Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for high throughput determining and/or monitoring electrophysiological and fluorescence properties of ion channels or ion channel-containing structures, such as cell membranes, by establishing an configuration in which a cell membrane forms a highly resistive seal around an orifice, making it possible to determine and monitor a current flow through the cell membrane. The substrate can be part of an apparatus for simultaneously studying cell membranes using electrical and fluorescent techniques. The apparatus is formed of all transparent materials and preferably part of a multi-well plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that is capable of supplying electric field stimulation to a cell and optically monitoring a physiological response of the stimulated cell. The invention also provides methods of eliciting a physiological response in a cell or characterizing the biological activity of a candidate compound using an electrical field stimulation (EFS) device. Such methods are readily amenable to high throughput screen (HTS).

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device and a method for conducting various procedures with fluid. The device includes a substrate having a thickness direction and a substantially planar surface extending in a lengthwise direction that is substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction. A well is formed in the substrate to define a sidewall and a bottom surface. A channel having an internal surface is formed in the substrate below the substantially planar surface and extending substantially in the lengthwise direction. The channel is in communication with the well at one end thereof to define an orifice in the sidewall. Fluid in the well can be drawn into the orifice. As an example, the fluid can contain at least one cell which can be positioned against the orifice for a patch clamping procedure.