title: Nanopipette exploring nanoworld.
abstract: Nanopipettes, with tip orifices on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers, have been utilized in the fields of analytical chemistry and nanophysiology. Nanopipettes make nanofabrication possible at liquid/solid interfaces. Moreover, they are utilized in time-resolved measurements and for imaging biological materials,e.g., living cells, by using techniques such as scanning ion-conductance microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy. We have successfully fabricated ion-selective nanopipettes that can be used to identify targeted ions such as sodium and potassium in- and outside of living cells. In this review, we discuss the extent of utilization of nanopipettes in investigating the nanoworld. In addition, we discuss the potential applications of future nanopipettes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Quantum Phases and Devices, Department of Physics, Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701 Korea.
authors.forename: Tomohide
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takami
authors.affiliation: Division of Quantum Phases and Devices, Department of Physics, Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701 Korea.
authors.forename: Bae Ho
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Division of Quantum Phases and Devices, Department of Physics, Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701 Korea.
authors.forename: Tomoji
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawai
keywords: Ion-selective electrode; Nanopipette; Potassium; Scanning ion conductance microscopy; Sodium