<H4text="Patch Clamp: A Key Tool in Electrophysiology"></H4>
<p>The patch clamp technique is a highly sensitive method for measuring ionic currents through individual ion channels in cells, making it a cornerstone of electrophysiological research. Initially developed by Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann in the 1970s [1], this technique has evolved into various configurations, including the Whole-Cell and Single-Channel recordings [2], which provide critical insights into the functional properties of ion channels. </p>
<H4text="Principles of the patch clamp technique"></H4>
<p>Patch clamp recording involves the use of a glass micropipette which is manufactured from a glass capillary through the use of a Micropipette Puller. The micropipette is then filled with an electrolyte solution, which is subsequently brought into contact with the cell membrane. By applying gentle suction, a high-resistance seal called giga seal is formed between the pipette tip and the membrane patch. This enables the measurement of ionic currents with minimal noise interference [3]. Whole-Cell Configuration records currents from the entire cell by rupturing the membrane patch, accessing the intracellular environment, and is useful for analysing overall ion channel activity and cellular responses. Single-Channel Recording measures currents through individual ion channels without rupturing the membrane, enabling high-resolution study of channel conductance, gating, and selectivity [2].</p>
<p>Patch clamp recording involves the use of a glass micropipette which is manufactured from a glass capillary through the use of a Micropipette Puller. The micropipette is then filled with an electrolyte solution, which is subsequently brought into contact with the cell membrane. By applying gentle suction, a high-resistance seal called giga seal is formed between the pipette tip and the membrane patch. This enables the measurement of ionic currents with minimal noise interference [3]. <strong>Whole-Cell Configuration</strong> records currents from the entire cell by rupturing the membrane patch, accessing the intracellular environment, and is useful for analysing overall ion channel activity and cellular responses. <strong>Single-Channel Recording</strong> measures currents through individual ion channels without rupturing the membrane, enabling high-resolution study of channel conductance, gating, and selectivity [2].</p>
<figcaption>microscopic recording of micropipette sealing of a HEK293 cell </figcaption>
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<p>The success of patch clamp experiments heavily depends on the composition of the solutions used. Typically, two main types of solutions are employed: The Pipette Solution in the micropipette mimics the intracellular environments, while the Bath Solution surrounds the cell and usually contains components that replicate the extracellular environment. Both solutions are meticulously designed to reflect the physiological conditions under which the cells operate, thereby ensuring that the measurements accurately reflect ion channel activity in a natural setting [2].</p>
<p>The success of patch clamp experiments heavily depends on the composition of the solutions used. Typically, two main types of solutions are employed: The <strong>Pipette Solution</strong> in the micropipette mimics the intracellular environments, while the <strong>Bath Solution</strong> surrounds the cell and usually contains components that replicate the extracellular environment. Both solutions are meticulously designed to reflect the physiological conditions under which the cells operate, thereby ensuring that the measurements accurately reflect ion channel activity in a natural setting [2].</p>
