Filling of microelectrodes: an expedient solution.

Abstract

Micropipettes of small diameter filled with an electrolyte solution have been used widely to record electrophysiological potentials. Filling micropipettes is a major problem for many researchers. We describe an expedient and reliabel method of solving this problem by using parts that can be easily found in any research laboratory. Among the most important parts are; a vacuum pump, two stands, a container, tubes and a few clamps. The filling of these micropipettes can then be easily done by using negative pressure through the fine tip. With the drop in pressure distilled water or an electrolyte is forced downward inside the pipette thus filling the electiode tip.