Hermetically sealed microwell with a lipid bilayer created using a self-assembled monolayer

To provide a platform for biodevices designed to characterize membrane proteins, we fabricated a new type of microwell sealed with a lipid membrane on a SiO2 substrate. The microwell is surrounded by a Au ring with a self-assembled monolayer, on which a lipid membrane is formed to create a seal. Fluorescence and electrophysiological studies reveal that the structure prevents unfavorable ion leakage from/into microwells. By separating the microwells and outer regions, ion diffusion through the water layer between the membrane and the substrate is reduced. This study offers a promising approach for the functional analysis of membrane proteins.