The scanning ion conductance microscope for cellular physiology

The quest for nonoptical imaging methods that can surmount light diffraction limits resulted in the development of scanning probe microscopes. However, most of the existing methods are not quite suitable for studying biological samples. The scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) bridges the gap...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology 2013-01, Vol.304 (1), p.H1-H11
Main Authors: Lab, Max J, Bhargava, Anamika, Wright, Peter T, Gorelik, Julia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biosensing Techniques - instrumentation
Cell Physiological Phenomena
Correlation analysis
Equipment Design
Feedback control systems
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer - instrumentation
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Ion Channels - metabolism
Mechanotransduction, Cellular
Medical imaging
Membrane Potentials
Microelectrodes
Microscopes
Microscopy - instrumentation
Nanotechnology - instrumentation
Patch-Clamp Techniques - instrumentation
Physiology
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled - metabolism
Second Messenger Systems
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Summary:The quest for nonoptical imaging methods that can surmount light diffraction limits resulted in the development of scanning probe microscopes. However, most of the existing methods are not quite suitable for studying biological samples. The scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) bridges the gap between the resolution capabilities of atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope and functional capabilities of conventional light microscope. A nanopipette mounted on a three-axis piezo-actuator, scans a sample of interest and ion current is measured between the pipette tip and the sample. The feedback control system always keeps a certain distance between the sample and the pipette so the pipette never touches the sample. At the same time pipette movement is recorded and this generates a three-dimensional topographical image of the sample surface. SICM represents an alternative to conventional high-resolution microscopy, especially in imaging topography of live biological samples. In addition, the nanopipette probe provides a host of added modalities, for example using the same pipette and feedback control for efficient approach and seal with the cell membrane for ion channel recording. SICM can be combined in one instrument with optical and fluorescent methods and allows drawing structure-function correlations. It can also be used for precise mechanical force measurements as well as vehicle to apply pressure with precision. This can be done on living cells and tissues for prolonged periods of time without them loosing viability. The SICM is a multifunctional instrument, and it is maturing rapidly and will open even more possibilities in the near future.
ISSN:0363-6135
1522-1539
DOI:10.1152/ajpheart.00499.2012