A single cell electrophysiological analysis device with embedded electrode

A single cell electrophysiological analysis device with a sub-micrometer opening on embedded recording electrode has been demonstrated using combined microand nano-machining process. This technique can reduce the series pipette resistance while keeping high seal resistance for lectrophysiological measurements. In the prototype demonstration, the electrolyte pipette resistance is reduced to 200 k using the microfabricated lectrophysiological system with opening size of 500 nm in diameter. A 6 G seal resistance is achieved on a HeLa cell, a cervical cancer cell line ith size between 10 and 20 m, on the same device. In a second experiment, the measured electrolyte pipette resistance is 1 M using different ipette solution on a device with 800 nm opening and a 500 M seal resistance is achieved on a vacuolar yeast cell of 3–5 m in size. 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.