An electrophysiological approach for low turnover and intracellular transport proteins: Improving amplification and accessibility.

Abstract

SSM-based electrophysiology is an emerging technique extending the range of applications in electrophysiology. The method allows adsorption of any membranes, native, cell culture derived or organellar, to a lipid coated sensor (solid supported membrane, SSM). The large sensor of 3-mm diameter generates a 1000-fold or higher amplification compared to conventional patch clamp. These two features render the method ideal for electrogenic transporters and channels which are difficult to access by other electrophysiological methods due to their low current amplitude or because of their expression in intracellular membranes.