It tracks changes in the activity of a small protein (the gramicidin channel) coupled to a fluorescence signal as a way of monitoring changes in lipid bilayer properties, a correlate for toxicity. (sciencedaily.com)
They achieved this by integrating a conventional solid - state complementary metal - oxide - semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit with an artificial lipid bilayer membrane containing ATP - powered ion pumps, opening the door to creating entirely new artificial systems that contain both biological and solid - state components. (sciencedaily.com)
Sanford and her colleagues wanted to see whether changes in lipid bilayer properties were reliably correlated with a drug's toxicity to cells, or cytotoxicity. (sciencedaily.com)