The
is
a family of fully computer-controlled patch clamp amplifiers used in electrophysiology and electrochemistry research. It integrates a built-in data acquisition system with the amplifier in a single, low-noise housing, connecting to a computer via USB.
The EPC 10 is designed for various applications, including:
- Low-noise single-channel and whole-cell recordings (both voltage clamp and current clamp modes).
- Recording from artificial membranes and nanopores.
- Studying synaptic transmission by simultaneous stimulation/recording from multiple cells (e.g., pre- and post-synaptic events).
- Measuring whole-cell and on-cell membrane capacitance and detecting released substances via amperometry.
Key Features
- Configurations: The system is available in Single, Double, Triple, and Quadro (four) amplifier versions, allowing for one to four independent simultaneous recordings.
- Software Control: It is fully controlled by HEKA's PATCHMASTER or PATCHMASTER NEXT software, which allows for automatic calibration, self-testing, and the automation of complex experimental protocols.
- Headstages: It features resistor-switching headstages with three gain ranges, optimized for different types of recordings. A specialized "Red Star" headstage offers improved noise performance.
- Integrated Interface: The integrated low-noise data acquisition (LIH 8+8 or LIH 3.x) interface streamlines the setup and minimizes noise.
- Operating System Compatibility: The system is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
