Development of a nanorobotic station for electrophysiology under nanomechanical stimulation

Abstract

In this paper, the development of a nanorobotic station for acquisition of cellular electrical and mechanical information is reported. This station involves the development of a nanomanipulation platform and a planar patch-clamp module. The nanomanipulation platform not only enables the observation of biological cells, but also has the ability to give a precise pico-Newton force stimulus on a certain position of cells. The membrane potential of cells can be recorded by the patch clamp module. The module also has the ability to generate electric stimulus to the biological cells. This station provides a method to research both mechanical and electrical properties of living cells.