Patch-clamp electrophysiology setup

The research group of Laurence Picton at KI will undertake a research project that will involve single-cell electrophysiological recordings from brain and spinal cord slices as well as from whole intact spinal cord tissue. The recordings will be made using a patch-clamp electrophysiology setup and will involve both high-throughput multi-patch recordings as well as patch-clamp recordings combined with mechanical stimulation protocols.

In order to carry out the experiments in the research project KI intend to purchase a full patch-clamp electrophysiology setup that have the following unique features: An ultrasonic pipette cleaning system that allows for reuse of patch pipettes for rapid, high-throughput recordings using the same pipette conditions; a wide manipulator axis range (25 mm) allowing us to use large experimental tissues; a movement resolution of 50 nm and a flexible movement speed range (0.01 μm/s - >6 μm/s) allowing us to perform accurate, stable and flexible movements of the manipulators.

Förklaring:

The setup must have patch axis manipulators that allow for a range of movements speed from 0.01 μm/s to at least 6 μm/s. This is necessary when we test the range of mechanical sensitivity of neurons by applying controlled mechanical stimulation protocols to tissue. The manipulators must have a distance range of at least 25mm. This is needed for the flexibility to use preparations with a larger size in the setup (e.g. whole spinal cord preparations).

=Luigs & Neumann's system manipulators within the required speed range and distance range.

The setup must allow the user to clean and reuse patch pipettes multiple times. This is necessary for our experiments where we need to record multiple neurons rapidly while using identical recording conditions (e.g. using the same electrode shape, size, length, resistance to avoid introducing variability in the properties of the recording electrode). In order to achieve the necessary speed in sampling neurons we need to re-use the same electrode. When cleaning and reusing the same pipette it is essential that the cleaning does not involve any chemicals to not risk contamination of the tissue or neurons.

= Luigs & Neumann system uses a unique technology (patent application filed) that allows for effectively cleaning and reusing patch pipettes using ultrasonic frequencies (Jehasse et al, 2022). The use of ultrasonic vibration avoids the use of chemicals and the possibility of contamination of the sample.

The controller system must be completely vibration-free and have an achievable mechanical resolution in one direction of less than 50 nm, without any drift. This stability is needed to make stable recordings over long periods (>1 hour) and the resolution is needed to be able to move the manipulator quickly and reliably into new positions and then move back to precisely the same original position. This is needed for sequences of cleaning and recording neurons with the same pipette or when applying reliable and repeatable mechanical stimulation protocols.

=Luigs & Neumann system have a patented spindle nut system (US 5425282) that allows for movements <50 nm without any drift.

To KI’s knowledge there is no other supplier that offers a setup with proven equivalent functions. KI will sign a contract with Luigs & Neumann after a standstill period of 10 days after publishing this Voluntary ex ante transparency notice.

Mercell notice: https://opic.com/id/afbxwpwuxm