Lipid bilayers on semiconductor micro/nanostructures: mimicking cell membranes

Abstract The application of semiconductor microfabrication technology to biological fields has expanded to include functional measurements of membrane proteins, facilitated by the construction of cell-mimicking environments. In particular, lipid bilayers suspended over microwell structures feature both free-standing regions and substrate-supported areas, offering a more flexible membrane environment. Beneath the suspended membrane, ample space is available to accommodate ions permeating through membrane proteins. This platform also holds promise for precise control of the physical and chemical environment. We will introduce our group’s recent achievements in research utilizing lipid bilayers on semiconductor microstructures and discuss the challenges associated with this work.