Evidence to support the potential for SSAs to form ion channel or pore-like structures was obtained via planar bilayer patch clamp experiment, using a semiautomated Port-a-Patch system (Nanion), keeping experimental conditions as similar as possible to those used within the vesicle transport assays. Some differentiation between the methodologies was necessary to retain planar phospholipid bilayer stability. While the ionic strength was retained at 500 mM and SSAs were supplied in a DMSO solution, POPC was replaced by 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3phosphocholine (DPhPC) -10 % cholesterol, the pH was maintained at 5.5, NaCl was substituted for KCl and NaNO3 was substituted for Na2SO4. Differences in the composition of the solutions present either side of the planar lipid bilayer were achieved through buffer exchange processes post planar bilayer formation, Section S3 and S22 † . Initial experiments explored the effects of SSA concentration and change in SSA molecular structure/composition on the flow of ions across the planar bilayer. These initial experiments were performed with a holding voltage of +100 mV. Each experiment was conducted a minimum of three times to ensure experimental reproducibility and event capture. In these experiments a set concentration (0.10 mM, 0.25 mM, 0.38 mM, 0.50 mM and 1.00 mM) of SSA, or SSA 1:1 enantiomeric mixture, was applied to the surface of the phospholipid bilayer at time = 0 seconds. Change in current across the phospholipid bilayer was then recorded with respect to time.