Solution Switch for Patch Clamp Dan Carlson Dave Ugai Erik Bieging Clients: Jinling Wang, Ph. D. Gail A. Robertson, Ph.D. Advisor: Professor John G. Webster

Problem Statement Current method is a tedious process and an inefficient use of time Our goal is to develop an automated system for delivering solutions to a patch clamp

Patch Clamp Background Method used to study single cells HERG potassium channel Long QT syndrome http://www.iac-usnc.org/Methods/wholecell/equipment.html

Current Equipment

Client Requirements Must reliably open and close valves on command from the computer Compatible with up to eight feeds of medical tubing Must generate minimal noise Compatible with pClamp-8 software

Variable Design Components Valves: solenoid or solenoid pinch valve (both normally closed) Valve Controller: Valvelink8, Controlled 8 relay driver, Manually assembled controller

Solenoid Valves

Solenoid Pinch Valves

Design Setup

Design Alternatives Valvelink8 controller with solenoid valves Controlled 8 relay driver with solenoid valves Manually assembled controller with solenoid valves

Design Matrix Valvelink8 8 relay driver Manually assembled Price 1 5 9 Simplicity 10 8 4 Reliability 7 Total 21 24 20

Chosen Design 8 relay driver 1/8 inch solenoid valves (normally closed) 12 volt switcher power supply, and serial adapter

Future Work Discuss design with client Order parts Assemble design Configure with computer Begin testing Begin work on temperature controller

Questions?