Abstract
We developed the intracellular network analysis system based on a fine processing technology. A single, or multiple micro orifices, ca. 1μm in diameter was microfabricated on a SiO_2 plate of 1μm thickness with an ultra violet laser. A cell was trapped onto it by a hydrodynamic suction and ruptured with an ultraviolet laser or an infrared laser to expose the interior. We also examined an applicability of this system to a patch clamp method. For the patch clamp, a smooth edge of an orifice is important to prevent a leakage current. A orifice with smooth edge was made using a focused ion beam. Using this orifice, the high-resistance seal, i.e., gigaseal, was achieved.
