PubMed · 8788057
A constant current source for extracellular microiontophoresis.
Abstract
A sophisticated constant-current source suitable for extracellular microiontophoresis of tract-tracing substances, such as Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, Biocytin or Fluoro-Gold, is described. This design uses a flyback switched-mode power supply to generate controllable high-voltage and operational amplifier circuitry to regulate current and provide instrumentation. Design features include a fast rise time, +/- 2000 V supply (stable output in < 250 ms), simultaneous load current and voltage monitoring, and separate pumping and holding current settings. Three features of this constant-current source make it especially useful for extracellular microiontophoresis. First, the output voltage monitor permits one to follow changes in the microelectrode resistance during current injection. Second, the voltage-limit (or out-of-compliance) indicator circuitry will sound an alarm when the iontophoretic pump is unable to generate the desired current, such as when the micropipette is blocked. Third, the high-compliance voltage power supply insures up to +/- 20 microA of current through 100 M omega resistance. This device has proven itself to be a reliable constant-current source for extracellular microiontophoresis in the laboratory.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
T Walker, N Dillman, M L Weiss. 1995. A constant current source for extracellular microiontophoresis.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0270(95)00101-8
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.