A new approach for detecting ionophore concentrations in tethered bilayer lipid membranes

A new approach to detect changes in the ionophore concentration in tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLM) for the field of Point-of-Care-Testing has been developed. Comparing to existing methods such as impedance spectroscopy this new approach allows the measurement of the ionophore concentration online within seconds. This is essential for the implementation of the technique in Point-of-Care applications. Point-of-Care testing (POCT) has become more and more important in clinical diagnostics. It is an alternative to diagnoses in laboratories which are often time consuming and expensive. The samples have to be taken to a laboratory, the analysis must be performed by trained personnel and in most cases sample pre-treatment is needed. In POCT on the other hand small and robust devices with an easy and fast handling provide the possibility to carry out the diagnoses close to the location of the patient.