The Scanning Ion Conductance Microscope (SICM) by ICAPPIC is a cutting-edge instrument for high-resolution surface imaging, particularly suited for studying biological samples and sensitive materials. Based on the measurement of ionic currents between an electrolyte-filled micropipette and the sample, SICM enables the acquisition of detailed topographical images without mechanical contact, preserving the integrity of the analyzed structures.
ICAPPIC’s SICM systems can be combined with other methodologies, including confocal microscopy, microinjection, electrochemical measurements, patch-clamp recordings, and optical fluorescence methods.
Key Features
- Non-invasive imaging – Ideal for analyzing live cells, biological membranes, and sensitive tissues without applying mechanical forces to the sample.
- Nanometric resolution – Enables visualization of subcellular structures, such as microvilli and membrane folds, and precise analysis of nanostructured materials.
- Operation in liquid environments – Perfect for studies under physiological conditions, allowing observation of cells and biomaterials in a natural-like environment.
- Compatibility with other techniques – Easily integrates with fluorescence microscopy, patch-clamp, and electrophysiology, expanding functional cell analysis capabilities.
- Advanced quantitative analysis – Beyond topography, SICM enables the collection of data on local properties such as ionic conductance and mechanical characteristics of surfaces.
Main Applications
- Cell biology and neuroscience – Study of membrane morphology, cell interactions, and ion transport phenomena.
- Nanomedicine and drug delivery – Analysis of cell surfaces for the development of new targeted therapies.
- Material science and electrochemistry – Characterization of conductive and biocompatible materials with nanometric resolution.
Thanks to its innovative technology, the SICM by ICAPPIC is an essential tool for research in biology, medicine, and nanotechnology, offering a unique approach to exploring nanometric-scale structures.
Technical Features
Z Stage
- Applications: Fast Z-positioning of the nanopipette; manual or motorized XY positioning (optional).
- Travel Range: 13 mm.
- Typical Step Size: 20 nm.
- Maximum Speed: 3.6 mm/min.
- Integrated Sensor: Capacitive.
- Sensor Travel Range: 25 μm.
- Positioning Accuracy: 0.1 nm.
- Linearity (closed-loop): 0.03%.
- Resonant Frequency (unloaded): 3.7 kHz.
- Resonant Frequency (200 g load): 1.7 kHz.
- Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to 80°C.
XY Stage
- Active Axes: X and Y.
- Integrated Sensor: Capacitive.
- Open-Loop Travel Range: 60×60 μm.
- Closed-Loop Travel Range: 45×45 μm.
- Resolution (Open/Closed-Loop): 0.1/0.3 nm.
- Linearity: 0.03%.
- Stiffness in Motion Direction: 10 N/μm.
- Resonant Frequency (unloaded): 1550 Hz.
- Electrical Capacitance per Axis: 9 μF.
- Dynamic Operating Current Coefficient per Axis: 25 μA/(Hz•μm).
- Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to 80°C.
- Compatibility with Optical Microscopes: Nikon Ti-U.
- Sample Dimensions: Height – 10 mm; Diameter – 35 mm; Weight – <200 g.
Mechanical Stand
- Compatibility: Integration with Nikon Ti-U, XY Stage, and Z Stage.
- Material: Non-conductive anodized duralumin.
- Applications: Electromagnetic shielding; confocal microscopy; SICM; SECM; vertical patch-clamp; microinjection; localized drug delivery.
Controller
- Analog Inputs: 8 channels; 16-bit resolution; sampling rate up to 750 kHz simultaneously; voltage range from -10 to 10 V.
- Applications: Nanopipette positioning and localized delivery; electrophysiology; SPM applications; electrochemistry; sensor applications.