Interpreting ion fluxes to channel arrays in monolayers

Langmuir. 2007 Oct 9;23(21):10581-8. doi: 10.1021/la701447g. Epub 2007 Sep 18.

Abstract

The exponentially decaying permeability model interprets the chronoamperometric currents arising from Tl+ reduction at a Hg electrode covered with a phospholipid monolayer (DOPC) containing gramicidin monomer by combining three processes: (i) the diffusion of an ion to a membrane surface with an array of channels, (ii) the conformational dynamics of the individual channels, and (iii) the passage of the ion through the channels. The introduction of a variable permeability allows us to uncouple the diffusion from the heterogeneous processes, given that the concentration of a species at the active surface can be obtained by semi-integration of the currents. Consideration of a reverse step for the dehydration process at the mouth of the channel allows the analysis of potential steps away from diffusion-limited conditions where a Nernstian-like behavior of the relevant parameter is observed. The model has been successfully applied to data with all trans retinol or benzo-alpha-pyrene as additive to the phospholipid monolayer and to monolayers without any additive at all.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzo(a)pyrene / chemistry
  • Electrodes
  • Ion Channels / chemistry*
  • Mercury / chemistry
  • Retinaldehyde / chemistry

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • Benzo(a)pyrene
  • Mercury
  • Retinaldehyde