Molecular Devices Introduces PatchXpress Plus with Action Potential Measurement Functionality

Molecular Devices, LLC, has introduced a current-clamp upgrade kit, PatchXpress® Plus, for its PatchXpress 7000A automated patch clamp system. The kit enables analysis of cardiac and neuronal cell excitability through measurement of action potentials.

PatchXpress Plus allows ion channel safety labs to perform automated action potential prolongation assays, to test the effects of candidate ion channel drugs on action potential shape, duration or burst activity in excitable cells such as pluripotent stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes. The effects of candidate drugs can also be tested on action potential burst firing in neurons or on resting membrane potentials in excitable or non-excitable cells.

PatchXpress Commander software can be used to pass increasing amounts of current into the cell being measured, with automated detection of action potential firing. In addition, a modified version of DataXpress analysis software measures action potential durations based on user-selectable parameters.

“Recent advances in the availability of cardiac and neuronal stem-cell derived cells have led to an increased need for this enhanced capability in patch clamp systems. Molecular Devices is committed to delivering innovative products that meet scientists needs, and we’re excited to offer the upgraded PatchXpress Plus as a solution,” said Klaus Lun, Vice President of BioDiscovery at Molecular Devices.