Patch Clamp Technique – The Tool for Ions Transport across Model and Real Biological Membranes

The project is aimed at the preparation and characterization of model and/or real phospholipid bilayers at stabilized phase boundaries enabling studies of transfer of charged and uncharged species between the two phases. The best way for investigation of inorganic ion transfer is provided by using mercury as one of the phases, in view of the large amount of the relevant electrochemical data available, whereas the transfer of more complex species is better studied in the system of an organic and an aqueous phase stabilized by (agar) gel. The results contribute to the understanding of ion transport across real membranes. Polypeptides and peptides capable forming ionic channels and enabling transport of various ions and molecules across the membranes, will be incorporated into the model membranes. The possibilities of transport of selected compounds across the model membrane will be investigated using cell permeable peptides as well