Single-unit pH-sensitive double-barreled microelectrodes for extracellular use

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to systematically describe the construction of pH-sensitive double-barreled microelectrodes for extracellular use. The most important advantages of these microelectrodes are as follows: the reference and the pH barrels are next to each other, and therefore the measured pH is not affected by asymmetric or slowly spreading direct current potential. The diameter of the tip of the microelectrodes is between 7 and 35 micron. These pH-sensitive microelectrodes are generally stable and Nernstian. They can be used repeatedly both in vivo and in vitro to measure tissue extracellular fluid pH. Some applications are described.