A cell for simultaneous measurements of optical and electrical properties of black lipid membranes.

A universal cell was constructed, which allows measurements of the resistance (d.c.), capacity, optical reflectivity, and spectral absorption of black lipid films simultaneously. These measurements reflect different properties of the films, supplementary to each other. The purpose is to eliminate differences of experimental conditions especially in recombination experiments with proteins. The cell is totally symmetric, can be completely disassembled, and the parts are exchangeable. It allows application of several methods for film production, and is held together simply by mechanical pressure, without need of any sealing agent. The inner parts are exclusively of glass and teflon. The fluid volume of the cell is 7-15 ml and the insulation between the two cell compartments is better than 10(14) Ohms.