Characterization of Calcium Ion Release from a Polymer-Coated Electrode with a Plasticized PVC Membrane Containing Calcium Salts, and Its Contraction Examination of Vorticella Convallaria

摘要

Up to now several bio-imaging methods have taken very good pictures and/or recordings. With bio-imaging growing, a micro-stimulation method to limit in a fine region is required. Conventional chemical stimulation methods face difficulty in fulfilling this requirement, however, an electrochemical device is a potential response to this issue. This paper reports on the fabrication and the use of an electrochemical Ca2+-releasing device. The device consists of a three-layer electrode, including two transducers, a PVC membrane, PEDOT layer, and gold or carbon. The dynamic behavior of Ca2+ released from the device is evaluated by a two-dimensional 16 K pixel array Ca2+ image sensor, and is simulated using a diffusion model of Ca2+. Both experimental and calculated time and distance dependent profiles are almost in agreement when the PVC membrane is thin. As its biological application, a permeabilized Vorticella convallaria was set at a distance of ca. 0.1 mm from the Ca2+-releasing device. There was no response for some time just after switching-on, and then it gradually contracted. The gradual contraction after the interval proved that the Ca2+-releasing device can be used as a soft insertion based on the concentration diffusion.