Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

This book provides a selection of recent developments in scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) technology and applications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the latest advancements and diverse applications of scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) technology. In recent years, SICM has emerged as a powerful tool in the bioanalytical sciences, finding widespread use across various fields. At its core, SICM relies on an electrolyte-filled nanopipette featuring a nanometer-scale opening, upon which an electric potential is applied. The resulting induced ion current is measured, enabling the direct or indirect quantification of diverse physical quantities, including pipette-sample distance, ion concentration, and sample elastic modulus, among others. This unique capability makes SICM highly suitable for studying electrolytes, particularly in the context of live cells.

The book begins with a historical overview, tracing the origins of SICM back to its invention by Paul Hansma at the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1989. SICM belongs to the family of scanning probe microscopies, alongside atomic force microscopy (AFM), which has become indispensable in nearly every domain of nanoscale science. The book provides a comparative analysis of SICM and AFM, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations.

One of the most remarkable applications of SICM nanopipettes is in electrochemistry. It explores the various routes and techniques for conducting electrochemistry using nanopipettes, shedding light on their potential in probing biological systems. Furthermore, the book emphasizes the remarkable precision of SICM in surface positioning, offering new opportunities in patch clamp measurements and subcellular structures.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scientists seeking to explore the cutting-edge of SICM technology and its applications. It provides a comprehensive overview of the historical background, theoretical principles, and practical applications of SICM, making it an essential tool for advancing our understanding of biological and chemical processes at the nanoscale.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031144424
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022