Jenny lauper

Understanding Patch Clamping

Article on the subject of Patch Clamping, ion conductance and atomic force microscopy

Patch Clamping is an electrophysiological laboratory technique that deals with the study of multiple or single ion channels in cells. Although this technique can be applied to a broad range of cells, it is especially helpful in the study of excitable cells including muscle fibers, cardiomyocytes, neurons and pancreatic beta cells. It is also useful in the study of bacterial ion channels in giant spheroplasts.

Patch clamping technique involves the study of the process wherein the membrane proteins are responsible for regulating ion conductance across cellular membranes.

Understanding the basic technique:

The patch clamping technique involves the use of a glass micropipette with an open tip and an electrode. The electrode is placed inside the pipette, which contains a salt solution resembling the fluid present inside the cell. The pipette, brought down to the cell membrane, builds a tight seal along with the cell. Immediately after, a little suction is applied to the pipette, the membrane ‘patch,’ present inside the pipette bursts and thereby giving access to the entire cell.

The electrode connected to a particularized circuitry can then be applied to measure the currents passing through the ion channels of the cells. These ion channels are nothing but trans-membrane pores that allow ion conductance (let the ions to pass in and out of the cell) through an electrochemical gradient.

Many distinct ion channels, differing from each other in their ion selectivity, grating mechanism and sequence similarity, exist.

Membrane potential to any voltage can be checked using the ‘clamp’ and the electrical circuitry. This kind of arrangement can prove very useful, when measuring the activity of voltage-dependent channels.

Applications of Patch clamping technology:

This technology has a wide range of applications in the field of biology and medical research.

Patch clamping technique, combined with atomic force microscopy, can be useful in the study of black lipid bilayers.

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