Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025
07:02
Author Spotlight: Advancing Live-Cell Mechanobiology Through Fluorescence Microaspiration
Published on: January 12, 2024
1.1K
Automated microscope-independent fluorescence-guided micropipette
Christopher Miranda1, Madeleine R Howell1, Joel F Lusk1
1Arizona State University, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Tempe, AZ 85210, USA.
Biomedical Optics Express
|September 13, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for guiding glass micropipette electrodes to neurons using fluorescence feedback. This technique enhances precision in single-cell recordings, reducing reliance on electrophysiologist skill.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Glass micropipette electrodes are standard for high-resolution neuronal recordings.
- Current methods are highly dependent on the operator's skill level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for guiding micropipette electrodes to neurons.
- To reduce the skill dependency in single-cell electrophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized intra-electrode tapered optical fibers for fluorescence collection at the micropipette aperture.
- Coupled excitation and fluorescence collection at the electrode tip for distance feedback.
- Developed a targeted robotic approach for neuron guidance.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a method for guiding micropipette electrodes to neurons.
- The feedback mechanism directly correlates fluorescence with electrode-to-target distance.
- Achieved targeted robotic approach to labeled neurons independent of microscopy.
Conclusions:
- The intra-electrode tapered optical fiber method offers a precise and skill-independent approach to neuronal targeting.
- This technique has the potential to improve the reliability and accessibility of single-cell recordings.
- Advances robotic capabilities in neurophysiological research.
