5 Electrochemical Analysis of Ion Channels and Transporters in Pore-Suspending Membranes

Abstract

Ion channels represent a class of membrane spanning protein pores that mediate the flux of ions in a variety of cell types. They reside virtually in all the cell membranes in mammals, insects and fungi, and are essential for life, serving as key components in inter- and intracellular communication.1 They are also of major importance for the human physiology and, thus, are highly attractive molecular drug targets.2 However, investigation of ion channels and their pharmacological modulation is by no means an easy task, as their function relies on a laterally mobile and highly insulating lipid bilayer. Functionality of an ion channel is synonymous with the detection of ion currents.