Nanion’s planar patch clamp chips offer the unique possibility to perfuse the intracellular side of the membrane. This aspect is exploited with the Internal Perfusion System Add-on for the Port-a-Patch. Up to eight different solutions can be perfused inside the cell using Nanion’s Perfusion Panel and the specially designed internal perfusion chamber. This allows multiple concentrations of compound acting on the cytosolic portion of the ion channel to be applied. Second messengers and metabolites can also be added internally to investigate how ion channel function is affected. Solutions are exchanged within seconds, and the ion channel modulation can be continuously monitored during the solution exchange. The Internal Perfusion System can be operated either manually, or fully computer controlled. In this way, data acquisition can be synchronized with solution exchange and traces automatically tagged with the compound information.

Nanion offers the Port-a-Patch Microscope Slide developed for the simultaneous visualization and patch clamp recording of the cell. Fluorescence measurements using an upright microscope can therefore be combined with current recordings.

The Suction Control Pro contains an interface for communication with the analog in- and outputs of the patch clamp amplifier. Via this communication route, pressure application can be synchronized with voltage protocols and they can be simultaneously recorded. The Suction Control Pro is ideally suited for studies of mechanosensitive ion channels and for studying the effect of pressure on artificial and cellular membranes.

The Port-a-Patch SOL is a specially designed protective lid for the Port-a-Patch into which up to three light sources can be connected. The Port-a-Patch SOL is ideal for optical stimulation during recordings on the Port-a-Patch. The Port-a-Patch SOL Kit consists of an optical lid and one high-power LED light source. The light source can either controlled manually or by the amplifier software. Alternatively, we provide the SOL add-on without a light source, so you are free to use your own light sources.