Electrolysis: processes – compositions used therein – and methods – Electrolytic analysis or testing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-07-31
Tung, T. (Department: 1743)
Electrolysis: processes, compositions used therein, and methods
Electrolytic analysis or testing
C205S793000, C204S450000, C204S518000, C204S409000, C204S600000, C204S627000, C422S082010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267872
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION
1. Field of the Invention
The field of this invention is ion channels or nanopores, particularly methods of measuring the ionic current flowing through ion channels or nanopores.
2. Background of the Invention
Methods of measuring the ionic current through a single ion channel are critical to the study of ion channels, which play pivotal roles in a variety of physiological processes. Through such methods, the processes underlying ion permeation and gating have been explored.
One approach for measuring the ionic current flowing through a single ion channel is the patch-clamp technique. In the patch-clamp technique, a small patch of membrane that includes an ion channel of interest is isolated at the tip of a glass micro-electrode. The ion current flowing through the isolated ion channel is then measured. This approach has been invaluable as a research tool, but suffers from limitations in certain circumstances. For example, not all ion channels of interest are accessible by patch-clamp techniques. In addition, patch-clamp techniques do not provide the ability to modulate the membrane component and thus explore the lipid/channel interactions that potentially affect current flow through the channel.
In an alternative approach that can overcome these limitations, the channel of interest is reconstituted in an artificial thin film device. Although several such devices have been developed since the 1960s, there is continued interest in new configurations that reduce capacitance, noise, and solution volume.
Relevant Literature
Of interest are Wonderlin et al., “Optimizing planar lipid bilayer single-channel recordings for high resolution with rapid voltage steps” Biophys. J. (1990) 58:289-297; Brutyan et al., “Horizontal ‘solvent-free’ lipid bimolecular membranes with two-sided access can be formed and facilitate ion channel reconstitution,” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, (1995) 1236: 339-344; and Kasianowicz, et al., “Characterization of individual polynucleotide molecules using a membrane channel,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1996) 93: 13770-13773.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Miniature thin film support devices and methods for using the same are provided. In the subject devices, an electrical communication means, e.g. a U tube, connects cis and trans chambers that are filled with an aqueous fluid. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a conical aperture that is sealed with a thin film into which has been inserted a single nanopore or channel. The subject devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in a variety of applications in which the ionic current through the inserted nanopore or channel is monitored or measured for a period of time, e.g. several hours, including the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.
REFERENCES:
patent: H201 (1987-01-01), Yager
patent: 4521729 (1985-06-01), Kiesewetter et al.
patent: 5503744 (1996-04-01), Ikematsu et al.
patent: 5911871 (1999-06-01), Preiss et al.
patent: 9425862 (1994-11-01), None
Brutyan et al. (Mar. 1995), “Horizontal ‘Solvent Free’ Lipid Bimolecular Membranes with Two-Sided Access can be Formed and Facilitate Ion Channel Reconstitution,”Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, vol. 1236:339-344.
Kasianowicz et al. (Nov. 1996), “Characterization of Individual Polynucleotide Molecules Using a Membrane Channel,”Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 93:13770-13773.
Wonderlin et al. (Aug. 1990), “Optimizing Planar Lipid Single-Channel Recordings for High Resolution with Rapid Voltage Steps,”Biophys. J. Biophysical Society, vol. 58:289-297.
Akeson Mark A.
Branton Daniel
Deamer David W.
Bozicevic, Field & Francis
Field Bret E.
Noguerola Alex
The Regents of the University of California
Tung T.
LandOfFree
Miniature support for thin films containing single channels... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Miniature support for thin films containing single channels..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Miniature support for thin films containing single channels... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2455601