A simple and comprehensive method for the construction, repair and recycling of single and double tungsten microelectrodes

Abstract

A method for the construction, repair and recycling of tungsten-in-glass micro-electrodes is described. Essentially, the method employs insulating tungsten electrodes by collapsing borosilicate-glass capillaries onto tungsten wires. Procedures are described for either (1) removing excess glass insulation from the microelectrode tip or (2) fine adjustment and reshaping of the exposed electrode tip. This approach enables the controlled shaping of the electrode tip during preparation and/or reshaping the electrode tip or glass insulation of damaged electrodes. The method may be applied in the preparation of bipolar tungsten-in-glass electrode and tungsten electrode/micropipette assemblies. Advantages of the method are discussed.