Interfacing neurons through the patch membrane pierced with single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Patch-clamp electrophysiology is crucial for studying cell membrane properties.
• Accessing the intracellular space of neurons for electrophysiological recordings presents technical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive channels for cell membrane electrophysiology.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surface-modified CNTs in facilitating electrical access to the intracellular space of mammalian neurons.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the patch-clamp technique on dissociated mammalian neurons.
• Incorporated surface-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the micropipette solution.
• Employed the 'pierced-patch' whole-cell recording mode.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that surface-modified single-walled CNTs can form electrically conductive pathways across the cell membrane.
• Successfully enabled electrophysiological measurements of membrane excitability in neurons via the pierced-patch configuration.
• Confirmed the usability of CNTs for submicroscopic electrical interrogation of the intracellular environment.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified single-walled CNTs are effective tools for achieving electrical access to the intracellular space of neurons.
• The pierced-patch whole-cell mode, facilitated by CNTs, offers a viable method for studying neuronal membrane excitability.
• This approach holds potential for advancing electrophysiological research in neuroscience.