IonFlux: High-throughput Automated Patch Clamp System

Features & Benefits

• Automated patch clamp: 16 to 64 parallel recordings
• Whole cell configuration
• Suitable for ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels
• Plate reader simplicity
• Very low cost per data point
• Single cell recordings and ensemble recordings

Description

The IonFlux System delivers a high-throughput whole cell patch clamp solution for ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels with “plate reader” simplicity. The system’s unique microfluidic well plate format eliminates pipetting steps, allows continuous recording of cell ensembles, and rapidly delivers compounds.

Ion channels represent an important yet under-represented drug target class due to the lack of available high-throughput screening approaches. Manual patch-clamping, the “gold standard” for performing cell electrophysiology, is a labor-intensive technique that is too slow to be used for drug screening, while first-generation automated electrophysiology systems are expensive and performance-challenged.

Fluxion has addressed these limitations with the IonFlux Automated Electrophysiology System. The IonFlux system eliminates the need for intermediate pipetting steps during the recording protocol and allows the system to be configured like a plate reader, simplifying workflow and increasing throughput.

Lateral-patch technology optimizes performance and throughput:
The IonFlux system utilizes a unique microfluidic design to provide automated cell introduction, trapping, sealing, whole-cell formation and precise current recording protocols. IonFlux plates are available in 96-well and 384-well formats. The plates look and handle just like standard well plates. However, the bottom of the plate has been replaced with a channel network that connects the wells with a series of tiny channels for cell and compound introduction. The instrument includes an interface that mates to the plates and provides pneumatic flow control. Integrated electrodes are inserted into the wells for voltage clamping. Whole cell recordings are taken from 20-cell ensembles to increase robustness and throughput. Pharmacology is improved by recording the full range of concentrations from the same group of cells.

IonFlux System Configurations:
* IonFlux 16 - The most economical automated patch clamp system available.
- The system includes 16 amplifiers and can run 2-3 96-well plates per hour. Throughput of 2,500 data points per can be achieved. The system’s economical price makes it suitable for individual labs that have until now been limited to manual systems.

* IonFlux HT- Highest throughput, plate reader simplicity
- A fully integrated ion channel recording system that delivers unrivaled throughput, performance and economy. The IonFlux HT is a fully automated electrophysiology system with 64 amplifiers, 20-cell ensemble recording from 384-well IonFlux plates, and throughputs of 10,000 data points per day (2-3 plates per hour). The system is ideal for high throughput screening of ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels.