Since its introduction by Bert Sakmann and Erwin Neher in 1978, patch-clamping techniques have become widely accessible with commercially available equipment. And while the science of patch clamping might require a re-education in basic electrical principles, the real art lies in forming the seal between the micropipette and the cell membrane. We asked Areles Molleman, a researcher and lecturer in cellular and membrane physiology at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, and the author of Patch Clamping: An Introductory Guide to Patch Clamp Electrophysiology, for his tips on forming that perfect seal. His advice follows.
When you place the micropipette in its holder, you can easily make electrical contact between you and the ?hot? electrode of the amplifier. If you are not connected to electrical ground then you?ll act as a giant antenna causing very big noise. This can harm some amplifiers, especially if you gathered static. Use your free hand ...
