title: Specialized scanning ion-conductance microscope for imaging of living cells.
abstract: A specialized scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) for imaging living cells has been developed from a conventional patch-clamp apparatus, which uses a glass micropipette as the sensitive probe. In contrast with other types of scanning probe microscope, the SICM probe has significant advantages for imaging living cells: it is most suitable for imaging samples immersed in water solutions; and since the probe senses ion current and does not need physical contact with the sample during the scan, any preliminary preparation of cells (fixation or adherence to a substrate) is unnecessary. We have successfully imaged murine melanocytes in growth medium. The microscope images the highly convoluted surface structures without damaging or deforming them, and reveals the true, three-dimensional relief of the cells. This instrument has considerable ability to operate, potentially simultaneously, in applications as diverse as real-time microscopy, electrophysiology, micromanipulation and drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, University of London, U.K. y.korchev@cxwms.ac.uk
authors.forename: Y E
authors.initials: YE
authors.lastname: Korchev
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Milovanovic
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bashford
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: E V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Sviderskaya
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vodyanoy
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lab
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003470:Culture Media; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media