Pore formation in lipid membranes

Porin molecules form large water filled pores through the hydrophobic core of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria and mithocondria. These channels act selectively on the permeation of hydrophilic solutes. Pore forming properties can be studied in reconstitution experiments with planar lipid bilayers and liposomes. Porin addition to the bathing solutions of a planar lipid bilayer membrane results in the formation of ion permeable channels. Aim of this research was the analysis of pore incorporation kinetics in different experimental conditions and studied by means of sinusoidal current.