We are excited to announce a new scientific publication that highlights the power of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in ion channel research. “Recording Fast Ion Channel Kinetics Using Non-invasive Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy” has been published by the group of Prof. Uwe Schnakenberg at the Micro- and Nanosystems Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering of RWTH Aachen*.
This research demonstrates how non-invasive EIS techniques provide a powerful alternative to traditional electrophysiology methods for studying fast ligand-gated ion channels. EIS for ion channel research is highlighted through the introduction of the Aachen Fast Ion Channel Sensor (AFIS) system, a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip device that enables high-throughput non-invasive recording of ion channel kinetics in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using Sciospec’s ISX-3 mini impedance spectrometer, the research team successfully compared EIS with the widely used two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) technique showing remarkable agreement in detecting rapid ion channel responses.
*Cao, Y., Cheng, L., Schmalzing, G. et al. Recording Fast Ion Channel Kinetics Using Non-invasive Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. BioChip J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13206-024-00177-9
Ion channel kinetics are crucial in fields such as neuroscience, pharmacology, and drug development. Traditional methods like patch-clamp and TEVC require complex, invasive procedures that can limit throughput and reproducibility. This new research confirms that impedance-based techniques provide a promising alternative, making it possible to record fast ion channel responses with minimal cell perturbation.
Sciospec’s impedance measurement technology plays a central role in enabling this breakthrough. The ability to accurately measure rapid ion channel kinetics without disrupting cell integrity opens new possibilities for screening ligand-gated ion channels more efficiently than ever before.
The recently published study showcases how the ISX-3 mini impedance analyzer helps obtaining high-precision, real-time data on ion channel kinetics. This compact yet powerful impedance spectrometer was used in the AFIS system to measure rapid ligand-gated ion channel responses with unparalleled accuracy, providing researchers with a non-invasive alternative to patch-clamp methods. By integrating seamlessly into workflows such as drug screening with ion channels, EIS technology allows for:
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The ISX-3 mini is an ideal choice for most advanced impedance measurement challenges and trusted by researchers and engineers all around the world. It is also the very same instrument that enabled the groundbreaking research featured in this publication .The instrument’s combination of ultra-fast measurement speeds and high accuracy makes it perfect for ion channel research.
For flawless integration into your application choose from our many sensor & chip adapters or talk to us for custom integrations. Need to scale up? No problem – we offer compatible multiplexers and multichannel impedance analyzers.
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The Aachen Fast Ion Channel Sensor (AFIS) system is a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip device designed for high-throughput, non-invasive ion channel recordings. It enables fast and accurate electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of ligand-gated ion channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes, offering an efficient alternative to traditional electrophysiology methods. The AFIS system’s microfluidic design allows for parallel measurements across multiple samples, making it ideal for high-throughput screening in pharmaceutical research.
EIS measures changes in electrical properties when ion channels open and close, providing real-time insights into ion channel activity without requiring invasive. Learn more about Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy here
EIS offers several advantages over traditional patch-clamp techniques. Unlike patch-clamp which requires complex microelectrode insertion and highly skilled operation, EIS is a non-invasive method that preserves cell viability and allows for high-throughput screening. As an alternative to patch-clamp, EIS provides a method for measuring ion channel activity without the need for direct electrode contact making it particularly useful for long-term studies and applications where high cell viability is crucial.
EIS offers a non-invasive, high-throughput alternative to TEVC and patch-clamp providing similar sensitivity for rapid ion channel kinetics while eliminating the need for microelectrode impalement. EIS vs. patch-clamp: Unlike patch-clamp which requires complex and invasive microelectrode insertion, EIS enables dynamic and real-time measurements of ion channel activity without damaging the cell membrane. This makes EIS a more scalable method allowing for high-throughput screening while maintaining the precision needed for accurate ion channel research.
EIS enables fast, high-throughput measurements, reducing the time and complexity associated with conventional electrophysiology methods while maintaining accuracy in measuring ion channel responses.
Yes! This publication confirms that EIS can reliably detect fast ligand-gated ion channel activity offering an effective tool for impedance-based drug discovery.
As the field of electrophysiology continues to evolve, impedance-based techniques offer exciting new pathways for fast ion channel analysis and drug screening. This latest publication confirms the accuracy and efficiency of EIS in recording ion channel kinetics, providing researchers with a powerful, scalable alternative to traditional methods.
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