Soft matter biosensors: stochastic and deterministic membrane sensing

Abstract

The concept of bilayer lipid membrane sensing is elaborated. Disposable bilayer lipid membrane sensors permit both stochastic and deterministic sensing regimes. Detection of cyano-bacterial toxins in waters by means of a stochastic sensing (ion channel induction) reveals a signature for a particular toxin type. Flexoelectricity of membranes provides a way of deterministic sensing. Detection of environmental pollution of waters by heavy metal ions (CdCC and HgCC/ is thereby rendered possible.