QPatch Compact Opto – Optical modulation of ion channels

Using the optical features of QPatch Compact Opto, it is possible to evaluate both light-activated ion channels and photoactivated ligands. Here we demonstrate:

Optogenetic experiments:
Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), a blue light-activated ion channel, was expressed and successfully activated using the QPatch Compact Opto system. Sequential increases in light intensity produced corresponding increases in channel-mediated currents. This direct optical control allowed for precise modulation and quantification of ChR2 activity in a semi-automated patch clamp setup.

Photoactivated ligand experiments:
Caged γ-aminobutyric acid (Rubi-GABA) was activated by light, resulting in a GABA_A receptor-mediated current. GABA responses depended on the intensity of light in a dose-dependent manner.