Feasibility study of an inorganic membrane filter as a support for biomembrane-mimetic structures

An inorganic membrane filter is being investigated for potential use as a rigid support for a biomembrane-mimetic structure. Initial studies show successful silanization (the chemical grafting of organic molecules onto a substrate) of alkyltrichlorosilane on the filter surfaces. Efforts were made to isolate grafting to one face of the filter as well as both faces. Admittance measurements indicate several possible alkyltrichlorosilane scenarios in relation to the filter pores depending on the grafting procedure used. Water masking of one filter face has the most potential for routine use in forming biomembrane-mimetic structures.