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Measurement of Extracellular Ion Fluxes Using the Ion-selective Self-referencing Microelectrode Technique
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Gauging surface charge distribution of live cell membrane by ionic current change using scanning ion conductance
Feng Chen1,2, Jin He2, Prakash Manandhar3
1School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China.
Nanoscale
|November 26, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) method to map live cell membrane surface charge. The technique effectively visualizes charge distribution and changes, aiding cell membrane research.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Cell membrane surface charge is crucial for cellular functions.
- Probing live cell surface charge under physiological conditions has been challenging.
- Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) offers potential for live cell imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple SICM-based technique for mapping live cell membrane surface charge distribution.
- To assess the technique's effectiveness on soft substrates and model systems.
- To demonstrate its capability in distinguishing surface charges and detecting membrane damage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized SICM with a focus on ionic current sensitivity to surface charge.
- Employed charged polydimethylsiloxane substrates for validation.
- Performed finite element method simulations to support experimental findings.
Main Results:
- Successfully mapped surface charge contrast distribution on soft substrates and cell membranes.
- Differentiated surface charge between cell membranes and collagen matrices.
- Observed surface charge alterations following minor cell membrane damage (1% DMSO treatment).
Conclusions:
- The developed SICM technique effectively maps live cell membrane surface charge.
- This method provides high spatial resolution for studying interfacial and cell membrane processes.
- It offers a valuable tool for understanding cellular activities influenced by surface charge.
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