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Encapsulation of detectable label that is useful for detection and analysis of factors in the environment.
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Background An understanding of interactions between membrane active biomolecules, test agents, and surfactants on model lip bilayer membranes is needed for many purposes, including, for example, drug design and developing an understanding of complex interactions in native biological membranes. Most disruption studies utilizing model membrane systems have used lipid vesicles or supported lipid membranes (SLM) on flat surfaces. The instability and poorly defined structures of lipid vesicles limit their utility and essentially preclude their use in miniaturized technologies such as microfluidics. Part of the problem with lipid vesicles and supported lipid membranes on flat surfaces is due to the difficulties faced when trying to integrate these membranes into analytical and other devices. Thus, new model membrane systems and methods for analyzing membrane structure are needed. Such membranes and methods can be used in clinical, environmental, and bioanalytical applications. Technology This is a platform technology which provides new and sensitive supported lipid bilayer membrane systems and methods of using the supported lipid bilayer systems in analytical assays and delivery systems. The membrane systems provided by the invention include lipid membranes supported on porous microspheres or microbeads. These beads are stable and can be used with immunoassays and for analysis of membrane structures while in suspension, or in columns, or in microfluidic systems.