Siskiyou’s new ST (Stable Tip) series of electrode holders for electrophysiology deliver improved experimental results by dramatically reducing positional errors and drift due to ambient temperature changes. These electrode holders are machined from a low expansion alloy, having a three times lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compared to the polycarbonate (acrylic) typically used in traditional electrode holders. They are coated with a tough layer of alumina oxide that eliminates the possibility of corrosion and matches the low noise antenna characteristics of traditional plastic electrode holders.
The ST series all feature a simple threaded collet for easy insertion and removal of pipettes, incorporating two seal points to completely eliminate any leak potential. They also include a standard silver wire electrode for corrosion resistance and contamination avoidance. Several connector options are offered for direct connection to all common commercial headstages, including a BNC type connector.
Patch clamp electrode holders have been typically fabricated from a plastic non-conductor, primarily to minimize electrical noise pick-up. But the performance of these holders was often compromised by their poor thermal stability. This limitation is now avoided in the new ST series which are machined from an alloy with a coefficient of thermal expansion of only 23 µm/m per ºC, compared to a CTE of 70 µm/m per ºC for acrylic. And the durable alumina coating ensures the same low-noise pick up values as legacy acrylics (~0.79 pA).
These ST electrode holders complement Siskiyou’s growing range of patch clamp equipment and related accessories. This includes mechanical components such as amplifier mounts, optomechanicals such as specialty condensers for gradient imaging of the electrodes, motorized and automated micromanipulators for electrode positional control, as well as a pipette puller for creating a wide range of custom electrodes.
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