Overview
The Optopatcher provides unmatched accuracy in applying optical stimulation to an in-vivo patch-clamp protocol. The holder houses both an optical fiber and an electrode enabling simultaneous patch-clamp recording and optogenetic activation.
This is a significant advantage in non-slice protocols, such as in-vivo recording from intact animals, whole-cell patch-clamping, LFP recording, and spike/single-unit recording.
The optopatcher was developed by A-M Systems under the guidance of its inventors, Dr. Ilan Lampl and Dr. Yonatan Katz of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. (J Neurosci Meth 214 (2013) 113– 117).
The Optopatcher is available with the most common connectors used on patch clamps: Axon’s Threaded Collar and standard BNC connectors used by Heka, A-M Systems and npi electronics. It can be ordered to accept capillary glasses with diameters between 1.2 mm and 2.0 mm.
All Optopatchers include a starter fiber, replacement seals, a mating sleeve for the ferrule. Replacement parts are also available.
ALA’s Light Stimulating Device, LSD-1, is the perfect cost-effective light source for the Optopatcher. The LSD-1 mates directly to any of the Optopatcher models by a 1m long light cable. The powerful LED is strong enough to activate rhodopsins and other photofluors. Color specific LEDs are easily interchangeable by the user.
Last Updated on January 14, 2022