  • the layer is an essential component of the single molecule biosensor presented and its purpose is two-fold. Firstly the layer provides a platform for the protein which acts as a sensing element. Secondly the layer isolates the flow of ions between the volumes, the electrical resistance of the layer ensuring that the dominant contribution of ionic flow in the system is through the membrane protein of interest, with negligible flow through the bilayer, thus allowing detection of single protein channels.
  • a specific application is stochastic sensing, where the number of membrane proteins is kept small, typically between 1 and 100, so that the behaviour of a single protein molecule can be monitored.
  • This method gives information on each specific molecular interaction and hence gives richer information than a bulk measurement.
  • requirements of this approach are a very high resistance seal, typically at least 1 G ⁇ and for some applications one or two orders of magnitude higher, and sufficient electrical sensitivity to measure the currents.
  • the requirements for stochastic sensing have been met in the laboratory, the conditions and expertise required limit its use.
  • the laboratory methods are laborious and time-consuming and are not easily scalable to high-density arrays, which are desirable for any commercial biosensor.
  • the fragility of single bilayer membranes means that anti-vibration tables are often employed in the laboratory.
  • planar artificial lipid bilayers are known in the art, most notably including folded bilayer formation (e.g. Montal & Mueller method), tip-dipping, painting, patch clamping, and water-in-oil droplet interfaces.
  • the method of Montal & Mueller (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. (1972), 69, 3561-3566) is popular as a cost-effective and relatively straightforward method of forming good quality folded lipid bilayers suitable for protein pore insertion, in which a lipid monolayer is carried on the water/air interface past either side of an aperture in a membrane which is perpendicular to that interface.
  • the lipid is added to the surface of the aqueous electrolyte solution by first dissolving it in an organic solvent, a drop of which is then allowed to evaporate on the surface of the aqueous solution on either side of the aperture.
  • the solution/air interfaces are physically moved up and down past either side of the aperture until a bilayer is formed.
  • the technique requires the presence of a hydrophobic oil applied as a pre-treatment coating to the aperture surface.
  • the primary function of the hydrophobic oil is to form an annulus region between the bilayer and the aperture film where the lipid monolayers must come together over a distance typically between 1 and 25 ⁇ m.
  • Tip-dipping bilayer formation entails touching the aperture surface (e.g. a pipette tip) onto the surface of a test solution that is carrying a monolayer of lipid. Again the lipid monolayer is first generated at the solution/air interface by evaporating a drop of lipid dissolved in organic solvent applied to the solution surface. The bilayer is then formed by mechanical actuation to move the aperture into/out of the solution surface.
  • the aperture surface e.g. a pipette tip
  • the drop of lipid dissolved in organic solvent is applied directly to the aperture, which is submerged in the aqueous test solution.
  • the lipid solution is spread thinly over the aperture using a paint brush or equivalent. Thinning of the solvent results in formation of a lipid bilayer, however, complete removal of the solvent from the bilayer is difficult and consequently the bilayer formed is less stable and more noise prone during measurement.
  • Patch-clamping is commonly used in the study of biological cell membranes, whereby the cell membrane is clamped to the end of a pipette by suction and a patch of the membrane becomes attached over the aperture.
  • the method has been adapted for artificial bilayer studies by clamping liposomes which then burst to leave a lipid bilayer sealing over the aperture of the pipette. This requires stable giant unilamellar liposomes and the fabrication of small apertures in glass surfaced materials.
  • Water-in-oil droplet interfaces are a more recent invention in which two aqueous samples are submerged in a reservoir of hydrocarbon oil containing lipid.
  • the lipid accumulates in a monolayer at the oil/water interface such that when the two samples are brought into contact a bilayer is formed at the interface between them.
  • the protein is then introduced to the bilayer either by random collision from the aqueous solution, by fusion of vesicles containing the protein, or by mechanically transporting it to the bilayer, for example on the end of a probe device such as an agar tipped rod.
  • a large proportion of the devices that are capable of performing stochastic sensing form a bilayer by using a variant of the folded lipid bilayers technique or the painted bilayer technique. To date most have concentrated either on novel methods of aperture formation or on utilising the emerging technologies in micro fabrication to miniaturise the device or to create a plurality of addressable sensors.
  • the devices of both Sandison et al. and Suzuki et al. are both miniaturised versions of a standard painted bilayer technique with two distinct fluidic chambers separated by a septum containing an aperture across which the bilayer is formed, one chamber being filled before the other.
  • Sandison et al. created a device with three fluid chambers, each with separate fluidics, an approach which would be difficult to scale to large numbers of bilayers. Suzuki et al.
  • biosensor device using a supported lipid bilayer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,566.
  • the device is capacitive.
  • a gated ion channel responds to an analyte, the binding of this analyte causes a change in the gating behaviour of the ion channel, and this is measured via the electrical response of the membrane capacitance.
  • To support the lipid bilayer there is used a monolayer of alkane-thiol molecules on a gold electrode, which provides a scaffold for a lipid monolayer to self-assemble onto.
  • This monolayer can incorporate ion channels such as gramicidin which are used as the sensing element of the device.
  • the first problem lies with the resistance of the bilayer membrane which is typically about 100 M ⁇ . While this may be suitable for examining protein behaviour at large protein concentrations, it is not sufficient for a high-fidelity assay based on single molecule sensing, typically requiring a resistance of at least 1 G ⁇ and for some applications one or two orders of magnitude higher.
  • the second problem is the small volume of solution trapped in the short distance between the bilayer and the solid support, typically of the order of 1 nm. This small volume does not contain many ions, affecting the stability of the potential across the bilayer and limiting the duration of the recording.
  • a number of methods have been proposed to overcome the problems with solid supported bilayers.
  • One option is to incorporate a chemical linkage between the bilayer and the surface, either a small polyethylene glycol layer is introduced (polymer cushioned bilayers), or the lipid is chemically modified to contain a small hydrophilic linkage and reacted with the surface providing a scaffold for vesicle deposition (tethered bilayers). While these methods have increased the ionic reservoir beneath the lipid bilayer, they are inconvenient to implement and have done little to decrease the current leakage across the bilayer.
  • a method of forming a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution comprising:
  • Such a method allows the formation of layers of amphiphilic molecules which are of sufficiently high quality for sensitive techniques such as stochastic sensing whilst using apparatus and techniques which are straightforward to implement.
  • the apparatus used is relatively simple, involving most importantly a body of ionically non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess. It has been demonstrated, surprisingly, that it is possible to form a layer of the amphiphilic molecules across such a recess simply by flowing the aqueous solution across the body to cover the recess.
  • a pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid is applied to the body across the recess.
  • the pre-treatment coating assists formation of the layer.
  • the layer is formed without any need for a complicated apparatus involving two chambers separated by a septum and requiring a complicated fluidics arrangement to achieve separate filling. This is because the method does not require the recess to be pre-filled prior to introducing aqueous solution into the chamber above. Instead, the aqueous solution is introduced into the recess from the chamber. Despite this, it is still possible to form the layer by mere control of the aqueous solution flowing into the chamber. Such flow control is a straightforward practical technique.
  • the method allows the formation of layers of amphiphilic molecules which are suitable for high sensitivity biosensor applications such as stochastic sensing and single channel recording. It has been demonstrated possible to form layers of high resistance providing highly resistive electrical seals, having an electrical resistance of 1 G ⁇ or more, typically at least 100 G ⁇ . which, for example, enable high-fidelity stochastic recordings from single protein pores. This is achieved whilst trapping a volume of aqueous solution in the recess between the layer and the electrode. This maintains a significant supply of electrolyte. For example, the volume of aqueous solution is sufficient to allow stable continuous dc current measurement through membrane proteins inserted in the layer. This contrasts significantly with the known techniques described above using supported lipid bilayers.
  • the simple construction of the apparatus allows the formation of a miniaturised apparatus having an array of plural recesses and allowing the layer across each recess to be electrically isolated and individually addressed using its own electrode, such that the miniaturised array is equivalent to many individual sensors measuring in parallel from a test sample.
  • the recesses may be relatively densely packed, allowing a large number of layers to be used for a given volume of test sample.
  • Individual addressing may be achieved by providing separate contacts to each electrode which is simple using modern microfabrication techniques, for example lithography.
  • the method allows the formation of multiple layers of the amphiphilic molecules within a single apparatus across the plural recesses in an array using a very straightforward technique.
  • membrane proteins In most applications, one or more membrane proteins is subsequently inserted into the layer. Certain membrane proteins that can be used in accordance with the invention are discussed in more detail below.
  • an apparatus suitable for implementing such methods of formation of a layer of amphiphilic molecules.
  • the amphiphilic molecules are typically a lipid.
  • the layer is a bilayer formed from two opposing monolayers of lipid.
  • the lipids can comprise one or more lipids.
  • the lipid bilayer can also contain additives that affect the properties of the bilayer. Certain lipids and other amphiphilic molecules, and additives that can be used in accordance with the invention are discussed in more detail below.
  • amphiphilic molecules may be added to the aqueous solution.
  • a first technique is simply to add the amphiphilic molecules to the aqueous solution outside the apparatus before introducing the aqueous solution into the chamber.
  • a second technique which has particular advantage is, before introducing the aqueous solution into the chamber, to deposit the amphiphilic molecules on an internal surface of the chamber, or elsewhere in the flow path of the aqueous solution, for example in a fluidic inlet pipe connected to the inlet.
  • the aqueous solution covers the internal surface during step (c) whereby the amphiphilic molecules are added to the aqueous solution.
  • the aqueous solution is used to collect the amphiphilic molecules from the internal surface.
  • Such deposition of the amphiphilic molecules has several advantages. It allows the formation of layer of amphiphilic molecules in the absence of large amounts of organic solvent, as would typically be present if the amphiphilic molecules were added directly to the aqueous solution.
  • the deposited amphiphilic molecules can be dried.
  • the aqueous solution is used to rehydrate the amphiphilic molecules. This allows the amphiphilic molecules to be stably stored in the apparatus before use. It also avoids the need for wet storage of amphiphilic molecules. Such dry storage of amphiphilic molecules increases shelf life of the apparatus.
  • a first technique is simply for the aqueous solution to have a membrane protein added thereto, whereby the membrane protein is inserted spontaneously into the layer of amphiphilic molecules.
  • the membrane protein may be added to the aqueous solution outside the apparatus before introducing the aqueous solution into the chamber.
  • the membrane protein may be deposited on an internal surface of the chamber before introducing the aqueous solution into the chamber.
  • the aqueous solution covers the internal surface during step (c), whereby the membrane protein is added to the aqueous solution.
  • a second technique is for the aqueous solution to have vesicles containing the membrane protein added thereto, whereby the membrane protein is inserted on fusion of the vesicles with the layer of amphiphilic molecules.
  • a third technique is to insert the membrane protein by carrying the membrane protein to the layer on a probe, for example an agar-tipped rod.
  • the aqueous solution is flowed across the body to cover the recess. Formation is improved if a multi-pass technique is applied in which aqueous solution covers and uncovers the recess at least once before covering the recess for a final time. This is thought to be because at least some aqueous solution is left in the recess which assists formation of the layer in a subsequent pass.
  • the pre-treatment coating is a hydrophobic fluid which assists formation of the layer by increasing the affinity of the amphiphilic molecules to the surface of the body around the recess.
  • any pre-treatment that modifies the surface of the surfaces surrounding the aperture to increase its affinity to lipids may be used. Certain materials for the pre-treatment coating that can be used in accordance with the invention are discussed in more detail below.
  • surfaces including either or preferably both of (a) the outermost surface of the body around the recess and (b) at least an outer part of the internal surface of the recess extending from the rim of the recess may be hydrophobic. This may be achieved by making the body with an outermost layer formed of a hydrophobic material.
  • the surfaces are treated by a fluorine species, such as a fluorine radical, for example by treatment with a fluorine plasma during manufacture of the apparatus.
  • a fluorine species such as a fluorine radical
  • the application of the pre-treatment coating may leave excess hydrophobic fluid covering said electrode contained in the recess. This potentially insulates the electrode by reducing ionic flow, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the apparatus in measuring electrical signals.
  • various different techniques may be applied to minimise this problem.
  • a first technique is to apply a voltage across the electrode in the recess and a further electrode in the chamber sufficient to reduce the amount of excess hydrophobic fluid covering said electrode contained in the recess. This produces a similar effect to electro-wetting.
  • the voltage is applied after flowing aqueous solution across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution flows into the recess. As the voltage will rupture any layer formed across the recess, subsequently the aqueous solution is flowed to uncover the recess, and then aqueous solution, having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body to re-cover the recess so that a layer of the amphiphilic molecules forms across the recess.
  • a second technique is to make an inner part of the internal surface of the recess hydrophilic. Typically this will be applied in combination with making the outer part of the internal surface of the recess hydrophobic. This may be achieved by making the body with an inner layer formed of a hydrophilic material and an outermost layer formed of a hydrophobic material.
  • a third technique is to provide on the electrode a hydrophillic surface, for example a protective material, which repels the hydrophobic fluid applied in step (c) whilst allowing ionic conduction from the aqueous solution to the electrode.
  • the protective material may be a conductive polymer, for example polypyrrole/polystyrene sulfonate.
  • the protective material may be a covalently attached hydrophilic species, such as thiol-PEG.
  • a method of improving the performance of an electrode in a recess in conducting electro-physiological measurements comprising depositing a conductive polymer on the electrode.
  • an apparatus for conducting electro-physiological measurements comprising, a body having a recess in which an electrode is located, wherein a conductive polymer is provided on the electrode.
  • the providing a conductive polymer on an electrode in a recess can improve the performance of the electrode in conducting electro-physiological measurements.
  • One advantage is to improve the electrode's performance as a stable electrode for conducting electro-physiological measurements.
  • a further advantage is to increase the charge reservoir available to the electrode within the recess without increasing the volume of aqueous solution contained in the recess.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 , and showing the introduction of an aqueous solution;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus, similar to that of FIG. 2 but showing the apparatus full of aqueous solution;
  • FIG. 4 is sequence of a cross-sectional, partial views of the recess in the apparatus over an electrochemical electrode modification process
  • FIG. 5 is an SEM image of a recess formed by CO 2 laser drilling
  • FIG. 6 is an OM image of a recess formed using photolithography
  • FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are 3D and 2D LP profiles, respectively, of a recess formed using photolithography
  • FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are 3D and 2D LP profiles, respectively, of a recess formed using photolithography, after electoplating;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, partial view of the recess in the apparatus with a pre-treatment coating applied
  • FIGS. 10 a to 10 e are a sequence of cross-sectional, partial view of the recess in the apparatus during a method of removing excess pre-treatment coating;
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, partial view of the recess in the apparatus having plural further layers in the body;
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram of an electrical circuit
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus and electrical circuit mounted on a printed circuit board
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram of an electrical circuit for acquiring plural signals in parallel
  • FIG. 15 is a graph of the applied potential and current response for a dry apparatus
  • FIG. 16 is a graph of the applied potential and current response for a wet apparatus
  • FIG. 17 is a graph of the applied potential and current response on electro-wetting of the apparatus.
  • FIG. 18 is a graph of the applied potential and current response on formation of a layer of amphiphilic molecules
  • FIGS. 19 to 22 are graphs of the applied potential and current response for various different apparatuses.
  • FIGS. 23 to 25 are plan views of a further layer in a modified apparatus having plural recesses
  • FIGS. 26 to 28 are plan views of the substrate in the modified apparatuses having plural recesses
  • FIGS. 29 and 30 are graphs of the current response for two different apparatuses having plural recesses
  • FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a modified apparatus
  • FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of another modified apparatus
  • FIG. 33 is a flow chart of a method of manufacture of the apparatus.
  • FIGS. 34 a and 34 b are 3D and 2D surface profiles of a recess having an electrode modified by electropolymerisation of polypyrrole, measured by profilometry;
  • FIG. 35 is a graph of current recorded on an array of recesses having an electrode modified by electropolymerisation of polypyrrole.
  • FIG. 1 An apparatus 1 which may be used to form a layer of amphiphilic molecules is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the apparatus 1 includes a body 2 having layered construction as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 comprising a substrate 3 of non-conductive material supporting a further layer 4 also of non-conductive material. In the general case, there may be plural further layers 4 , as described further below.
  • a recess 5 is formed in the further layer 4 , in particular as an aperture which extends through the further layer 4 to the substrate 3 .
  • there may be plural recesses 5 as described further below.
  • the apparatus 1 further includes a cover 6 which extends over the body 2 .
  • the cover 6 is hollow and defines a chamber 7 which is closed except for an inlet 8 and an outlet 9 each formed by openings through the cover 6 .
  • the lowermost wall of the chamber 7 is formed by the further layer 4 in FIG. 2 , but as an alternative the further layer 4 could be shaped to provide side walls.
  • aqueous solution 10 is introduced into the chamber 7 and a layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules is formed across the recess 5 separating aqueous solution 10 in the recess 5 from the remaining volume of aqueous solution in the chamber 7 .
  • the apparatus includes the following electrode arrangement to allow measurement of electrical signals across the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules.
  • a chamber 7 which is closed makes it very easy to flow aqueous solution 10 into and out of the chamber 7 . This is done simply by flowing the aqueous solution 10 through the inlet 8 as shown in FIG. 2 until the chamber 7 is full as shown in FIG. 3 . During this process, gas (typically air) in the chamber 7 is displaced by the aqueous solution 10 and vented through the outlet 9 .
  • gas typically air
  • a simple fluidics system attached to the inlet 8 may be used. This may be as simple as a plunger, although more complicated systems may be used to improve the control.
  • the chamber 7 is not necessarily closed and may be open, for example by forming the body 2 as a cup.
  • the substrate 3 has a first conductive layer 20 deposited on the upper surface of the substrate 3 and extending under the further layer 4 to the recess 5 .
  • the portion of the first conductive layer 20 underneath the recess 5 constitutes an electrode 21 which also forms the lowermost surface of the recess 5 .
  • the first conductive layer 20 extends outside the further layer 4 so that a portion of the first conductive layer 20 is exposed and constitutes a contact 22 .
  • the further layer 4 has a second conductive layer 23 deposited thereon and extending under the cover 6 into the chamber 7 , the portion of the second conductive layer 23 inside the chamber 7 constituting an electrode 24 .
  • the second conductive layer 23 extends outside the cover 6 so that a portion of the second conductive layer 23 is exposed and constitutes a contact 25 .
  • the electrodes 21 and 24 make electrical contact with aqueous solution in the recess 5 and chamber 7 . This allows measurement of electrical signals across the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules by connection of an electrical circuit 26 to the contacts 22 and 25 .
  • the electrical circuit 26 may have basically the same construction as a conventional circuit for performing stochastic sensing across a lipid bilayer formed in a conventional cell by the Montal & Mueller method.
  • FIG. 12 An example design of the electrical circuit 26 is shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the primary function of the electrical circuit 26 is to measure the electrical current signal developed between the electrodes 21 and 24 to provide a meaningful output to the user. This may be simply an output of the measured signal, but in principle could also involve further analysis of the signal.
  • the electrical circuit 26 needs to be sufficiently sensitive to detect and analyse currents which are typically very low.
  • an open membrane protein might typically pass current of 100 pA to 200 pA with a 1M salt solution.
  • the electrode 24 in the chamber 7 is used as a reference electrode and the electrode 21 in the recess 5 is used as a working electrode.
  • the electrical circuit 26 provides the electrode 24 with a bias voltage potential relative to the electrode 21 which is itself at virtual ground potential and supplies the current signal to the electrical circuit 26 .
  • the electrical circuit 26 has a bias circuit 40 connected to the electrode 24 in the chamber 7 and arranged to apply a bias voltage which effectively appears across the two electrodes 21 and 24 .
  • the electrical circuit 26 also has an amplifier circuit 41 connected to the electrode 21 in the recess 5 for amplifying the electrical current signal appearing across the two electrodes 21 and 24 .
  • the amplifier circuit 41 consists of a two amplifier stages 42 and 43 .
  • the input amplifier stage 42 connected to the electrode 21 converts the current signal into a voltage signal.
  • the input amplifier stage 42 may comprise transimpedance amplifier, such as an electrometer operational amplifier configured as an inverting amplifier with a high impedance feedback resistor, of for example 500 M ⁇ , to provides the gain necessary to amplify the current signal which typically has a magnitude of the order of tens to hundreds of picoamps.
  • transimpedance amplifier such as an electrometer operational amplifier configured as an inverting amplifier with a high impedance feedback resistor, of for example 500 M ⁇ , to provides the gain necessary to amplify the current signal which typically has a magnitude of the order of tens to hundreds of picoamps.
  • the input amplifier stage 42 may comprise a switched integrator amplifier. This is preferred for very small signals as the feedback element is a capacitor and virtually noiseless.
  • a switched integrator amplifier has wider bandwidth capability.
  • the integrator does have a dead time due to the necessity to reset the integrator before output saturation occurs. This dead time may be reduced to around a microsecond so is not of much consequence if the sampling rate required is much higher.
  • a transimpedance amplifier is simpler if the bandwidth required is smaller.
  • the switched integrator amplifier output is sampled at the end of each sampling period followed by a reset pulse. Additional techniques can be used to sample the start of integration eliminating small errors in the system.
  • the second amplifier stage 43 amplifies and filters the voltage signal output by the first amplifier stage 42 .
  • the second amplifier stage 43 provides sufficient gain to raise the signal to a sufficient level for processing in a data acquisition unit 44 .
  • the input voltage to the second amplifier stage 43 given a typical current signal of the order of 100 pA, will be of the order of 50 mV, and in this case the second amplifier stage 43 must provide a gain of 50 to raise the 50 mV signal range to 2.5V.
  • the electrical circuit 26 includes a data acquisition unit 44 which may be a microprocessor running an appropriate program or may include dedicated hardware.
  • the data acquisition unit 44 may be a card to be plugged into a computer 45 such as a desktop or laptop.
  • the bias circuit 40 is simply formed by an inverting amplifier supplied with a signal from a digital-to-analog converter 46 which may be either a dedicated device or a part of the data acquisition unit 44 and which provides a voltage output dependent on the code loaded into the data acquisition unit 44 from software.
  • the signals from the amplifier circuit 41 are supplied to the data acquisition card 40 through an analog-to-digital converter 47 .
  • the various components of the electrical circuit 26 may be formed by separate components or any of the components may be integrated into a common semiconductor chip.
  • the components of the electrical circuit 26 may be formed by components arranged on a printed circuit board. An example of this is shown in FIG. 13 wherein the apparatus 1 is bonded to a printed circuit board 50 with aluminium wires 51 connecting from the contacts 22 and 25 to tracks 52 on the printed circuit board. A chip 53 incorporating the electrical circuit 26 is also bonded to the printed circuit board 50 .
  • the apparatus 1 and the electrical circuit 26 may be mounted on separate printed circuit boards.
  • the electrical circuit 26 is modified essentially by replicating the amplifier circuit 41 and A/D converter 47 for each electrode 21 to allow acquisition of signals from each recess 5 in parallel.
  • the input amplifier stage 42 comprises switched integrators then those would require a digital control system to handle the sample-and-hold signal and reset integrator signals.
  • the digital control system is most conveniently configured on a field-programmable-gate-array device (FPGA).
  • FPGA field-programmable-gate-array device
  • the FPGA can incorporate processor-like functions and logic required to interface with standard communication protocols i.e. USB and Ethernet.
  • FIG. 14 shows a possible architecture of the electrical circuit 26 and is arranged as follows.
  • the respective electrodes 21 of the apparatus 1 are connected to the electrical circuit 26 by an interconnection 55 , for example the aluminium wires 51 and the printed circuit board in the arrangement of FIG. 13 .
  • the amplifier circuits 41 may be formed in one or more amplifier chips 56 having plural channels.
  • the signals from different electrodes 21 may be on separate channels or multiplexed together on the same channel.
  • the outputs of the one or more amplifier chips 56 are supplied via the A/D converter 47 to a programmable logic device 57 for receiving the signal on each channel.
  • the programmable logic device 57 might operate at a speed of the order of 10 Mbits/s.
  • the programmable logic device 57 is connected via an interface 58 , for example a USB interface, to a computer 59 to supply the signals to the computer 59 for storage, display and further analysis.
  • the apparatus 1 may be enclosed in a Faraday cage to reduce interference.
  • the materials for each component of apparatus 1 are determined by the properties required to enable the component to function correctly during operation, but the cost and manufacturing throughput are also considered. All materials should be chosen to provide sufficient mechanical strength to allow robust handling, and surfaces compatible with bonding to the subsequent layers.
  • the material of the substrate 3 is chosen to provide a rigid support for the remainder of the apparatus 1 .
  • the material is also chosen to provide a high resistance and low capacitance electrical insulation between adjacent electrodes 21 when there are plural recesses 5 .
  • Possible materials include without limitation: polyester (eg Mylar), or another polymer; or silicon, silicon nitride, or silicon oxide.
  • the substrate may comprise a silicon wafer with a thermally grown oxide surface layer.
  • the material of the further layer 4 (or in the general case layers) are chosen to provide a high resistance and low capacitance electrical insulation between the electrodes 21 and 24 and also, when there are plural recesses 5 , between the electrodes 21 and 24 of adjacent recesses 5 .
  • the surface of the further layer 4 should be chemically stable both to the pre-treatment coating applied before operation (as discussed below) and to the aqueous solution 10 .
  • the further layer 4 should be mechanically robust in order to maintain its structural integrity and coverage of the first conductive layer 20 , and should be suitable for subsequent attachment of the cover 6 .
  • photoresist eg SU8 photoresist or Cyclotene
  • polycarbonate 6 ⁇ m thick film
  • PVC 7 ⁇ m thick film
  • polyester 50 ⁇ m thick film
  • adhesive backed polyester 25 ⁇ m and 50 ⁇ m thick film
  • thermal laminating films eg Magicard 15 ⁇ m thick and Murodigital 35 ⁇ m
  • screen-printed dielectric ink eg Magicard 15 ⁇ m thick and Murodigital 35 ⁇ m
  • surfaces including (a) the outermost surface of the body 2 around the recess and (b) the outer part of the internal surface of the recess 5 extending from the rim of the recess 5 are hydrophobic. This assists in the spreading of the pre-treatment coating and therefore also formation of a lipid bilayer.
  • a fluorine species is any substance capable of modifying the surfaces to provide a fluorine-containing layer.
  • the fluorine species is preferably one containing fluorine radicals.
  • the modification may be achieved by treating the body 2 with a fluorine plasma, for example a CF 4 during manufacture.
  • the material of the electrodes 21 and 24 should provide an electrochemical electrode in contact with the aqueous solution 10 , enabling measurement of low currents, and should be stable to the pre-treatment coating and aqueous solution 10 .
  • the material of the remainder of the conductive layers 20 and 23 (usually but not necessarily the same as the electrodes 21 and 24 ) also provides electrical conductance from the electrodes to the contacts 22 and 25 .
  • the first conductive layers 20 will also accept bonding of the further layers 4 .
  • the conductive layers 20 and 23 can be constructed with plural overlapping layers and/or an appropriate surface treatment.
  • One possible material is platinum, coated with silver at the area exposed to the test solution and then silver chloride formed on top of the silver.
  • Possible materials for the first conductive layer 20 include without limitation: Silver/silver chloride electrode ink; silver with or without a surface layer, for example of silver chloride formed by chloridisation or of silver fluoride formed by fluoridisation; gold with or without redox couple in solution; platinum with or without redox couple in solution; ITO with and without redox couple in solution; gold electrochemically coated with conductive polymer electrolyte; or platinum electrochemically coated with conductive polymer electrolyte.
  • Possible materials for the second conductive layer 23 include without limitation: silver/silver chloride electrode ink; silver wire; or chloridised silver wire.
  • Some specific examples of include: the substrate 3 being silicon and the conductive layer 20 being a metal conductor (diffusion or polysilicon wires are poor methods) buried in a silicon oxide insulating layer (e.g. using typical semiconductor fabrication technology); the substrate 3 being glass and the conductive layer 20 being metal conductors (e.g using typical LCD display technology); or the substrate 3 being a polymeric substrates and the conductive layer 20 being an ablated metal or printed conductor (e.g. using typical glucose biosensor technology).
  • the requirements for the material of the cover 6 are to be easily attached to create a seal for the chamber 7 , to be compatible with both the pre-treatment coating and the aqueous solution 10 .
  • the following are possible materials, together with thicknesses which have been successfully employed experimentally, although these thicknesses are not limitative: silicone rubber, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mm thick; polyester, 0.5 mm thick; or PMMA (acrylic) 0.5 mm to 2 mm thick.
  • the layered construction of the apparatus 1 is simple and easy to form by a variety of methods.
  • Three different fabrication technologies which have actually been applied are: lamination of polymer films; printed circuit board manufacture with high resolution solder mask formation and photolithography using silicon wafers or glass.
  • the substrate 3 is a 250 ⁇ m thick polyester sheet (Mylar), and the first conductive layer 20 is deposited by either: screen printing silver/silver chloride electrode ink; adhesion of metal foil; or vapour deposition (sputtering or evaporation).
  • the further layer 4 is then laminated onto the substrate 3 by either: a pressure-sensitive adhesive; a thermally activated adhesive; or using the wet silver/silver chloride ink as the adhesive painted directly onto the dielectric before lamination (referred to as “painted electrodes”).
  • the aperture in the further layer 4 that forms the recess 5 is created with 5-100 ⁇ m diameter either before or after lamination to the substrate 3 by either: electrical discharge (sparking); or laser drilling, for example by an excimer, solid state or CO 2 laser.
  • An apparatus created by lamination of polymer films sometimes requires an additional sparking step to activate the electrodes prior to use.
  • the second conductive layer 23 is formed on top of the further layer 4 by screen printing.
  • the cover 6 is laminated on top using pressure sensitive adhesive.
  • the substrate 3 is a silicon wafer with an oxide surface layer.
  • the first conductive layer 20 is formed by gold, silver, chloridised silver, platinum or ITO deposited onto the substrate 3 .
  • Photoresist eg SU8
  • the recess 5 is formed with 5-100 ⁇ m diameter by removal of the photoresist following UV exposure using a mask to define the shape of the recess 5 .
  • the second conductive layer 23 is formed on top of the further layer 4 , for example by screen printing.
  • the cover 6 is laminated on top using pressure sensitive adhesive.
  • the electrodes 21 and 24 will now be discussed further.
  • the electrodes 21 and 24 should operate at the required low current levels with a low over-potential and maintain their electrode potential value over the course of the measurement. Further, the electrodes 21 and 24 should introduce a minimum amount of noise into the current signal.
  • Possible materials for the electrodes 21 and 24 include without limitation: Silver/silver chloride electrode ink; silver with or without a surface layer, for example of silver chloride formed by chloridisation or of silver fluoride formed by fluoridisation; gold with or without redox couple in solution; platinum with or without redox couple in solution; ITO with and without redox couple in solution; palladium hydride, gold electrochemically coated with conductive polymer electrolyte; or platinum electrochemically coated with conductive polymer electrolyte.
  • Silver is a good choice for the material of electrodes 21 and 24 but is difficult to incorporate in a silicon wafer manufacturing process due to its tendency to undergo oxidation on exposure to light, air and high temperatures.
  • an inert conductive material eg Pt or Au
  • Electroplating of silver may be achieved, for example, using a modified version of the method of Polk et al., “Ag/AgCl microelectrodes with improved stability for microfluidics”, Sensors and Actuators B 114 (2006) 239-247.
  • a plating solution is prepared by addition of 0.41 g of silver nitrate to 20 ml of 1M ammonium hydroxide solution. This is rapidly shaken to avoid precipitation of the insoluble silver oxide, and to facilitate the formation of the diammine silver complex. The solution is always fresh to avoid fall in plating efficiency.
  • the plating is performed using conventional equipment, connecting the electrode 21 as the cathode and using a platinum electrode is used as the anode.
  • a potential of ⁇ 0.58V is applied to the cathode, with the anode being held at ground potential, whereas in the case of plating on Au electrodes, the potential is held at ⁇ 0.48V with respect to ground.
  • a target charge of 5.1 ⁇ 10 3 C/m 2 has been found empirically to result in a silver deposition of between 1 ⁇ m and 2 ⁇ m for a 100 ⁇ m diameter electrode, typically taking of the order of 60 s.
  • the layer 4 is formed from a naturally hydrophobic material (eg SU8 photoresist) and in order to ensure uniform wetting of the recess, desirably the degree of hydrophilicity can be increased.
  • a first method is application of a lipid to the surface of the layer 4 , so that the lipid acts as a surfactant, facilitating the entry of the plating solution.
  • a second method is exposure of the layer 4 to oxygen plasma which activates the material of the layer and produces hydrophilic functional groups. This produces a well defined hydrophilic and clean surface.
  • a third method is to add ethanol to the plating solution.
  • the outer surface of the electrode is desirably converted to a halide, in order for the electrode 21 to function efficiently as a provider of a stable reference potential.
  • the halide used is chloride, since the conversion of silver to silver chloride is relatively straightforward to achieve, for example by electrolysis in a solution of hydrochloric acid.
  • Alternative chemical methods avoiding the use of a potentially corrosive acid which may affect the surface condition of the layer 4 include a) sweeping voltammetry in 3M sodium chloride solution, and b) a chemical etching by immersion of the electrode 21 in 50 mM ferric chloride solution.
  • An alternative halogen for the halidisation is fluorine.
  • the choice of fluorine has the significant advantage that the silver fluoride layer can be formed in the same step as modification of surfaces (a) and (b) of the body 2 to make them hydrophobic, as discussed above. For example this may be achieved during manufacture of the apparatus 1 by treatment of the body 2 by a fluorine plasma for example a CF 4 plasma. This is effective to modify the surfaces of the body 2 , particularly in the case that the layer 4 is a photoresist such as SU8 to achieve a sufficient degree of hydrophobicity to support the formation of a stable lipid bilayer. At the same time exposure to the fluorine plasma converts the metal of the electrode 21 into an outer layer of metal fluoride.
  • the electrode 21 may be electrochemically modified to change the surface-type. This allows use of additional materials with good bulk properties but poor surface properties, such as gold. Possible electrochemical surface modifications include without limitation: silver electroplating; electrochemical chloridisation of silver; electropolymerisation of a polymer/polyelectrolyte.
  • FIG. 4 one possible sequence of modification is shown in FIG. 4 in which a coating 37 of silver is formed on the electrode 21 formed of gold or platinum by electrochemical deposition. Electroplating may typically be performed in 0.2M AgNO 2 , 2M KI, 0.5 mM Na 2 S 2 O 3 at ⁇ 0.48V using a standard single liquid junction Ag/AgCl reference electrode and a platinum counter electrode. A typical thickness of the coating 37 is estimated to be 750 nm with a deposition time of about 50 s and about 50 ⁇ C charge passed. Subsequently a chloridised layer 38 is formed by chloridisation, typically at +150 mV in 0.1M HCl for 30 s.
  • the conductive polymer may be any polymer which is conductive.
  • a suitable conductive polymer will have mobile charge carriers.
  • a conductive polymer will have a backbone having delocalised electrons which are capable of acting as charge carriers, allowing the polymer to conduct.
  • the conductive polymer may be doped to increase its conductivity, for example by a redox process or by electrochemical doping.
  • Suitable conductive polymers include, without limitation: polypyrroles, polyacetylenes, polythiophenes, polyphenylenes, polyanilines, polyfluorenes, poly(3-alkylthiophene)s, polytetrathiafulvalenes, polynaphthalenes, poly(p-phenylene sulfide)s, polyindoles, polythionines, polyethylenedioxythiophenes, and poly(para-phenylene vinylene)s.
  • One possible conductive polymer is a polypyrrole, which may be doped, for example with polystyrene sulfonate. This may be deposited, for example, on an electrode 21 of gold by electrooxidizing an aqueous solution of 0.1M pyrrole+90 mM polystyrene sulfonate in 0.1M KCl at +0.80V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode.
  • the estimated thickness of polymer deposited is 1 ⁇ m at 30 ⁇ C, based on a assumption that 40 mC/cm 2 of charge produces a film of thickness around 0.1 ⁇ m.
  • the polymerization process can be represented as follows, where PE stands for polystyrene sulfonate:
  • One advantage of using a conductive polymer deposited on an inert electrode, such as polypyrrole doped with polystyrene, electropolymerised onto gold or platinum, is to improve the electrode's performance as a stable electrode for conducting electrophysiological measurements.
  • a further advantage is to increase the charge reservoir available to the electrode within the recess without increasing the volume of aqueous solution contained in the recess.
  • a conductive polymer on the electrode 21 in the recess 5 of the apparatus 1 include but are not limited to control of the hydrophilic nature of the electrode surface to aid wetting of the electrode surface by the aqueous buffer solution and similarly prevention of blocking of the electrode by the chemical pre-treatment prior to bilayer formation.
  • FIGS. 34 a and 34 b are 3D and 2D surface profiles of an example electrode modified by electropolymerisation of polypyrrole, measured by profilometry.
  • the thickness of electrochemically deposited polymer film in this example is about 2 ⁇ m.
  • FIG. 35 shows the current recorded on an array of recesses modified by electropolymerisation of polypyrrole, showing stable lipid bilayers and single molecule detection of cyclodextrin from inserted protein pores.
  • an alternative to the second conductive layer 23 is to form an electrode in the chamber 7 simply by insertion through the cover 6 of a conductive member, such as a chloridised silver wire.
  • OM optical microscopy
  • SEM scanning electron microscopy
  • LP laser profilometry
  • FIG. 5 shows an SEM image of a recess 5 formed by drilling with a CO 2 laser in an apparatus 1 formed by lamination of polymer layers, with subsequent application of electrical discharge to activate the electrode 21 .
  • the image illustrates that the geometry of the recess 5 is poorly defined using this method of formation, with considerable surface damage therearound and variability in diameter, although it is hoped this may be improved through optimisation of the laser characteristics.
  • FIG. 6 shows an OM image of a recess 5 formed using photolithography of a further layer 4 of SU8 photoresist over an electrode 21 of vapour deposited gold on a substrate 3 of silicon.
  • FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are 3D and 2D LP profiles of a similarly manufactured recess 5 .
  • FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are 3D and 2D LP profiles of the same recess 5 after electroplating to form a coating 38 of silver.
  • Excimer laser methods also produce a controlled geometry similar to photolithography.
  • step S 1 the wafer is cleaned.
  • step S 2 the wafer is subjected to a HF dif to improve adhesion of metals and resist. Typical conditions are a 3 minute dip in 10:1 buffered oxide etch.
  • step S 3 the wafer is subjected to a bake as a dehydration step. Typical conditions are baking for 1 hour at 200° C. in an oven.
  • step S 4 photoresist is spun onto the wafer which is then subjected to UV light to form the desired pattern.
  • the conductive layers 20 are deposited, for example consisting of successive layers of Cr and Au. Typically of respective thicknesses 50 nm and 300 nm.
  • step S 6 the resist is removed for example by soaking in acetone.
  • step S 7 photoresist adhesion is improved by the application of an O 2 plasma and dehydration bake for example in an oven.
  • step S 8 the wafer has applied thereto photoresist which is then subjected to UV exposure to form the layers 4 and recesses, for example SU8-10 with a thickness of 20 m.
  • step S 9 an inspection and measurement of the recesses is performed.
  • step S 10 the surface is prepared for plating by performing an O2 plasma descum.
  • step S 11 silver plating of the electrode is performed, as described above, for example to form a plating thickness of 1.5 ⁇ m.
  • step S 12 the wafer is diced to form the bodies 2 of separate apparatuses 1 .
  • the bodies 2 are treated by a CF 4 plasma which modifies the surfaces of the body 2 and the electrode 21 as discussed above.
  • a typical exposure is for 12 minutes at 70 W and 160 mTorr.
  • the amphiphilic molecules are typically a lipid.
  • the layer is a bilayer formed from two opposing monolayers of lipid.
  • the two monolayers of lipids are arranged such that their hydrophobic tail groups face towards each other to form a hydrophobic interior.
  • the hydrophilic head groups of the lipids face outwards towards the aqueous environment on each side of the bilayer.
  • the bilayer may be present in a number of lipid phases including, but not limited to, the liquid disordered phase (fluid lamellar), liquid ordered phase, solid ordered phase (lamellar gel phase, interdigitated gel phase) and planar bilayer crystals (lamellar sub-gel phase, lamellar crystalline phase).
  • lipids that form a lipid bilayer may be used.
  • the lipids are chosen such that a lipid bilayer having the required properties, such as surface charge, ability to support membrane proteins, packing density or mechanical properties, is formed.
  • the lipids can comprise one or more different lipids.
  • the lipids can contain up to 100 lipids.
  • the lipids preferably contain 1 to 10 lipids.
  • the lipids may comprise naturally-occurring lipids and/or artificial lipids.
  • the lipids typically comprise a head group, an interfacial moiety and two hydrophobic tail groups which may be the same or different.
  • Suitable head groups include, but are not limited to, neutral head groups, such as diacylglycerides (DG) and ceramides (CM); zwitterionic head groups, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and sphingomyelin (SM); negatively charged head groups, such as phosphatidylglycerol (PG); phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CA); and positively charged headgroups, such as trimethylammonium-Propane (TAP).
  • neutral head groups such as diacylglycerides (DG) and ceramides (CM)
  • zwitterionic head groups such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE
  • Suitable interfacial moieties include, but are not limited to, naturally-occurring interfacial moieties, such as glycerol-based or ceramide-based moieties.
  • Suitable hydrophobic tail groups include, but are not limited to, saturated hydrocarbon chains, such as lauric acid (n-Dodecanolic acid), myristic acid (n-Tetradecononic acid), palmitic acid (n-Hexadecanoic acid), stearic acid (n-Octadecanoic) and arachidic (n-Eicosanoic); unsaturated hydrocarbon chains, such as oleic acid (cis-9-Octadecanoic); and branched hydrocarbon chains, such as phytanoyl.
  • the length of the chain and the position and number of the double bonds in the unsaturated hydrocarbon chains can vary.
  • the length of the chains and the position and number of the branches, such as methyl groups, in the branched hydrocarbon chains can vary.
  • the hydrophobic tail groups can be linked to the interfacial moiety as an ether or an ester.
  • the lipids can also be chemically-modified.
  • the head group or the tail group of the lipids may be chemically-modified.
  • Suitable lipids whose head groups have been chemically-modified include, but are not limited to, PEG-modified lipids, such as 1,2-Diacyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Methoxy(Polyethylene glycol)-2000]; functionionalised PEG Lipids, such as 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-Glycero-3 Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Biotinyl(Polyethylene Glycol)2000]; and lipids modified for conjugation, such as 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-(succinyl) and 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-(Biotinyl).
  • Suitable lipids whose tail groups have been chemically-modified include, but are not limited to, polymerisable lipids, such as 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine; fluorinated lipids, such as 1-Palmitoyl-2-(16-Fluoropalmitoyl)-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine; deuterated lipids, such as 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-D62-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine; and ether linked lipids, such as 1,2-Di-O-phytanyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine.
  • polymerisable lipids such as 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine
  • fluorinated lipids such as 1-Palmit
  • the lipids typically comprise one or more additives that will affect the properties of the lipid bilayer.
  • Suitable additives include, but are not limited to, fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, myristic acid and oleic acid; fatty alcohols, such as palmitic alcohol, myristic alcohol and oleic alcohol; sterols, such as cholesterol, ergosterol, lanosterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol; lysophospholipids, such as 1-Acyl-2-Hydroxy-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine; and ceramides.
  • the lipid preferably comprises cholesterol and/or ergosterol when membrane proteins are to be inserted into the lipid bilayer.
  • lipids are commonly used to form bilayers, it is expected that in general the method is applicable to any amphiphilic molecules which may form a layer.
  • aqueous solution 10 in general a wide range of aqueous solutions 10 that are compatible with the formation of a layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules may be used.
  • the aqueous solution 10 is typically a physiologically acceptable solution.
  • the physiologically acceptable solution is typically buffered to a pH of 3 to 11.
  • the pH of the aqueous solution 10 will be dependent on the amphiphilic molecules used and the final application of the layer 11 .
  • Suitable buffers include without limitation: phosphate buffered saline (PBS); N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-Ethanesulfonic Acid (HEPES) buffered saline; Piperazine-1,4-Bis-2-Ethanesulfonic Acid (PIPES) buffered saline; 3-(n-Morpholino)Propanesulfonic Acid (MOPS) buffered saline; and Tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) buffered saline.
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • HPES N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-Ethanesulfonic Acid
  • PPES Piperazine-1,4-Bis-2-Ethanesulfonic Acid
  • MOPS 3-(n-Morpholino)Propanesulfonic Acid
  • TMS Tris
  • the method of using the apparatus 1 is as follows.
  • a pre-treatment coating 30 is applied to the body 2 across the recess 5 , as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 is a hydrophobic fluid which modifies the surface of the body 2 surrounding the recess 5 to increase its affinity to the amphiphilic molecules.
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 is typically an organic substance, usually having long chain molecules, in an organic solvent.
  • Suitable organic substances include without limitation: n-decane, hexadecane, isoecoisane, squalene, fluoroinated oils (suitable for use with fluorinated lipids), alkyl-silane (suitable for use with a glass membrane) and alkyl-thiols (suitable for use with a metallic membrane).
  • Suitable solvents include but are not limited to: pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, decane, and toluene.
  • the material might typically be 0.1 ⁇ l to 10 ⁇ l of 0.1% to 50% (v/v) hexadecane in pentane or another solvent, for example 2 ⁇ l of 1% (v/v) hexadecane in pentane or another solvent, in which case lipid, such as diphantytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPhPC), might be included at a concentration of 0.6 mg/ml.
  • lipid such as diphantytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPhPC)
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 may be applied in any suitable manner, for example simply by capillary pipette.
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 may be applied before or after the cover 6 is attached to the apparatus 1 .
  • the precise volume of material of the pre-treatment coating 30 required depends on the size of the recess 5 , the formulation of the material, and the amount and distribution of the when it dries around the aperture. In general increasing the amount (by volume and/or by concentration) improves the effectiveness, although excessive material can cover the electrode 21 as discussed below. As the diameter of the recess 5 is decreased, the amount of material of the pre-treatment coating 30 required also varies. The distribution of the pre-treatment coating 30 can also affect effectiveness, this being dependent on the method of deposition, and the compatibility of the membrane surface chemistry. Although the relationship between the pre-treatment coating 30 and the ease and stability of layer formation is complex, it is straightforward to optimise the amount by routine trial and error. In another method the chamber 7 can be completely filled by pre-treatment in solvent followed by removal of the excess solvent and drying with a gas flow.
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 is applied across the recess 5 .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 covers the surface of the body 2 around the recess 5 .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 also extends over the rim of the recess 5 and desirably covers at least the outermost portion of the side walls of the recess 5 . This assists with formation of the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules across the recess 5 .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 also has a natural tendency during application to cover the electrode 21 . This is undesirable as the pre-treatment coating 30 reduces the flow of current to the electrode 21 and therefore reduces the sensitivity of measurement of electrical signals, in the worst case preventing any measurement at all. A number of different techniques may be employed to reduce or avoid this problem, and will be discussed after the description of forming the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules.
  • the aqueous solution 10 is flowed across the body 2 to cover the recess 5 as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • This step is performed with the amphiphilic molecules added to the aqueous solution 10 . It has been demonstrated that, with an appropriate pre-treatment coating 30 this allows the formation of the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules across the recess 5 . Formation is improved if a multi-pass technique is applied in which aqueous solution 10 covers and uncovers the recess 5 at least once before covering the recess 5 for a final time. This is thought to be because at least some aqueous solution is left in the recess 5 which assists formation of the layer 11 in a subsequent pass.
  • the formation of the layer 11 is reliable and repeatable. This is despite the fact that the practical technique of flowing aqueous solution 10 across the body 2 through the chamber 7 is very easy to perform. Formation of the layer 11 may be observed by monitoring of the resultant electrical signals across the electrodes 21 and 24 , as described below. Even if a layer 11 fails to form it is a simple matter to perform another pass of the aqueous solution 10 . Such reliable formation of a layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules using a simple method and a relatively simple apparatus 1 is a particular advantage of the present invention.
  • the layers 11 of amphiphilic molecules are of high quality, in particular being suitable for high sensitivity biosensor applications such as stochastic sensing and single channel recording.
  • the layers 11 have high resistance providing highly resistive electrical seals, having an electrical resistance of 1 G ⁇ or more, typically at least 100 G ⁇ . which, for example, enable high-fidelity stochastic recordings from single protein pores.
  • the volume of aqueous solution 10 is sufficient to allow stable continuous dc current measurement through membrane proteins inserted in the layer.
  • a first technique is simply to add the amphiphilic molecules to the aqueous solution 10 outside the apparatus 1 before introducing the aqueous solution 10 into the chamber 7 .
  • a second technique which has particular advantage is, before introducing the aqueous solution 10 into the chamber 7 , to deposit the amphiphilic molecules on an internal surface of the chamber 7 , or on an internal surface elsewhere in the flow path of the aqueous solution 10 into the chamber 7 , for example in a fluidic inlet pipe connected to the inlet.
  • the amphiphilic molecules can be deposited on any one or more of the internal surfaces of the chamber 7 , including a surface of the further layer 4 or of the cover 6 .
  • the aqueous solution 10 covers the internal surface during its introduction, whereby the amphiphilic molecules are added to the aqueous solution 10 . In this manner, the aqueous solution 10 is used to collect the amphiphilic molecules from the internal surface.
  • the aqueous solution 10 may cover the amphiphilic molecules and the recess 5 in any order but preferably covers the amphiphilic molecules first. If the amphiphilic molecules are to be covered first, the amphiphilic molecules are deposited along the flow path between the inlet 8 and the recess 5 .
  • Any method may be used to deposit the lipids on an internal surface of the chamber 7 . Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, evaporation or sublimation of a carrier solvent, spontaneous deposition of liposomes or vesicles from a solution and direct transfer of the dry lipid from another surface.
  • An apparatus 1 having lipids deposited on an internal surface may be fabricated using methods including, but not limited to, drop coating, various printing techniques, spin-coating, painting, dip coating and aerosol application.
  • the deposited amphiphilic molecules are preferably dried.
  • the aqueous solution 10 is used to rehydrate the amphiphilic molecules. This allows the amphiphilic molecules to be stably stored in the apparatus 1 before use. It also avoids the need for wet storage of amphiphilic molecules. Such dry storage of amphiphilic molecules increases shelf life of the apparatus. Even when dried to a solid state, the amphiphilic molecules will typically contain trace amounts of residual solvent.
  • Dried lipids are preferably lipids that comprise less than 50 wt % solvent, such as less than 40 wt %, less than 30 wt %, less than 20 wt %, less than 15 wt %, less than 10 wt % or less than 5 wt % solvent.
  • a membrane protein is inserted into the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules. There are several techniques for achieving this.
  • a first technique is simply for the aqueous solution 10 to have a membrane protein added thereto, whereby the membrane protein is inserted spontaneously into the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules after a period of time.
  • the membrane protein may be added to the aqueous solution 10 outside the apparatus 1 before introducing the aqueous solution 10 into the chamber 7 .
  • the membrane protein may be added after formation of the layer 11 .
  • Another way of adding the membrane protein to the aqueous solution 10 is to deposit it on an internal surface of the chamber 7 before introducing the aqueous solution 10 into the chamber 7 .
  • the aqueous solution 10 covers the internal surface during its introduction, whereby the membrane protein is added to the aqueous solution 10 and subsequently will spontaneously insert into layer 11 .
  • the membrane proteins may be deposited on any one or more of the internal surfaces of the chamber 7 , including a surface of the further layer 4 or of the cover 6 .
  • the membrane proteins can be deposited on the same or different internal surface as the amphiphilic molecules (if also deposited).
  • the amphiphilic molecules and the membrane proteins may be mixed together.
  • Any method may be used to deposit the membrane proteins on an internal surface of the chamber 7 . Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, drop coating, various printing techniques, spin-coating, painting, dip coating and aerosol application.
  • the membrane proteins are preferably dried.
  • the aqueous solution 10 is used to rehydrate the membrane proteins. Even when dried to a solid state, the membrane proteins will typically contain trace amounts of residual solvent.
  • Dried membrane proteins are preferably membrane proteins that comprise less than 20 wt % solvent, such as less than 15 wt % , less than 10 wt % or less than 5 wt % solvent.
  • a second technique is for the aqueous solution 10 to have vesicles containing the membrane protein added thereto, whereby the membrane protein is inserted on fusion of the vesicles with the layer 11 of amphiphilic molecules.
  • a third technique is to insert the membrane protein by carrying the membrane protein to the layer 11 on a probe, for example an agar-tipped rod, using the techniques disclosed in WO-2006/100484.
  • a probe may assist in selectively inserting different membrane proteins in different layers 11 , in the case that the apparatus has an array of recesses. However, this requires modification to the apparatus 1 to accommodate the probe.
  • membrane proteins that insert into a lipid bilayer may be deposited.
  • the membrane proteins may be naturally-occurring proteins and/or artificial proteins.
  • Suitable membrane proteins include, but are not limited to, ⁇ -barrel membrane proteins, such as toxins, porins and relatives and autotransporters; membrane channels, such as ion channels and aquaporins; bacterial rhodopsins; G-protein coupled receptors; and antibodies.
  • non-constitutive toxins include hemolysin and leukocidin, such as Staphylococcal leukocidin.
  • porins include anthrax protective antigen, maltoporin, OmpG, OmpA and OmpF.
  • autotransporters include the NalP and Hia transporters.
  • ion channels include the NMDA receptor, the potassium channel from Streptomyces lividans (KcsA), the bacterial mechanosensitive membrane channel of large conductance (MscL), the bacterial mechanosensitive membrane channel of small conductance (MscS) and gramicidin.
  • G-protein coupled receptors include the metabotropic glutamate receptor.
  • the membrane protein can also be the anthrax protective antigen.
  • the membrane proteins preferably comprise ⁇ -hemolysin or a variant thereof.
  • the ⁇ -hemolysin pore is formed of seven identical subunits (heptameric).
  • the polynucleotide sequence that encodes one subunit of a-hemolysin is shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.
  • the full-length amino acid sequence of one subunit of a-hemolysin is shown in SEQ ID NO: 2.
  • the first 26 amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2 correspond to the signal peptide.
  • the amino acid sequence of one mature subunit of ⁇ -hemolysin without the signal peptide is shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.
  • SEQ ID NO: 3 has a methionine residue at position 1 instead of the 26 amino acid signal peptide that is present in SEQ ID NO: 2.
  • a variant is a heptameric pore in which one or more of the seven subunits has an amino acid sequence which varies from that of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3 and which retains pore activity.
  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 of the subunits in a variant ⁇ -hemolysin may have an amino acid sequence that varies from that of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3.
  • the seven subunits within a variant pore are typically identical but may be different.
  • the variant may be a naturally-occurring variant which is expressed by an organism, for instance by a Staphylococcus bacterium.
  • Variants also include non-naturally occurring variants produced by recombinant technology. Over the entire length of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3, a variant will preferably be at least 50% homologous to that sequence based on amino acid identity. More preferably, the subunit polypeptide is at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% homologous based on amino acid identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3 over the entire sequence.
  • Amino acid substitutions may be made to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3, for example a single amino acid substitution may be made or two or more substitutions may be made. Conservative substitutions may be made, for example, according to the following table. Amino acids in the same block in the second column and preferably in the same line in the third column may be substituted for each other:
  • Non-conservative substitutions may also be made at one or more positions within SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3, wherein the substituted residue is replaced with an amino acid of markedly different chemical characteristics and/or physical size.
  • One example of a non-conservative substitution that may be made is the replacement of the lysine at position 34 in SEQ ID NO: 2 and position 9 in SEQ ID NO: 3 with cysteine (i.e. K34C or K9C).
  • Another example of a non-conservative substitution that may be made is the replacement of the asparagine residue at position 43 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or position 18 of SEQ ID NO: 3 with cysteine (i.e. N43C or N17C).
  • cysteine residues in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3 provides thiol attachment points at the relevant positions. Similar changes could be made at all other positions, and at multiple positions on the same subunit.
  • One or more amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3 may alternatively or additionally be deleted. Up to 50% of the residues residues may be deleted, either as a contiguous region or multiple smaller regions distributed throughout the length of the amino acid chain.
  • Variants can include subunits made of fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3. Such fragments retain their ability to insert into the lipid bilayer. Fragments can be at least 100, such as 150, 200 or 250, amino acids in length. Such fragments may be used to produce chimeric pores. A fragment preferably comprises the ⁇ -barrel domain of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3.
  • Variants include chimeric proteins comprising fragments or portions of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3.
  • Chimeric proteins are formed from subunits each comprising fragments or portions of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3.
  • the ⁇ -barrel part of chimeric proteins are typically formed by the fragments or portions of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3.
  • One or more amino acid residues may alternatively or additionally be inserted into, or at one or other or both ends of, the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 or 3. Insertion of one, two or more additional amino acids to the C terminal end of the peptide sequence is less likely to perturb the structure and/or function of the protein, and these additions could be substantial, but preferably peptide sequences of up to 10, 20, 50, 100 or 500 amino acids or more can be used. Additions at the N terminal end of the monomer could also be substantial, with one, two or more additional residues added, but more preferably 10, 20, 50, 500 or more residues being added. Additional sequences can also be added to the protein in the trans-membrane region, between amino acid residues 119 and 139 of SEQ ID NO: 3.
  • a carrier protein may be fused to an amino acid sequence according to the invention.
  • Standard methods in the art may be used to determine homology.
  • the UWGCG Package provides the BESTFIT program which can be used to calculate homology, for example used on its default settings (Devereux et al (1984) Nucleic Acids Research 12, p 387-395).
  • the PILEUP and BLAST algorithms can be used to calculate homology or line up sequences (such as identifying equivalent residues or corresponding sequences (typically on their default settings)), for example as described in Altschul S. F. (1993) J Mol Evol 36:290-300; Altschul, S. F et al (1990) J Mol Biol 215:403-10.
  • Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/).
  • the membrane proteins can be labelled with a revealing label.
  • the revealing label can be any suitable label which allows the proteins to be detected. Suitable labels include, but are not limited to, fluorescent molecules, radioisotopes, e.g. 125I, 35S, enzymes, antibodies, polynucleotides and linkers such as biotin.
  • the membrane proteins may be isolated from an organism, such as Staphylococcus aureus, or made synthetically or by recombinant means.
  • the protein may be synthesized by in vitro transcription translation.
  • the amino acid sequence of the proteins may be modified to include non-naturally occurring amino acids or to increase the stability of the proteins. When the proteins are produced by synthetic means, such amino acids may be introduced during production.
  • the proteins may also be modified following either synthetic or recombinant production.
  • the proteins may also be produced using D-amino acids.
  • the amino acids will be linked in reverse sequence in the C to N orientation. This is conventional in the art for producing such proteins.
  • side chain modifications are known in the art and may be made to the side chains of the membrane proteins. Such modifications include, for example, modifications of amino acids by reductive alkylation by reaction with an aldehyde followed by reduction with NaBH4, amidination with methylacetimidate or acylation with acetic anhydride.
  • Recombinant membrane proteins can be produced using standard methods known in the art. Nucleic acid sequences encoding a protein can be isolated and replicated using standard methods in the art. Nucleic acid sequences encoding a protein can be expressed in a bacterial host cell using standard techniques in the art. The protein can be introduced into a cell by in situ expression of the polypeptide from a recombinant expression vector. The expression vector optionally carries an inducible promoter to control the expression of the polypeptide.
  • the apparatus 1 can be used for a wide range of applications.
  • a membrane protein is inserted in the layer 11 .
  • An electrical signal typically a current signal, developed between the electrode 21 in the recess 5 and the further electrode 24 in the chamber 7 is monitored, using the electrical circuit 26 .
  • a voltage is also applied between the electrodes 21 and 24 , whilst monitoring the electrical signal.
  • the form of the electrical signal, and in particular changes therein, provide information about the layer 11 and any membrane protein inserted therein.
  • the apparatus 1 may be used to detect an analyte molecule that binds with an inserted membrane protein, or another stimulus, using stochastic sensing by detecting a change in the current flow indicating the presence of the analyte molecule or other stimulus. Similarly, the apparatus 1 may be used to detect the presence or absence of membrane pores or channels in a sample, by detecting a change in the current flow as the pore or channel inserts.
  • the lipid bilayer may be used for a range of other purposes, such as studying the properties of molecules known to be present (e.g. DNA sequencing or drug screening), or separating components for a reaction.
  • a first technique is, after application of the pre-treatment coating 30 to apply a voltage across the electrode 21 in the recess 5 and the further electrode 24 in the chamber 7 sufficient to reduce the amount of excess hydrophobic fluid covering the electrode 21 in the recess 5 . This is produces a similar effect to electro-wetting.
  • FIGS. 10 a to 10 e This technique is illustrated in FIGS. 10 a to 10 e .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 is applied as shown in FIG. 10 a where the pre-treatment coating 30 covers the electrode 21 .
  • aqueous solution 10 is flowed across the body 2 to cover the recess 5 so that aqueous solution 10 flows into the recess 5 .
  • a voltage is applied which removes the pre-treatment coating 30 covering the electrode 21 , as shown in FIG. 10 c . This voltage will rupture any layer of amphiphilic molecules formed across the recess 5 . Therefore, next, as shown in FIG.
  • aqueous solution 10 is flowed out of the chamber 7 to uncover the recess 5 .
  • an amount of aqueous solution 10 will remain in the recess 5 .
  • aqueous solution 10 having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body 2 to re-cover the recess 5 so that the layer 11 of the amphiphilic molecules forms.
  • the aqueous solution 10 flowed into the chamber 7 to re-covering the recess 5 could be different from the aqueous solution 10 flowed into the chamber 7 to first cover the recess 5 (in FIG. 10 b ) before applying the voltage.
  • a second technique is to make an inner part of the internal surface of the recess 5 hydrophilic. This may be achieved by making the body 2 with two (or in general more) further layers 4 a and 4 b as shown in FIG. 11 , of which the innermost further layer 4 a (or layers) formed of a hydrophilic material, for example SiO 2 . Typically but without limitation, the innermost further layer 4 a might have a thickness of 2 ⁇ m.
  • the outermost further layer 4 b (or layers) is formed of a hydrophobic material and as a result both of (a) the outermost surface of the body 2 around the recess and (b) the outer part of the internal surface of the recess 5 extending from the rim of the recess 5 is hydrophobic. This assists in the spreading of the pre-treatment coating. Indeed this property of these surfaces of the body 2 is desirable even if there is not an inner further layer 4 a formed of a hydrophilic material.
  • outermost further layer 4 b might have a thickness of 1 ⁇ m, 3 ⁇ m, 5 ⁇ m, 10 ⁇ m, 20 ⁇ m or 30 ⁇ m.
  • a third technique is to provide a hydrophillic surface on the electrode 21 which repels the applied pre-treatment coating 30 , whilst allowing ionic conduction from the aqueous solution 10 to the electrode 2 .
  • This may be achieved by depositing a protective material on the electrode 21 .
  • a range of protective materials may be used.
  • One possibility is a conductive polymer, for example polypyrrole/polystyrene sulfonate as discussed above.
  • Another possibility is a covalently attached hydrophilic species, such as thiol-PEG.
  • the apparatus 1 described above has been made and used experimentally to demonstrate formation of a layer 11 , in particular being a lipid bilayer, and insertion of a membrane protein, in particular ⁇ -hemolysin. The following procedure was followed after manufacture of the apparatus 1 :
  • step 1) the pre-treatment coating 30 was hexadecane dissolved in pentane.
  • the quantity and volume of the pre-treatment coating 30 was varied for each test to obtain the optimum conditions for formation of the layer 11 .
  • Insufficient pre-treatment coating 30 prevented formation of the layer 11 while excess pre-treatment coating 30 caused blocking of the recesses.
  • routine variation of the amount allowed optimisation.
  • the amphiphilic molecules were a lipid, in particular 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.
  • the lipid was dissolved in pentane and then dried onto the surface of the cover 6 defining an internal surface of the chamber 7 before attaching the cover 6 on top of the body 2 .
  • the aqueous solution 10 collected the lipid.
  • Step 3 was performed by application of a large potential to across the electrodes 21 and 24 . This removed excess pre-treatment coating 30 from the electrode 21 . Although not required in every case, when performed this stage helped to condition the recess 5 for formation of the layer 11 and assisted subsequent measurement of electrical signals.
  • the first conductive layer 20 was formed by a silver foil strips (25 ⁇ m thick, from Goodfellow) thermally laminated onto the substrate 3 using a 15 ⁇ m thick laminating film (Magicard) to form the further layer 4 .
  • a circular recess 5 of diameter 100 ⁇ m was created further layer 4 using an excimer laser, exposing a circular silver electrode 21 of diameter 100 ⁇ m.
  • the exposed silver was chloridised electrochemically as described previously.
  • the second conductive layer 23 was a screen printing silver/silver chloride ink printed on the top side of the body 2 .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 comprising 0.5 ⁇ l of 1% heaxadecane +0.6 mg/ml DPhPC in pentane, was then applied to the body 2 and dried at room temperature.
  • the cover 6 comprised a 1 mm thick silicon rubber body with a 250 ⁇ m thick Mylar lid. Lipid (4 ⁇ l of 10 mg/ml DPhPC in pentane) was applied to the inside of the cover 6 and allowed to dry at room temperature before attachment to the body 2 with self-adhesive.
  • Addition of the aqueous solution 10 creates an “open circuit” connection between the electrodes, such that the current response to the applied potential waveform is large, typically saturating the current amplifier.
  • a typical trace is shown in FIG. 16 , involving a current response greater than 20,000 pA to the 20 mV potential. This corresponds to a resistance of less than 1 M ⁇ , which is sufficiently small for use in conjunction with bilayer formation and pore current measurement.
  • the aqueous solution 10 is removed from the chamber 7 and reintroduced.
  • a layer 11 of the lipid collected from the internal surface of the chamber 7 is formed across the recess 5 .
  • the formation is observed by an increase in the capacitive squarewave current response to just under 500 pA, for example as shown in FIG. 18 . This value is consistent with the capacitance expected for a circular lipid bilayer of diameter of order 100 ⁇ m and varies predictably for different geometries.
  • FIG. 19 is a typical example with cyclodextrin present in the aqueous solution 10 and shows an expected current response with binding events confirming that the current is through the pores.
  • the first conductive layer 20 was formed by etching the copper foil on an FR4 substrate typically used in printed circuit board manufacture.
  • the board was then screen printed with a Ronascreen SPSRTM photoimageable solder mask to a depth of 25 ⁇ m and exposed to UV light on an Orbotech Paragon 9000 laser direct imaging machine and developed with KaCO 3 solution to create 100 ⁇ m circular apertures over the electrodes 21 .
  • the pre-treatment coating 30 comprising 0.5 ⁇ l of 0.75% hexadecane in pentane, was then applied to the body 2 and dried at room temperature.
  • the cover 6 comprised a 1 mm thick silicon rubber body with a 250 ⁇ m thick Mylar lid. Lipid (40 of 10 mg/ml DPhPC in pentane) was applied to the inside of the cover 6 and allowed to dry at room temperature before attachment to the body 2 with self-adhesive.
  • FIG. 22 shows a typical current trace showing cyclodextrin binding events with wild-type ⁇ -hemolysin pores.
  • the apparatus 1 has a single chamber 7 , but creates the layer 11 in situ during the test and captures a reservoir of electrolyte in the recess 5 under the layer 11 which allows continuous stable measurement of current passing through protein pores inserted in the layer 11 .
  • the layer 11 formed is of high quality and is localised to the area of the recess 5 , ideal for high-fidelity current measurements using membrane protein pores.
  • Apparatuses having an array of recesses 5 have been tested and demonstrated successful formation of an array of layers 11 , showing the possibility of creating a miniaturised array of close packed individually addressable layers recording current signals in parallel from a test sample.
  • an apparatus 1 having an array of recesses 5 can be formed simply using the manufacturing techniques described above but instead forming plural recesses 5 .
  • the first conductive layer 20 is divided to form a separate electrode 21 , contact 22 and intermediate conductive track 27 in respect of each recess 5 .
  • the apparatus 1 has a single chamber 7 with a single electrode 24 common to all the recesses 5 .
  • FIGS. 23 to 25 show first to third designs in which the apparatus 1 is modified by providing, respectively, four, nine and 128 recesses 5 in the further layer 4 .
  • the first conductive layer 20 is divided, as shown, respectively, in FIGS. 26 to 28 being plan views of the substrate 3 .
  • the first conductive layer 20 provides, in respect of each recess 5 : an electrode 21 underneath the recess 5 ; a contact 22 exposed for connection of the external circuit 26 and a track 27 between the electrode 21 and the contact 22 .
  • each electrode 21 , and its associated track 27 and contact 22 is electrically insulated from each other allowing separate measurement of current signals from each recess 5 .
  • Manufacture of the apparatus 1 may be performed using the techniques described above using lamination of polymer films or photolithography using silicon wafers.
  • Apparatuses 1 having plural recesses 5 have been made and used experimentally to demonstrate formation of a layer 11 , in particular being a lipid bilayer, and insertion of a membrane protein, in particular ⁇ -hemolysin.
  • the experimental procedure was as described above for an apparatus 1 having a single recess 5 , except that formation of the layer 5 and membrane protein insertion was observed at plural recesses 5 .
  • An apparatus of the first design having four recesses 5 was manufactured by the technique described above of lamination onto a polymer substrate 3 .
  • the first conductive layer 20 was silver vapour deposited on a polyester sheet substrate 3 .
  • the further layer 4 was a 15 ⁇ m thick laminating film thermally laminated on top.
  • the four recesses 5 of 100 ⁇ m diameter were formed at a pitch of 300 ⁇ m by an excimer laser.
  • An apparatus of the second design having nine recesses 5 was manufactured by the technique described above of photolithography using silicon wafer substrates 2 .
  • the further layer 4 was 5 ⁇ m thick SU8 photoresist.
  • the nine circular recesses 5 were formed at a pitch of 300 ⁇ m by photolithography.
  • the recesses 9 had different diameters, in particular of 5 ⁇ m, 10 ⁇ m, 15 ⁇ m, 20 ⁇ m, 20 ⁇ m, 30 ⁇ m, 40 ⁇ m, 50 ⁇ m, and 100 ⁇ m.
  • the substrate 3 was bonded to a printed circuit board with separate tracks connected to each contact 22 and 25 . Epoxy was added across the contacts 22 and 25 for protection
  • a multichannel electrical circuit 26 was created with corresponding software. Testing was computer automated using a syringe pump to provide fluidics control of the repeated application and removal of the aqueous solution 10 .
  • FIG. 30 typical current traces for recesses 5 constructed with gold electrodes and operating without a redox couple in solution are shown in FIG. 30 demonstrating simultaneous formation of eight layers 11 , each having one or two ⁇ -hemolysin pores inserted, with cyclodextrin binding events. Again there is no cross-talk and this confirms that the layers 11 are operating independently and can produce meaningful measurements in parallel.
  • the apparatus 1 demonstrates successful formation of a layer 11 across the recess 5 of each diameter in the range of 5 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m. Accordingly the apparatus 1 was used to investigate the role of the diameter of the recess 5 and the quantity of pre-treatment coating applied, by experimentally testing the percentage success rate of forming a layer 5 with three different concentrations of pre-treatment coating 30 , namely 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% hexadecane in pentane. The results showed that in the case of too little pretreatment coating 30 , it was not possible to form the layer 11 across the range of diameters of recess 5 . Furthermore in the case of too much pretreatment coating 30 , it was not possible to wet the electrode 21 and formation of the layer 11 could not be observed.
  • the yield of formation of layers 11 was greater than 60% for the range of diameters 15 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m.
  • Factors affecting layer formation include, but are not limited to, pretreatment coating 30 , diameter of recess 5 , depth of recess 5 , aspect ratio of recess 5 , surface properties of the recess 5 , surface properties of the surfaces around the recess, fluid flow within the chamber 7 , the amphiphilic molecules used in the layer formation and the physical and electrical properties of the electrode 21 within the recess 5 .
  • Subsequent experiments have demonstrated yield of formation of layers 11 , verified by stochastic binding signals of inserted membrane channels, greater than 70% using the 128 recesses, each 100 ⁇ m in diameter, of the device of FIG. 28 .
  • the conductive tracks 27 from the electrode 21 to the contact 22 is formed on a surface of the substrate 3 under the further layer. This may be referred to as a planar escape route for the conductive track 27 .
  • the separate conductive tracks 27 allow each electrode 21 to be connected individually to a dedicated low-noise high-input impedance picoammeter in the circuit 26 whilst minimising the signal deterioration due to noise and bandwidth reduction.
  • planar conductive tracks 27 are ideal for an apparatus 1 having a small number of recesses 5 and a thick layer between the tracks 27 and the aqueous solution 10 .
  • the electrical connection between the electrodes 21 and the amplifier circuit desirably has low parasitic capacitance and low leakage to the surroundings.
  • Parasitic capacitance causes noise and hence signal deterioration and bandwidth reduction. Leakage also increases noise, as well as introducing an offset current.
  • the conductive tracks 27 experience some degree of parasitic capacitance and leakage, both between tracks 27 and between track and aqueous solution 10 .
  • the number of recesses in the array increases, the number of electrical connections to escape increases and with a planar escape route, a practical limit is reached where the density of the conductive tracks 27 creates too much parasitic capacitance and/or leakage between tracks.
  • the thickness of the layer 4 decreases the capacitance and/or leakage between the tracks 27 and the aqueous solution 10 increases.
  • typical figures may be obtained by modelling the lipid bilayer as a capacitive element with a typical value for the capacitance per unit area of 0.8 ⁇ F/cm 2 .
  • the parasitic capacitance between track 27 and aqueous solution 10 can be crudely modelled as a capacitative element with the area of track 27 exposed, through the layer, to the aqueous solution.
  • Typical values for the track 27 may be 50 ⁇ m wide with 2 mm exposed and a relative permittivity (dielectric constant) of the layer around 3 .
  • the capacitance is 63 pF with a track-solution parasitic capacitance of 0.13 pF.
  • scaling to smaller bilayers of 5 ⁇ m diameter and 1 ⁇ m deep the capacitance is 0.16 pF with parasitic capacitance 0.53 pF.
  • the parasitic capacitance dominates.
  • a modification shown in FIG. 31 is to replace the conductive track 27 by a conductive path 28 which extends through the body 2 to a contact 29 on the opposite side of the body 2 from the electrode 21 .
  • the conductive path 28 extends through the substrate 3 .
  • this substrate 3 provides a thicker dielectric between the conductive paths 28 than is possible between the planar conductive paths 27 , a much lower parasitic capacitance is achieved.
  • the leakage is low due to the thickness and dielectric properties of the substrate 3 . Consequently, the use of the conductive paths 28 effectively increases the number of recesses 5 which may be accomodated in the body 2 before the practical limits imposed by parasitic capacitance and/or leakage are met.
  • This form of interconnect can be attached to a low-capacitance multi-layer substrate 61 , which allows a far greater number of electrical escape routes by virtue of the number of layers and the low dielectric constant of the material.
  • solder bump technology also known as “flip chip” technology
  • a suitable connector allows the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 31 , excluding the substrate 61 , to be made as low cost disposable part.
  • the conductive path 28 may be formed using known through-wafer interconnection technology.
  • Types of through-wafer interconnects which may be applied to form the conductive path include without limitation:
  • through-wafer interconnects formed by producing a via through the silicon wafer, isolating the internal surface of via and filling the via with a conducting material, or alternatively the conductive path 28 is formed by producing a semiconductor PN junction in the form of a cylindrical via through the silicon substrate;
  • through-wafer interconnects formed by methods including laser drilling, wet etching and filling vias with metal or doped semiconductor material;
  • substrates 3 made of polymers through-wafer interconnects formed by methods including laser drilling, laser ablation, screen printed conductors and known printed circuit board techniques.
  • FIG. 31 illustrates the use of solder bump connections.
  • deposited on each contact 29 are respective solder bumps 60 on which a circuit element 61 is mounted so that the solder bumps 60 make electrical contact with a track 62 on the circuit element 61 .
  • the circuit element 61 may be a printed circuit board for example as shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the circuit element 61 could be an integrated circuit chip or a laminate, for example a low temperature cured ceramic package. Such an integrated circuit chip or laminate may be used as a method of spreading out connections, connecting to a further solder bump array on the opposite side of the integrated circuit chip or laminate with a greater pitch.
  • FIG. 32 An example of this is shown in which the circuit element 61 is an integrated circuit chip or a laminate providing connections from the solder bumps 60 deposited on the body 2 to further solder bumps 63 arrayed at a greater pitch and used to connect to a further circuit element 64 , for example a printed circuit board.
  • the circuit element 61 being an integrated circuit chip or laminate may also be used to escape connections sideways in a multi-layer format.
  • MIS Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor
  • PN junction type of through-wafer interconnect is a semiconductor junction formed into a cylindrical via through a silicon chip.
  • Each type of through-wafer interconnection is formed on silicon wafers that have been thinned down to less than 0.3 mm to save DRIE processing time in making the holes.
  • the important feature of PN junction type through-wafer interconnects is the low capacitance provided by having a large depletion region compared to the MIS type of interconnect. This is partially helped by increasing the reverse-bias of the junction.

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