Real time measurement of cytoplasmic ions with ion-selective microelectrodes

Ion-selective microelectrodes can be used to report intracellular ion concentrations. The ion-selective barrels of microelectrodes are filled with a sensor cocktail containing several different components including an ion-selective molecule, sensor or exchanger, a solvent or plasticizer, lipophilic cation/anion additives, and a matrix to solidify the membrane. For many ions, the readymade membrane cocktail can be purchased, but the individual chemical components can be bought from suppliers and mixing the cocktail saves money. For commercially available liquid membrane cocktails the membrane matrix is often not included. For plants a matrix is essential for intracellular impalements because without it cell turgor will displace the liquid membrane from the electrode tip, giving decreased or even lost sensitivity. The matrix frequently used is a high molecular weight poly(vinyl chloride). This addition increases the electrical resistance of the electrode, slowing the response time of the electrode. The use of multi-barreled electrodes enables the identification of the cellular compartment. For example, the inclusion of a pH-selective electrode enables the cytoplasm and vacuole to be distinguished.