Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring electrical properties of a cell using electrode devices comprising tapered nanotips having submicrometer dimensions (“nanoelectrodes”) for insertion into a cell. The devices are used to measure electrical properties of the cell and, optionally, may be used to electroporate, the cell or subcellular structures within the cell. The invention also provides arrays of electrode devices having nanotips for simultaneously or sequentially measuring the electrical properties of cells (e.g., such as surface immobilized cells). The electrodes can be used to measure properties of ion channels and in HTS assays to identify drugs which affect the properties of ion channels. The invention additionally provides microfluidic systems adapted for use with the electrode devices having nanotips. In combination with the electrodes, the microfluidic systems provide cell-based biosensors for monitoring cellular responses to conditions, such as exposure to candidate drugs.

Abstract: The invention provides hollow-tip-electrodes for spatially localized delivery of substances to one or more biological targets present in a population comprising target and non-target molecules, macromolecules, and/or cells. The invention also provides electrode plates for receiving one or more of such tips, tip-electrode plates comprising electrode plates comprising one or more electrode tips, and systems comprising tip-electrodes and containers for containing one or more biological targets, e.g., such as molecules, macromolecules, and/or cells. The invention further provides methods for using such systems and components thereof. In one preferred aspect, the systems are used for spatially confined electroporation of cells and cell structures. The invention facilitates high throughput screening of agents (e.g., such as drugs) that act on intracellular targets.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process and analysis, including at least one elongated microfluidic channel, fluidic transport means for transport of fluids through the microfluidic channel, and at least one thick-film electrode in fluidic connection with the outlet end of the microfluidic channel. The present invention includes an integrated on-chip combination reaction, separation and thick-film electrochemical detection microsystem, for use in detection of a wide range of analytes, and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides hollow-tip-electrodes for spatially localized delivery of substances to one or more biological targets present in a population comprising target and non-target molecules, macromolecules, and/or cells. The invention also provides electrode plates for receiving one or more of such tips, tip-electrode plates comprising electrode plates comprising one or more electrode tips, and systems comprising tip-electrodes and containers for containing one or more biological targets, e.g., such as molecules, macromolecules, and/or cells. The invention further provides methods for using such systems and components thereof. In one preferred aspect, the systems are used for spatially confined electroporation of cells and cell structures. The invention facilitates high throughput screening of agents (e.g., such as drugs) that act on intracellular targets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring electrical properties of a cell using electrode devices comprising tapered nanotips having submicrometer dimensions (“nanoelectrodes”) for insertion into a cell. The devices are used to measure electrical properties of the cell and, optionally, may be used to electroporate, the cell or subcellular structures within the cell. The invention also provides arrays of electrode devices having nanotips for simultaneously or sequentially measuring the electrical properties of cells (e.g., such as surface immobilized cells). The electrodes can be used to measure properties of ion channels and in HTS assays to identify drugs which affect the properties of ion channels. The invention additionally provides microfluidic systems adapted for use with the electrode devices having nanotips.