Lipid Bilayer Formation in Aqueous Solutions of Ionic Liquids

The formation of lipid bilayers between ionic liquid droplets is presented as a new means of forming functional bimolecular networks. Ionic liquids are molten salts that have a number of interesting properties, such as the ability to be a liquid at room temperature and exceedingly low vapor pressure. Our research demonstrates that it is possible to consistently and repeatable form lipid bilayers on droplets of ionic liquid solutions. Characterization of the bilayers interfaces shows that the ionic liquids have negligible effects on the stability and electrical properties of the bilayer. It is also shown that the conductance levels in the gating events of Alamethicin peptide are affected by some ionic liquids.