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Cell electrophysiology with carbon nanopipettes
Michael G Schrlau1, Nae J Dun, Haim H Bau
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
ACS Nano
|March 25, 2009
Summary
Carbon nanopipettes (CNPs) enable real-time monitoring of living cell electrical activity. These novel nanoprobes offer multifunctionality for advanced cell electrophysiology research.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Real-time monitoring of cellular behavior is crucial for understanding cellular machinery and drug responses.
- High spatial resolution is needed for accurate observation of cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize carbon-based nanoelectrodes for cell electrophysiology.
- To demonstrate the capability of carbon nanopipettes (CNPs) for measuring electrical signals in cells.
Main Methods:
- Development of carbon nanopipettes (CNPs) by integrating carbon nanopipes into glass capillaries.
- Measurement of electrical signals in mouse hippocampal HT-22 cell line using CNPs.
- Utilizing a standard electrophysiology amplifier in current-clamp mode.
Main Results:
- Successful measurement of resting membrane potential in HT-22 cells.
- Detection of transient membrane potential changes in response to pharmacological agents.
- Demonstration of CNPs' multifunctionality, including concurrent intracellular injection and electrical measurements without cell damage.
Conclusions:
- Carbon nanopipettes (CNPs) are effective tools for cell electrophysiology.
- CNPs offer multifunctionality, enabling simultaneous electrical recordings and intracellular injections.
- This technology advances the ability to monitor living cell behavior with high spatial resolution.
