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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
13:07
One-channel Cell-attached Patch-clamp Recording
Published on: June 9, 2014
Patch-clamp amplifiers on a chip
Pujitha Weerakoon1, Eugenio Culurciello, Youshan Yang
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|July 20, 2010
Summary
This study introduces the "PatchChip," a compact, two-channel patch-clamp system enabling simultaneous whole-cell recordings. This micro-chip technology offers high-throughput potential for drug screening and ion-channel research.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Patch-clamp electrophysiology is crucial for ion-channel research.
- Existing systems are often large and costly, limiting throughput.
- Miniaturization of patch-clamp instrumentation is needed for high-throughput applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a fully integrated, two-channel patch-clamp measurement system on a micro-chip.
- To achieve performance comparable to conventional, large-scale patch-clamp systems.
- To enable massively parallel, high-throughput patch-clamp applications.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a two-channel patch-clamp system on a 3x3mm silicon-on-sapphire micro-chip.
- Utilizing a 0.5μm process for miniaturization.
- Computer-controlled compensation of electrode capacitance and series resistance.
Main Results:
- Achieved simultaneous whole-cell recordings with 8pA rms noise in a 10kHz bandwidth.
- Demonstrated system capabilities with hERG and Na(v) 1.7 current recordings.
- System performance is on par with large, commercial patch-clamp instrumentation.
Conclusions:
- The developed "PatchChip" represents the first fully integrated, two-channel patch-clamp system.
- This miniaturized system offers a pathway to massively parallel, high-throughput patch-clamp assays.
- The technology is suitable for drug screening and advanced ion-channel research.
Related Concept Videos
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In this method, a glass micropipette containing electrolyte solution is tightly sealed against a small portion of the cell membrane. As a result, a patch of the cell...
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01:18Clipper Circuit
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