Editing Electrophysiology (section)

==Planar patch clamp==<!-- This section is linked from [[Ion channel]] -->
Planar patch clamp is a novel method developed for high throughput electrophysiology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nanion.de/pdf/PlanarPatchClamping.pdf |title=Automated patch clamp |access-date=2010-01-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331130708/http://www.nanion.de/pdf/PlanarPatchClamping.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2010}}</ref> Instead of positioning a pipette on an adherent cell, cell suspension is pipetted on a [[Biochip|chip]] containing a microstructured aperture.
A single cell is then positioned on the hole by suction and a tight connection (Gigaseal) is formed.
The planar geometry offers a variety of advantages compared to the classical experiment:
* It allows for integration of [[microfluidics]], which enables automatic compound application for [[ion channel]] screening.
* The system is accessible for optical or [[Scanning probe microscopy|scanning probe]] techniques.
* [[Perfusion]] of the [[intracellular]] side can be performed.

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File:patch pipette model.jpg|Schematic drawing of the classical patch clamp configuration. The patch pipette is moved to the cell using a micromanipulator under optical control. Relative movements between the pipette and the cell have to be avoided in order to keep the cell-pipette connection intact.
File:patch pipette.jpg|Scanning electron microscope image of a patch pipette.
File:planar patch model.jpg|In planar patch configuration, the cell is positioned by suction. Relative movements between cell and aperture can then be excluded after sealing. An antivibration table is not necessary.
File:planar patch chip.jpg|Scanning electron microscope image of a planar patch clamp chip. Both the pipette and the chip are made from [[borosilicate]] glass.
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