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 microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention can be applied in any sensor technology in which the sensing element needs to be exposed rapidly, sequentially, and controllably, to a large number of different solution environments whose characteristics may be known or unknown.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention can be applied in any sensor technology in which the sensing element needs to be exposed rapidly, sequentially, and controllably, to a large number of different solution environments whose characteristics may be known or unknown.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, system components, and a method for rapidly obtaining and stably maintaining a cell in optimal contact with the cell-contacting surface of a sensor in a cell-based biosensor. In one aspect, the system maximizes the seal between a whole cell and the cell-contact surface of a patch clamp micropipette, maximizing the efficiency of a whole cell patch clamp recording.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention also provides a system and methods for modulating, controlling, preparing, and studying receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, system components, and a method for rapidly obtaining and stably maintaining a cell in optimal contact with the cell-contacting surface of a sensor in a cell-based biosensor. In one aspect, the system maximizes the seal between a whole cell and the cell-contact surface of a patch clamp micropipette, maximizing the efficiency of a whole cell patch clamp recording.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention also provides a system and methods for modulating, controlling, preparing, and studying receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention can be applied in any sensor technology in which the sensing element needs to be exposed rapidly, sequentially, and controllably, to a large number of different solution environments whose characteristics may be known or unknown.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic systems for altering the solution environment around a nanoscopic or microscopic object, such as a sensor, and methods for using the same. The invention can be applied in any sensor technology in which the sensing element needs to be exposed rapidly, sequentially, and controllably, to a large number of different solution environments whose characteristics may be known or unknown.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, system components, and a method for rapidly obtaining and stably maintaining a cell in optimal contact with the cell-contacting surface of a sensor in a cell-based biosensor. In one aspect, the system maximizes the seal between a whole cell and the cell-contact surface of a patch clamp micropipette, maximizing the efficiency of a whole cell patch clamp recording.