Ion Channel Detection

Ion channels are transmembrane proteins with special functions. Charged ions can not freely pass through the phospholipid bilayer, but can be transported through the ion channels on the cell membrane, thus ion channels play a crucial role in the life activities of living organisms. There are many types of ion channels in human tissues, and each type of channel has many subtypes. Their distribution and activity are important for the excitability and function of cells and tissues.

With the development of molecular biology, electrophysiology and other disciplines, the understanding of ion channels has expanded from a purely electrical concept to a structural kinetic view of ion-membrane protein interactions. Researchers at Creative Bioarray are committed to using a variety of advanced assay techniques to study the various ion channels in cell membranes and their multiple properties, including selectivity, saturation, and controllability. Patch-clamp technology is a common technique that we use extensively to study the physiological function of ion channels at the cellular level. The technique allows for the accurate monitoring of small, cell-secreted correlated changes in membrane capacitance. At present, we have combined this means with other technologies, especially molecular biology, to apply it to the research of ion channels, offering the possibility of taking the study of ion channels to the molecular level.

Fig. 1 Types of gated ion channels. (Islam, 2021)

Our Services

• Cell-Based Ion Channel Assays
  We have developed advanced ion channel detection systems and optimized assays to assist customers in the detection of a wide range of ion channels such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, and transport carriers.
• Single Ion Channel Activity Detection
  We have developed a variety of new methods for detecting ion channel activity to help our clients measure the ion currents associated with individual ion channel opening and closing events.
• Measurement of Channel Permeability and Conductance
  We help our clients determine the permeability and conductance to quantify the rate of solute crossing the channel by a variety of experimental strategies and calculations.
• Cell Excitability Measurement
  We have developed a well-established electrophysiological platform to provide our clients with cellular excitability measurement services by measuring ion flow induced by the activity of various ion transporting proteins.

Advantages

• Flexible experiment strategies to complete the project according to the needs of clients.
• Fast turnaround time, with reports available within 2-3 weeks of receipt of compounds.
• Client information security, perform services in accordance with the signed confidentiality contract.

Based on our extensive scientific experience, Creative Bioarray provides services for different types of ion channels, including Na⁺ channels, K⁺ channels, Ca²⁺ channels, and other types of ion channels. Our continuous technological innovation aims to provide you with broader technical support in the field of ion channel research. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Islam, M. S.; et al. Fluorescence approaches for characterizing ion channels in synthetic bilayers. Membranes, 2021, 11(11): 857.