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, Axopatch and Axoclamp connectors, and standard BNC connectors used by Heka and A-M Systems. It can be ordered to accept capillary glasses with diameters between 1.2 mm and 2.0 mm. For custom diameters, please contact us.
AXC for Axon Axoclamp
AXP for Axon Axopatch
AXU for Axon Threaded Collar
for BNC
All Optopatchers include a starter fiber, replacement seals, a mating sleeve for the ferrule. Replacement parts are also available.
Optopatcher Accessories