Patent ID: 6063260
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: C12M,G01N

Abstract:
Apparatus for determining the effect of test samples of compounds on ion-transfer channels of a membrane, comprising:an autosampler having a plurality of containers adapted to contain test samples in solution, and having means for automatically withdrawing said test samples from each of said containers and discharging them into a receptacle,a container adapted to contain a supporting liquid,a perfusion chamber adapted to receive a test sample in solution, a supporting liquid, and said membrane, said perfusion chamber being open to the atmosphere at the top, and comprising a reference electrode adapted to contact electrically a solution contained in said chamber,means for transporting said test samples in solution from the receptacle of said autosampler and said supporting liquid from its container into said perfusion chamber, and means for removing said test sample and said supporting liquid from said perfusion chamber,a patch pipette having an electrode therein, movably positioned over said perfusion chamber and adapted to provide a high electrical resistance seal with the surface of a patch of said membrane positioned within said chamber, andmeans electrically connected to said patch pipette electrode and said reference electrode for measuring the current passing through said electrodes before and after the introduction of said test sample into said perfusion chamber.