APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING INSERTION OF A MEMBRANE CHANNEL INTO A MEMBRANE

摘要

Apparatus and methods for controlling insertion of a membrane channel into a membrane are disclosed. In one embodiment a first bath is in contact with the first surface of the membrane to receive a first liquid. The second bath is in contact with the second surface of the membrane and contains a second liquid. The membrane separates the first liquid and the second liquid. The first electrode is in contact with the first liquid. The second electrode is in contact with the second liquid. The drive unit applies a potential difference across the membrane via the first and second electrodes to facilitate insertion of the membrane channel from the first liquid or the second liquid into the membrane. A membrane voltage reducing unit is connected in series with the membrane. The driving unit applies a driving voltage across the film voltage reducing unit and the film, and the driving voltage provides a potential difference across the film. The membrane voltage reducing unit is configured such that a decrease in resistance across the membrane caused by the insertion of the membrane channel reduces the potential difference across the membrane by intrinsically increasing the potential difference across the membrane voltage reducing unit. Reducing the potential difference across the membrane is sufficient to prevent or reduce the facilitation of insertion of additional membrane channels.