Apparatus and method for controlling insertion of membrane channel into membrane

摘要

An apparatus and method for controlling the insertion of a membrane channel into a membrane is disclosed. In one configuration, the first bath holds the first liquid in contact with the first surface of the membrane. The second bath holds the second liquid in contact with the second surface of the membrane. The membrane separates the first and second liquids. The first electrode contacts the first liquid. The second electrode contacts the second liquid. The drive unit applies a potential difference across the membrane via first and second electrodes that facilitate insertion of the membrane channel from the first or second liquid into the membrane. The membrane voltage reduction unit is connected in series with the membrane. The drive unit applies a drive voltage between the membrane voltage reduction unit and the membrane, the drive voltage providing a potential difference across the membrane. The membrane voltage reduction unit is configured such that the reduction in resistance through the membrane caused by the insertion of the membrane channel essentially increases the potential difference across the membrane voltage reduction unit, thereby reducing the potential difference across the membrane. The reduction in the potential difference across the membrane is sufficient to prevent or reduce the promotion of insertion of additional membrane channels. [Selection diagram] FIG.