title: Stabilization of high-resistance seals in patch-clamp recordings by laminar flow.
abstract: The formation of a high-resistance electrical seal between a cell membrane and a glass micropipet tip is essential in patch-clamp experiments. We have studied the electrical properties and the mechanical stability of the seal using a microfluidic chip generating laminar flow in open volumes. We show that, by using fluid flow (1-10 mm/s) acting along the symmetry axis of the cell-pipet, seals of a higher mechanical stability with increased resistances can be achieved, allowing up to 100% longer recording times and over 40% decreased noise levels (Irms). These improved properties are beneficial for high-sensitivity patch-clamp recordings, in particular, in longtime studies of ion channel receptor systems that are relevant in biosensor applications of the technique. Furthermore, these observations support the combination of patch-clamp with microfluidic devices, for example, for rapid solution exchange around a single cell sensor for high-throughput electrophysiology and for highly resolved kinetic studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry and Microtechnology Centre, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Olofsson
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Phil
authors.forename: Owe
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Orwar