Molecular Devices LLC has been awarded a US patent for its parallel recording technique
The technique measures ionic currents from a population of cells, rather than single cells, on planar patch clamp systems and enhances ion channel assay success rates to near 100%.
The PPC technique measures a population of cells in parallel to mitigate the inherent biological variability seen when measuring from single cells.
When a large enough population is sampled, the requirement to perform control measurements within the same recording well is eliminated.
Using 64 recording sites per well ensures that a consistent signal is recorded across all wells, which allows for the use of cross-well controls and a further increase in throughput and decreased running costs.
"The technique has changed the way researchers pursue drug candidates targeting ion channels." said Klaus Lun, vice president, BioDiscovery.
