A simple device to immobilize protists for electrophysiology and microinjection

Abstract

We present a simple device to mechanically immobilize motile cells such as ciliates. It can be used in particular for intracellular electrophysiology and microinjection. A transparent filter with holes smaller than the specimen is stretched over an outlet. A flow is induced by either a peristaltic pump or a depressurized tank, mechanically entraining cells to the bottom, where they are immobilized against the filter. The cells start swimming again as soon as the flow is stopped. We demonstrate the device by recording action potentials in Paramecium and injecting a fluorescent dye into the cytosol.

Keywords: Ciliate; Motility; Paramecium.