Open AccessBiomimetic surface patterning for long-term transmembrane access
Author(s) -
Jules J. VanDersarl,
Philippe Renaud
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/srep32485
Subject(s) - cell , electrode , nanotechnology , materials science , planar , seal (emblem) , membrane , cell membrane , nanometre , biophysics , computer science , chemistry , biology , composite material , art , biochemistry , computer graphics (images) , visual arts
Here we present a planar patch clamp chip based on biomimetic cell membrane fusion. This architecture uses nanometer length-scale surface patterning to replicate the structure and function of membrane proteins, creating a gigaohm seal between the cell and a planar electrode array. The seal is generated passively during cell spreading, without the application of a vacuum to the cell surface. This interface can enable cell-attached and whole-cell recordings that are stable to 72 hours, and generates no visible damage to the cell. The electrodes can be very small (<5 μm) and closely packed, offering a high density platform for cellular measurement.