Two-Photon Targeted, Quad Whole-Cell Patch-Clamping Robot

We present an automated quad-channel patch-clamp technology platform for ex vivo brain slice electrophysiology, capable of both blind and two-photon targeted robotically automated patching. The robot scales up the patch-clamp single-cell recording technique to four simultaneous channels, with seal success rates for two-photon targeted and blind modes of 54% and 68% respectively. In 50% of targeted trials (where specific cells were required), two simultaneous recordings or more were obtained. For blind mode, most trials yielded dual or triple recordings. This robot, a milestone on the path to a true in vivo targeted robotic multi-patching technology platform, will allow numerous studies into the function and connectivity patterns of both primary and secondary cell types.

Automated summary

We developed an automated quad-channel patch-clamp technology platform that can perform blind and two-photon targeted robotically automated patching for ex vivo brain slice electrophysiology. The success rates for seal formation in two-photon targeted and blind modes were 54% and 68% respectively. In 50% of targeted trials, multiple simultaneous recordings were obtained. For blind mode, most trials resulted in dual or triple recordings. This robot represents a milestone towards a true in vivo targeted robotic multi-patching technology platform, enabling studies on the function and connectivity patterns of primary and secondary cell types.