The fragility and short lifetimes characteristic of conventionally formed lipid bilayer membranes has necessitated their preparation to be at the time and point of use. By using high freezing-point lipid-solvent mixtures, the process of lipid bilayer self-assembly may be reversibly arrested. In solid form, the bilayer precursor can be stored indefinitely and is sufficiently robust to withstand commercial shipping. Upon thawing, bilayer self-assembly resumes, resulting in a biologically functional membrane. Combination of this membrane precursor with an inexpensive chip results in a compact, practical, and disposable platform for ion channel measurements.