Specialized scanning ion-conductance microscope for imaging of living cells.
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.
Korchev
Y E
YE
Department of Physiology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, University of London, U.K. y.korchev@cxwms.ac.uk
Milovanovic
M
M
Bashford
C L
CL
Bennett
D C
DC
Sviderskaya
E V
EV
Vodyanoy
I
I
Lab
M J
MJ
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
D003470:Culture Media