Reconstitution of Cell Membrane Structure in vitro and its Transformation into an Excitable System

THE formation of single, stable bimolecular lipid and proteolipid1 membranes up to 10 mm.2 in area has been accomplished routinely in 0.1 M saline solution by methods analogous to the formation of Hooke-Newton ‘secondary black’ in air soap films2–4. By forming such a membrane between two compartments filled with saline its transverse electrical properties can be measured, and controlled chemical investigations can be undertaken.