초록 ▼

The present invention provides a membrane the conductivity of which is dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte. The membrane comprises a closely packed array of self-assembling amphiphilic molecules and two ionophore components. A receptor molecule reactive with the analyte is provided on

The present invention provides a membrane the conductivity of which is dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte. The membrane comprises a closely packed array of self-assembling amphiphilic molecules and two ionophore components. A receptor molecule reactive with the analyte is provided on one of the ionophore components. The binding of the analyte to the receptor molecule causes a change in the relationship between the ionophore components such that the flow of ion across the membrane is prevented or allowed. The ionophore components are preferably selected from the group consisting of amphotericin B, gramicidin A monomers and combinations thereof, with gramicidin A monomers being particularly preferred. The present invention also provides a membrane including receptors directed against the Fc region of antibodies. These receptors are preferably derived from polyclonal antibodies. These membranes provide a "generic" surface which will bind antibodies in a manner such that the antigen binding regions of the antibody are not hindered. The present invention further provides a device adapted for implantation in a mammalian body, the device being characterized in that it is coated with a membrane comprising a closely packed array of self-assembling amphiphilic molecules and receptor molecule. The receptor molecules being such that the attachment of specific cells to the membrane is enhanced or avoided. It is particularly preferred that the receptor molecules are directed against fibronectin, vitronectin, endothelial cells, or epithelial cells. It is further preferred that the membrane coating the device also includes a plurality of ion channels such as gramicidin.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A membrane in which the conductance of the membrane is dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte, the membrane comprising: a first and second layer; a closely packed array of amphiphilic molecules and a plurality of gramacidin ionophores comprising a first and se

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A membrane in which the conductance of the membrane is dependent on the presence or absence of an analyte, the membrane comprising: a first and second layer; a closely packed array of amphiphilic molecules and a plurality of gramacidin ionophores comprising a first and second half membrane spanning monomer, the first half membrane spanning monomers being provided in the first layer and the second half membrane spanning monomers being provided in the second layer, the second half membrane spanning monomers being capable of lateral diffusion within the second layer independent of the first half membrane spanning monomers, the first half membrane spanning monomers being prevented from lateral diffusion in the first layer; a first receptor molecule provided on at least the second half membrane spanning monomers; and in which a proportion of the amphiphilic molecules are membrane spanning amphiphiles which are prevented from lateral diffusion in the membrane to which are attached a second receptor molecule, the binding of an analyte to the first and second receptor molecules causing a change in the relationship between the first half membrane spanning monomers and the second half membrane spanning monomers such that the flow of ions across the membrane via the ionophores is allowed or prevented.