Imposed current BA series amplifier
Why use an expensive patch-clamp amplifier for recordings in impressed current mode?
The most economical and accurate instrument is the BA series from npi électronique GmbH.
BA amplifiers are high-impedance amplifiers specially designed for impressed current (microelectrode), perforated patch or electroporation and iontophoresis recording.
These amplifiers are commonly used to study neurons in vertebrates (rats, mice, cats, fish, etc.) and invertebrates (leeches, crabs, snails, insects, etc.), muscle cells and all excitable cells, including plant cells.
Characteristics of BA series amplifiers
In addition to the functions of the BA-01X model, the BA-03X has low-pass and high-pass filters for potential recordings and potential amplification up to X1000. It also allows extra-cellular recordings.
BA-03X
- Output potential gain: x10 to 1k
- High-pass filter for voltage (DC): 0.1 to 3 kHz
- Potential low-pass filter: 20 to 20kHz
- Output sensitivity: 0.1 to 10 V/nA
- Digital displays for electrode resistance, potential and current intensity
- BUZZ function (facilitates penetration of cytoplasmic membrane by microelectrode tip) and ELECTRODE CLEAR function (cleans microelectrode tip)
- OSCILLATION SHUT-OFF function limits membrane damage
- TTL gate stimulation input with amplitude adjustment via 3-digit potentiometer and digital readout of holding current
- Increased potential and current values (x10) for juxtacellular recordings, electroporation or iontophoresis
- Audio monitor
BA-01X
BA-01M
The BA-01X amplifier is also available as a BA-01M module for plugging into the EPMS system from npi electronic GmbH (which can accommodate several modules), itself housed in a 19″ rack-mounting cabinet.
Applications
- Imposed current intracellular recordings (microelectrodes) with direct measurement of membrane potential (“Wheatstone bridge”)
- Complete cancellation of series resistances and parasitic capacitances
- Can be used with thin microelectrodes or patch pipettes (“patch in whole cell mode”, “attached cell” or “perforated patch” configuration)
- Can be used for extra-cellular recordings with high gain (signals < mV)
Juxtacellular recordings, iontophoresis or electroporation