Abstract
Scanning ion-conductance microscope (SICM), which enables high-resolution imaging of cell surface topography, has been developed for over two decades. However, only recently, a unique scanning mode is increasingly used in biological studies to allow SICM to detect the surface of live cells. More recently, in combination with confocal microscopy and patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques, SICM allows investigators to localize proteins or ion channels in a specific nanostructure at the cell surface. This article will briefly review SICM nanotechnique and summarize the role of SICM in biological studies.
Highlights
Scanning ion-conductance microscope (SICM), which enables high-resolution imaging of cell surface topography, has been developed for over two decades
In 1997, Korchev et al made significant improvements to SICM to allow the imaging of live cells without making direct contact with the sample surface (Korchev et al, 1997)
Gu et al used SICM to resolve the topographical details of a living cell surface to guide patch-clamp recording of ion channel activity at a specific area of the cell surface (Gu et al, 2002)
Summary
Scanning ion-conductance microscope (SICM), which enables high-resolution imaging of cell surface topography, has been developed for over two decades. A couple of years later, the same group, for the first time, mapped single active ion channels in intact cell membranes (Korchev et al, 2000b), and developed a hybrid scanning ion conductance which allows high-resolution characterization of the cell surface and the simultaneous recording of topographic and optical images (Korchev et al, 2000c). In the hopping/ARS mode, ion current is recorded while the pipette is moved vertically and repeatedly approaches and retracts from the sample surface.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
